c.1810-20 Corded Stays

Early 19th Century Corded Stays, 'Revolution in Fashion', p. 103

One of my current projects is a pair of c1810-20s Corded Stays similar to the above pair from the book 'Revolution in Fashion'. I thought that it would be useful to compile a list of patterns and sites that I've browsed while gathering inspiration and techniques for this project.

Patterns:
'Period Costumes for Stage and Screen' Book - Contains a Graphed Pattern & Instructions
Past Patterns #001 1830-40 Stays (View B is appropriate for c.1810-20)
Mantua Maker 1800-1820 Regency Stays Pattern

Reproductions:
c.1804 Empire Stays by Jenny La Fleur

Abby's c1810 Stays
Koshka-the-Cat 1820-40 Corset Reproduction

Koshka-the-Cat 1818 Corded Corset

Daze of Laur Regency Corset

Redthreaded Regency Corset on Etsy

Gloria's Corded Regency Stays

The Historical Sewing Blog Regency Stays

Techniques/How-To:
Cording Runners Tutorial by Jenny La Fleur

Koshka-the-Cat Corset Pattern from c.1820-40 Original

Supplies:

Nehelenia Patterns - They carry a variety of busks for this style of corset

Corsetmaking.com - Great selection of high-quality Coutil

*More Links to Come!

Fancy Dress Costume

I'm just bursting at the seams to share my Fancy Dress Costume ideas for this year's ball, but since I think part of the fun of the event is the element of surprise, I'll share pictures of my last Fancy Dress Costume instead. :)

Several years ago I attended a Fancy Dress Ball held by the Atlantic Guard Soldiers Aid Society (AGSAS) in Belair, MD. As soon as I heard about the event I was psyched and knew that I had to attend. I love the idea of making a costume for a Fancy Dress Ball through the mindset of a Victorian woman. Did you get that? So, the costume has to be authentic to what someone of the time would have created had they attended a Fancy Dress Ball. It adds a great challenge to the whole costume.

I had been studying Orientalism at the time through paintings and books of the 186os, so I wanted to do a costume influenced by my love (and the Victorian love) for Orientalism. I chose this image of Empress Eugenie in a harem costume as my inspiration.



The Blue Silk Overskirt was made from an antique Sari from India. I purchased 14+ blue belts at Target and stitched them to the skirt. The belts are made of blue satin with red and gold beaded designs. I off one end of the Sari and attached it to the bottom of the underskirt. Beaded appliques were stitched to the skirt in a paisley design. My original plan was to have them the whole way around the skirt, but I didn't have time to stitch all of them on at the time.

The headdress consisted of beautiful tassels attached to sheer red ribbon and another gold cord - all draped into place and secured with hair pins.

I really like the way it turned out, and I had tons of fun wearing it! I'm soooo looking forward to this upcoming Fancy Dress Ball and sharing my latest creation with you!

Fancy Dress Balls

Fancy Dress Events were very popular in the 1860s - so popular that ladies magazines even published colored prints of costume ideas for such events. Fancy Dress Balls and Parties were basically Costume Parties of the Victorian era. Guests came in costume representing famous people from history or dressed as someone from another era - often even wearing their grandparent's clothing. Animal costumes and costumes from another culture were also popular.

I've done a lot of research on these Fancy Dress events as well as Tableaux Vivants from the 186os. Some of the original images that I've found over the years are posted HERE.

In May I'll be attending a Fancy Dress Ball in Lancaster County. I'm very excited about my costume - but I'm afraid it will have to be a surprise until after the ball!