I love wearing my Penelope Red corsets! They are so feminine, sexy and command attention- they make me feel like a million dollars!
Whenever I wear them out, many people ask me questions like: How long do they take to make? How do you make them? What do you make them out of?
(Above, me dancing at a club in Sydney, wearing the Pink Victorian Corset)
While I am not prepared to give away all of my secrets, I thought I would show you exactly the kind of work involved in making each one of these corsets...
First, I need to make the pattern. I use a standard size 10 block, then I create my own design using my unusual design lines- that everyone seems to love so much! Once I am happy, I then need to 'grade' each pattern piece to create the different sizes- all of this can take a couple of days.
I need to then cut out each layer- that's FOUR layers: Main fabric, interfacing, interlining (where the boning sits), and lining.
On the Pink Victorian Corset, I also have an extra layer on the side panels, which has been crazy patch-worked together; so I need to sew each seam, iron out the seams flat, then cut out these pieces again!
Once I have attached the interfacing to the main fabric, I can start sewing the pieces together.
I need to sew all of the pieces together for each layer: Main, interlining and lining.
After this, I need to then layer each seam, clip and trim; this means each seam will lie flat when pressing.
I then apply the boning to the interlining.
A line of pink lace is applied to each of the outer seams on the side panels of the corset.
Once I have prepared the ruffle, I attach this to the top edge, and I then sew through the Main layer and Interlining layer to attach the boning.
I like to make as secure as possible lacing loops, so I use a plaited cord and I zig-zag over the ends a few times.
The Penelope Red label must be added to the lining!
The lining is then attached to the other layers, then I must trim and clip again.
Once the corset is turned out, I then make a top-stitching line around the entire corset edge.
The corset is finished once I have laced it up!
As you can tell, there is A LOT of work involved in making these! As much as I sometimes get overwhelmed with the work, I can't deny how good they look on the women who wear them; and I am proud to say that they are a Penelope Red design!
Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds! You can also see my designs in person at The Rocks Markets.
Hi Penelope, This is the picture my firend looked at and said you look like a model in the pink corset, you look hot honey, anyway the Barcelona corset is going on my ever growing Penelope Red wish list. cheers lorelle
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