#front lacing

[eatmeinkme]

One of Bat Lady sample vests is now available at a discounted rate! Be sure to check it out in case you missed the release!

http://eatmeinkme.tictail.com/product/bat-lady-bustier-vest

[lucy-corsetry]

Hi, I don't know if this has been asked already, but is it possible to modify an existing front-lace corset to have a busk instead? The corset I have has laces in the front and back, but the front is always closed all the way.

Hi! I have a video showing how to take a front-busk corset and add laces instead, but not the other way around.

It IS possible to do, although it will result in your corset fitting ~2 inches smaller, and it will be a bit tricky to install the busk if the rest of the corset is closed. Here’s how I would do it:

Use a seam ripper to pick back the binding a few inches in the center front (both top and bottom). You don’t need to remove it completely.

Remove the bones in the front. If you don’t want the grommet holes to show in the front of your final piece, you’ll need to remove the grommets as well.

Use your seam ripper to remove the old boning channels in the center front.

Fold back the center front edge, hiding the grommet holes in the seam allowance of your new center front. Press well. This tutorial (where I hide the holes of the stud half of the busk in the new seam allowance) will give you an idea of how I did it. If you want your corset to be the same size in both halves, then you need to fold back both seam allowances equally.

I normally install the loop side of the busk first, and then I transfer markings to the other side and put the knob side in next. For the loop side, I’d probably start by baste-topstitching the center front seam completely closed (to make sure my top and bottom fabric layers lined up neatly), marking out the placement of my loops, using my seam ripper to take out only the sections of the topstitch that I need to stick the loops through, secure the busk in with the anchoring seam, and then go BACK to the center front and reinforce that basting topstitch with a tighter seam.

Line up your two sides of the corset and transfer over where the knob placement needs to be. I would probably use my awl and get the knobs in first, then sew that center front topstitch seam second, then the anchoring seam on the other side last.

Sew your binding back on. You’ll notice that it’s longer than you need, because you ate up some of the width of your corset in the seam allowance. :)

[shapingcontours]

Translucent corset with black lace overlay and pearl embroidered cups by irissa.livemaster.ru

(via Corset "Black Pearl" - corset, black corset, transparent corset, lace)

[shapingcontours]

Very elegant #Dirndl. This can be worn for festive events like weddings. 

Has nothing to do with a corset or similar item, but I liked the laced front. :)

[shapingcontours]

Barcelona Fashion Week 2010 March (via Pinterest)

[shapingcontours]

stunning! (via Things I know my daughter would love)

[everythingcorsets]

(via More Purple by *IAMTOODARKPARK on deviantART)