Pick a Fabric (Sewing Project)

[Unnamed]

Heh. Yeah, I can't pick. And I don't wanna wait till LHC is back up.

I'm making a corset-styled top and I can't pick between a default black velvet (or close) and something...else. I'm finding that as I usually have to just 'buy what semi-fits' I don't know what I want it to be out of other than a fairly heavy fabric (medium-heavy). Well, okay, and probably a dark colour, but that's just me. So, I thought I'd ask and see what other thoughts everyone has. :lafhard:

A pic of the front can be found here (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/UnnamedGryffon/crafts/corsetdraft2frontbb.jpg) (pardon the fabric, both colour and that it's way too light weight, and also that it's pretty much my first sewing project, and not even the finished thing). The back has the same shape on the bottom as the front, and it's 11 pieces (five front, six back). I'm planning it to be more of an 'everyday' item (at least in that I'll probably wear it with dark jeans most of the time and so it'll probably washed fairly often), but I'll also likely make more than one, so even if I do go with my default thought, I'd love to hear some other ideas.

[eiyela]

I think red velvet would be awesome with that corset. Heck, any kind of velvet would now that I think about it. Except maybe baby blue or pink...

Maybe you could find some fabric with a pattern that you like? Nothing too flashy, since you plan on wearing it a lot, but a discrete pattern woven into the fabric would create a bit more interest. Maybe you could even take different fabrics close in colour for the different pieces? Like a slightly lighter one in the front?

I'm only making suggestions here, nothing you have to follow. I think that the pattern you chose will look great on you regardless of what you choose otherwise.:innocent:

[texasgal]

I agree I think red velvet would look awesome, but then again so would the black velvet. Would love to see pics. when you get it finished with it.

[wonderlywroughte]

What about something with a thin stripe? Like pin stripe? I think a dark pinstripe corset would be lovely! But then again, maybe I'm a wacko!! :whoohoo:

[kimberlily]

I agree with Wonderly. Pinstripe corsets are cool.

If you can find a black on black textured suiting fabric, that would be cool too, and there are always the Asian-inspired brocades. They're usually pretty colourful, but they do come in black too!

[snowbear]

What about something with a thin stripe? Like pin stripe? I think a dark pinstripe corset would be lovely! But then again, maybe I'm a wacko!! :whoohoo:
Well, if you're wacko, so am I. Pinstripes are awesome. :whoohoo:

[kittcatt]

A rich dark purple would be pretty.

[iris]

I'm a sucker for contrast, so I'd try to find something that is not your typical corset-type fabric. Something like the type of plaited fabric that's typically used for kilts. The pinstripe idea sounds very cool to me!

I tend to go over the top with these things and then never wear them though ;). If you plan on wearing it a lot, it should just be a fabric you feel comfortable with, that feels like 'you', and also something that feels nice on your skin (well the lining for sure).

What kinds of fabrics do you like to wear usually?

Iris

[Pegasus Marsters]

As your first project I wouldn't reccomend a pattern or it's gonna be a pain to match up neatly... I suggest a plain material. Velvet's also quite difficult to work with (Or so I'm told)

[saracuda]

I'm a sucker for contrast, so I'd try to find something that is not your typical corset-type fabric. Something like the type of plaited fabric that's typically used for kilts. The pinstripe idea sounds very cool to me!

I agree! I was thinking of some kind of tapestry-type fabric!

[Unnamed]

I didn't even think of doing a pinstripe! But, ack, that definitely won't be my first try, as I'm thinking if I do a pinstripe one, I'd want it to be an actual corset...and I'm not sure how that'd work at the top around the bust (I might test it, though, to see how it'll match up, etc.).

Well, I think I now have three or so projects (maybe), and I might bump one idea up (an underbust corset) as if I can't get pinstipes out of my thoughts I might as well practice a bit. :lafhard:

Thoughts:
-- Black (or Navy or Deep Purple or Burgundy...) velvet, probably a bit of stretch (maybe...basically just more of a fitted 'shirt', but I'd still have it lace up in the back).
-- Underbust corset out of...something patterned but not too terribly wild.
-- Pinstripe corset. :whoohoo: Heh. Sorry, my brain seems to have latched onto that.

And I don't think I can really wear red anymore. :calm: I honestly don't know, though. Since my natural hair colour (dark blonde? whatever...) has been growing out more, to me red doesn't look as nice as it did with either light blonde or black hair. It really depends on the darkness and how cool/warm it is. I think I can still wear dark reds...I hope, but I can't wear any warm colours, nor can I wear light pastels. I could get away with them before, but I look too sickly with my actual hair colour.

