All posts tagged: Augusta Stays

Amalia Jacket and 18th century dress ups thedreamstress.com

Cartwheels in Corsets, or Proof That Stays Don’t Stop You From Moving

One of the things that people who have never worn a properly fitted corset or pair of stays say is “Oh, they are so confining and restrictive”. Properly made, they really aren’t! Proof? Back in October when Stella and Priscilla and I had fun playing Georgian dress ups, Priscilla wore these Augusta Stays under her Georgian gentleman’s outfit. I was photographing Stella looking all dreamy and gorgeous… And Priscilla decided to photobomb us…by literally cartwheeling in!   So yeah, if you can do a cartwheel into a handstand in stays and heels, you can definitely move in them!

The Augusta Stays scrooppatterns.com

How to add more bust space in the Augusta Stays

When Amber & I created the Augusta Stays pattern we decided to have two different fit blocks, to make fit easier straight off the pattern. The ‘Straight’ fit has a 10” difference between un-corseted bust and corseted waist, and is best for those with less bust-to-waist difference, or those desiring less waist compression. The ‘Curvy’ fit has a 12” difference between un-corseted bust and corseted waist, and is best for those with more bust-to-waist difference, or those desiring more waist compression.   However, we know that isn’t going to accomodate everyone: the body comes in an infinite variety of fits! Take Priscilla: she’s wearing the Theatrical Augusta Stays in size 38 Curvy. As you can see, Priscilla has a tiny waist and a lot of bust, and the stays aren’t quite accomodating that bust. (note: these stays were not made for her – dressing up in them and the photos was a spontaneous event during a costume weekend) If she were wearing the Historical Augusta stays we could loosen the lacings to provide space, but …