Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Stays and Other Musings.


Hello Friends and Readers, I hope you are having a good week. I don't know about you, but I'm really anticipating the upcoming three day weekend. I need it :-D Anyway, I have been practicing like crazy for our ball this weekend. I met with the pianist last Thursday and I finally feel ready to perform. It's so strange, I haven't been performing regularly for such a long time, I'm really looking forward to it again. I've really loved practicing on my lunch breaks, in the mornings, and evenings. It's been fun. It's also such a blast watching Birdie Boy's reaction to the high notes. It's hilarious he screeches and fluffs up his feathers and chatters.

I also finished my Pierrot jacket and petticoat. It's so pretty and I'm super excited to wear it. However, I intend to torture you all until Saturday. I don't want the other ball attendees to see it until the ball. Tee Hee, I'm a nerd.

I have also been doing some research on stays. I have never been completely happy with the pair I made last year. The armseyes are just a little high and when I sit, they dig into my armpits. The most severe being when I'm in the car, although I don't know if a new pair will remedy the uncomfortableness of a car ride in stays. Anyway, I was thrilled when JP Ryan came out with their strapped half-boned stays pattern. I was hemming and hawing over making another strapped pair or making a strapless pair. I decided on the former, mainly because my impression is upper class, and as a Lady I would have worn a strapped pair. And, as their site says, shape is more important than comfort. So, I ordered it, and I'm now "patiently" awaiting their arrival so I can start. I'm thinking I will do a canvas pair with a silk outerlayer and a muslin lining. I will probably use the leftover blue silk from my robe a la turque and bind the edges in a white muslin. I will probably end up hand sewing them. I have thought about machine stitching the boning chanels, but I like the look of hand stitching so much better, and it's more relaxing and accurate. So, that is the plan for the next few weeks. Here's a picture of the stays pattern. God Bless! Love Lauren.



5 Witty Sentiments:

Madame Berg said...

I'm working on a new pair of stays now. Big sigh. It's so... yes, boring. There, I said it.

The worst part is that I don't think I'll be happy with them either, so I will, also patiently, await your review of the pattern, and maybe use it the next time.

I wish I could hear you perform! But I will comfort myself with the promised pictures of your lovely costume instead!

Madame Berg said...

Oh, wonderful! Looking forward to it!

Unknown said...

Looking forward to seeing your new ball gown! I am sure it is going to be quite lovely!

I just made some stays a few months back and had the same problem - them riding up into my arm when I sat. Very uncomfortable! I hope the new pattern will be better for you! :)

Have a great day!

Lindsey said...

I can't wait to see your new stays! I just saw that JP Ryan pattern the other day and I'm SO excited about it! I can't wait for the opportunity to make a pair of silk stays with it! I'm sure yours will be lovely. :)

Sarah said...

OOOOhhh!! I love the stays pattern! I can't wait to hear your thoughts about the pattern once you get it and make it up.

And you won't share pictures until the weekend?! :( Mean Lauren!

I love the materials you plan to use for your stays. I'm sure they will be gorgeous!

Would a lower/working class have used plain linen for the outer layer versus something fancy like silk? Was wool ever used?