Three weeks. Three weeks of hard sewing to finish all the boning channels, stuff them and bind the edges of each piece. Three weeks to completely finish my handsewn corset. On the one hand it fits me wonderfully, I can breathe with ease while still achieving the period torso from the mid to late 16th century and I can knock my fist on my side and it makes a hollow noise back! And the red velvet with black edging looks awesomely sexy. But that's what's also causing the problem. The velvet is ripping at the edges because its under strain. So far its contained to just a few little spots around the seams, especially on the back piece. Disappointing, as the plan was to make it in velvet in order to show it off. I was hoping to let it be seen in an Arts and Sciences display or even wear it as a piece of pirate garb (even though I don't believe its a proper period look - it just looks wench-like). Cue tantrums and throwing the damn thing across the room.
Lucky for me, I have a logically minded man to point out that I could create small patches out of the remaining scraps of velvet to cover the rips. Hopefully these will help contain the tearing and will not look especially hideous. If I'm careful enough.
Lessons learned for next time I make one
1. Don't make the delicate covering fabric too tight, I knew this beforehand but thought I had it under control.
2. Don't trim the straps because they seem too big in the preliminary fittings. The straps have ended up too short to touch the top of the front of the corset.
3. Make the armscye bigger. Gets me every time I make something.
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