A ribbon corset
I took a break from serious sewing and whipped up a ribbon corset. And I do mean whipped up – despite the very lackluster pattern and directions, and ribbon that wasn’t the same width as the original, it was super easy to do. The corset was based on a pattern from Jill Salen’s ‘Corsets: Historical Patterns and Techniques’. It dates to 1900. The original is in the Fashion Museum, Bath. The ribbon is a 3″ wide vintage ribbon from Nana’s stash. Without any planning or forethought, I managed to match the pattern perfectly across the centre front. Whoohoo for coincidental wins! The pattern is a little busy and overwhelming, but I rather like the OTTness of it. The inside of the corset is not quite as beautiful as my corsets usually are, but it’s still pretty. I have a confession to make though. I finished the backsides of the ribbon with iron-on interfacing, and just trimmed off the edges. I know. Naughty, naughty me! Next time I’ll be good and use real fabric and sew …