Stays progress

[elizabeth_mn]

Yesterday I finished sewing all the boning channels and set the grommets (size 00).  Yes, I know I should hand sew the eyelets, but last time I did that it took about a week! Besides, I've never made a (successful) corset from this period before, and I was worried that if it didn't fit, all my effort would be wasted.  I offset the grommets for a spiral lacing.

Then I inserted all the reeds in front and on the sides, then got impatient to do a fitting, so I just put in the reeds at the lacing edges and laced up to see how it was coming along.  It fits really well!  I'm so glad I trimmed a bit off the pattern at the CB because there is only about a 1 inch gap, and I imagine that will become even less as the fabric stretches during wear.   It felt pretty supportive, but I think I may add a few more reeds in front anyway; there are a couple open spaces that could be filled in.  I'm planning on binding it with leather after all the reeds are in.  They're a little sharp and poke-y at the ends and I don't want them working their way through a fabric binding.

I didn't take pictures yesterday, but once I get the straps on and the rest of the reeds in, I will!