Introduction to corset construction

Dates: 10-13 May 2012

Venue:  The Sew Curvy Studio, Cuckoo Lane, North Leigh, Oxfordshire.  Click HERE for directions/logistics.

Time: Commencing 2pm on Thursday 10 May, and finishing at midday on Sunday 13 May.

A three day workshop for those wishing to explore the exciting and deeply creative world of corset making.  

At the beginning of the workshop we will spend the first half day discussing the basics of corsetry including how a corset works, the anatomy of a corset, appropriate fabrics for corsetry,  using fashion fabric, different methods and styles of corsetry, and corsetry hardware.  We will then measure up and create a toile from Calico.  Over the next 2.5 days, we will fit the corset precisely and make a well fitting, professional grade corset from coutil and fashion fabric.

The workshop will use an underbust corset pattern* to explore the following corsetry techniques while making up the corset.  These techniques, which are transferable to any type of corset,  will serve as a firm foundation for future adventures in corset making:

Tracing, marking and cutting, with notes on fit and alteration
Preparing your fabric and using fashion fabric
Covering and inserting the busk
Boning channels with tape
Assembly
Cutting/using spiral wire boning and flat steel boning
Inserting  eyelets
Finishing/binding
Embellisments
Lacing the corset

Depending upon the experience of workshop attendees, 3 days should be plenty time to fully complete the corset.  The workshop does not cover basic sewing skills and students should therefore be confident with a sewing machine and know how to work with fabric. 

The following materials will be supplied to each person:

Cotton calico for the mock-up
Plain herringbone coutil
Busk fastner
Spiral and flat boning and endcaps
An eyelet kit
Bias binding
Lacing
Boning tape
Pattern

A list of what students should bring with them will be supplied upon confirmation of booking.

In addition to making a corset, there will be opportunities to look at part made and complete corsets, different types of corsetry and also a chance to leaf through an extensive library of corset books.

The cost of the workshop is per person and includes  venue hire, tuition, materials detailed above, morning and afternoon refreshments and a delicious sandwich lunch (vegetarian to cover all) on Friday & Saturday. Because of the format of the workshop it will not be possible to attend for one day only.  Note, the price is £195.00 but listed as £192.50 because postage of £2.50 will be automatically added at checkout.  Fees are non refundable but in the event of cancellation may be used towards goods or the cost of a different course/workshop.

Please make your booking here, and state which colour kit you would like to be supplied with - black fabric will come with black notions, and white fabric will come with white and silver notions.

The Sew Curvy workshop is in a very central location, easily accessible by road via the A40 and only 5 miles away from Oxford.  The workshop space is set amongst beautiful woodland in the grounds of Eynsham Park Estate.  There is free parking, a range of lovely accommodation nearby and lunch/refreshments provided on each day.

Cancellation policy:  within 20 working days prior to course = full refund, within 15 working days prior to course = 75% refund, within 10 working days prior to course = 50% refund, within 5 working days prior to course = no refund.