Help with stays

[Brooke Whitaker]

Hello!

 My big sister decided today I need to make stays for my little sister. Complicated I know.
 
 Anyway. I don't have the money to buy a pattern. So I'm planning to draft one, but I have no idea where to start. :-/ Any ideas? Is there one in the Work Woman's Guide that would work? I know I've seen a little girls' one made from it...  Am I correct in thinking they usually had straps? Not sure how well that works with half high necklines. :-/
 
 My sister will be 11 on Monday. She's quite largely built. Her measurements are 30-26-39. She's probably 5'4" or better.  And we're going for 1860's if that makes a difference.

 So basically I'd like to know where to start. Pictures and diagrams would be great to! Wish there was a simple tutorial for one.   Pretty much all I have in mind so far is back lacing and button closure in the front. Other then that I know 0.

 We're making her a whole new wardrobe and I'd like to try to get this done first so let me know what ya got!

Thanks so much!

[Ms. Jean]

Disclaimer: I am an Expert Soccer Mom.

Here is a pattern for stays found in Godey's:

http://www.tudorlinks.com/treasury/articles/1853stays.html


I made these several years ago, using the sugar-n-cream type yarn for cording & an off-white cotton twill remnant from Wal-Mart.  I am a larger person of small bust.

Hope that helps you & both your sisters!


Jean
Route 66

[Dana Repp]

Brooke, do you have the dressmakers guide?  If so, Liz goes into detail about corsets there as well as how to make a pattern with an old, snug tshirt and duct tape. It seems like a good way to make a pattern that will custom fit the pieces to your sisters specific shape.  Haven't tried the duct tape form yet but it looks like fun!

[Elizabeth]

You can absolutely use any corset shape, tailor it to suit her, and make it button to close, with cording for support. With her heading into her development, having supportive stays is a good idea.