As to fabrics I often wear...mostly just stretchy t-shirt stuff, as I lost weight about a year ago and still don't have many clothes. Didn't have many before that, even, as I'm disproportionate and it's hard to get things to fit. But... Black. Two of my favourite tops, though, have a velvet-type base, one which is pretty much shot, and the other I plan to make a copy or so of. And yep, I'll post what I end up with. I still have a couple of days before I can go get any fabric, though, unless I feel up to hunting around tomorrow morning.

[enitsirk]

Oooooh! Do it in Deep Purple..I bet that'd look gorgeous with your hair.


And a pinstripe corset would be awesome.

But..seriously- Deep Purple. Would be gorgeous. :happy:

[Ursula]

Denim is a good, thick fabric, and very washable. What about cutting the corset panels out of the legs of old jeans? That would be funky and fun, and inexpensive for a "first try" with the pattern. You don't have to wait to go to the fabric store, either, since you probably have old jeans at home.

Then you can play with other fabrics once you've mastered the pattern.

[Birchbark]

Some type of monochrome brocade (drapery section is sometimes cheap!) is traditional, but doesn't always breathe that well. Depending on what you'll be wearing it for, you may want to make it all cotton or another breathable fiber, since it will be so closefitting.

I would very strongly not recommend velvet unless you've made clothing with it before and you know what you're getting into. If you do, use interfacing or underline it as soon as you cut it out it out, for strength and to prevent fraying as much as possible. The problem with making a corset is that all the stitching you do may make lines on the velvet that can't be removed. If you like the look, I'd suggest a fake suede or velveteen. (yes, I have had issues with velvet. Why do you ask?)

Are you using a commercial pattern? Which one? Is that your picture you linked to?

Ursula-- I made a corset mockup with old jeans from the dump, alternating light green and dark green panels, and it came out great. Plus, free fabric! I may actually finish it one of these days. . .

[Unnamed]

Ursula--Actually, I have a version out of a pair of jeans, although I haven't done any hemming/etc.. It's actually version number three, in a way...although it's the same size as the pic I posted, just a different material. I don't know if I'll finish it, as unless I dye it some how it'll likely just sit around. The first version was fine other than that I underestimated for my bust a little (as in, not enough to go up over those bits and cover my bra...oops). :ooh:

I would very strongly not recommend velvet unless you've made clothing with it before and you know what you're getting into. If it helps, for the corset-'style' one I wasn't goint to use the good stuff. And I don't think I'd dare try an actual corset out of it. If I ever get the urge, there's some around the house, somewhere.... But, yeah, since that version would be more of a basic shirt, I figured I'd look for some fabric like I have some shirts out of (not actually velvet, but close in appearance).

Are you using a commercial pattern? Which one? Is that your picture you linked to?
Nope, not using a commercial pattern. And yep, that's me in that pic. :blush:

[Birchbark]

Originally Posted by Unnamed
Nope, not using a commercial pattern. And yep, that's me in that pic.
I'm impressed, that fits you really well. What type of boning do you want to use? I would suggest spiral steel, it can be expensive, but it works well, and you can always reuse it, since you mentioned making another corset (be careful, corsetmaking is addictive. . .) Have you been to Farthingales (http://www.farthingales.on.ca/indexpage.htm) yet? If you want to use plastic, don't bother with rigilene or whatever from Joanns, get cable ties (electrical section) from the hardware store, they come in various thicknesses and they're much cheaper.

Sorry about the anti-velvet rant, it sounds like you know what you're doing. It would look really nice. Post pictures when you're done, please!

[Unnamed]

I'm impressed, that fits you really well. Thanks! I blame it on my math geekishness. :ooh:

For the boning, I figure I'm going the cable tie route, as I can't really order anything online right at the moment and likely will only be employed for about another week. But, that'll mean more time for fun stuff. :whoohoo:

Have you been to Farthingales (http://www.farthingales.on.ca/indexpage.htm) yet? Just to click around, but other than that, no. I think I've come across there before, but don't remember when.

And yes, I'll post pictures. When will depend on what I find fabric hunting. And if I go tomorrow. I have a graveyard schedule, and as I'm waiting for hairtoys, by the time mail has come I might not want to drive across town...but I should at least be able to get some cable ties, as I don't have to go too far for those. And, of course, then I'll have to make 'em.