1780s Stays Diary - Day 2

Not much to report about my progress - which is done alongside my day job at the Australian National University and evening dinner and dessert preparation.

I am using a leather needle that makes it easier to get through the thick layers. Having carpal tunnel means my hands get sore after two rows so I have to rest often.

I am still working on the first piece but have passed the halfway point. It is so nice to step back and see some progress!

1780s Stays Diary - Day 1

Last night I started a new set of 1780s stays in preparation for a stays workshop I'm teaching this weekend.

After drawing up the pattern and matching it against a pattern I knew fitted me, I plunged in and got started.

My inspiration  http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O115752/stays-unknown/ 

Three layers - 1 silk, 2 linen canvas. Tacked around the outside of the pattern piece through all three layers.

Starting to backstitch the boning channels. 

I've placed some background images of stays patterns on my facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.453507391355455.104255.126088964097301&type=1