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No Pattern Used Corset Pattern Generator pattern review by keenestbean

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keenestbean star
Member since 2/4/24
11 Reviews (patterns: 10)
Skill: Intermediate
Favored by 1 people
Type: Costumes
Fabric: Silk Charmeuse  [See other projects in this fabric]
Fit: Bodycon (no ease)


DISCLAIMER:
I'm not entirely sure if this is the appropriate way to review this "pattern" given it's a pattern generator w/sewing instructions on the same website. I figured this was fine, since it's a project review as much as a pattern review, but if anyone happens to know of another or better way to review Elizabethan Costuming's pattern generator on Pattern Review, please let me know. Thanks <3

Full "Pattern" Name: Elizabethan Costuming's Custom Corset Pattern Generator

Review:
This was my first sewing project as an adult. (I sewed here and there as a kid, but nothing more than pillow cases). At the time, I didn't have a sewing machine or any real practical experience. My first few attempts at using this generator created garments that looked nice despite my own inexperience holding me back. My first couple of attempts were made backwards for example,,,

I don't know how many garments I've made using the pattern generator from bodices, to corset-adjacent garments, to Tudor kirtles, and a Venetian gown. For the first few years of my sewing and historical costuming journey, this pattern generator was my go-to, especially since I was a broke grad student when I began sewing.

Despite being so new to sewing, I think this was a great first project. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't difficult either. More importantly, it introduces the maker to many sewing skills. Pattern drafting and adjustment can be intimidating to new sewers. By biting that bullet from the get-go, it removed some of pattern drafting's mystique.

Problems and Troubleshooting:
I never quite mastered adding straps to my patterns, however I'm not sure if that's an issue with the generator or an issue with my relative inexperience at the time.

A grid of some kind will be your best friend whether it be the back of cheap wrapping paper or drafting on tissue paper laid over a cutting mat. Once I even made my own grid to lay tissue paper over top before I had a cutting mat.

Pattern Description:
From the website:
"Although corset kits and commercial corset patterns are available, an elizabethan corset is simple enough to make that creating a custom pattern is cheaper and less of a hassle."

Pattern Sizing:
Pattern is generated from your measurements.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I fear I'm not the best judge of this as it's been a few years since I've used it. I think for an experienced sewist, the instructions would be sufficient. For a beginner, they do the job as long as you're willing to be patient. As I mentioned before, this was the first thing I ever made, and though it took a couple of tries, I got there eventually.

Fabric Used:
Anything and everything at some point (≧▽≦) Linen, linen/rayon, cotton broadcloth, cotton sheeting, cotton velveteen, quilting cotton, silk charmeuse, poly/cotton blends etc. I usually use cotton canvas or cotton denim as the interlining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I've followed the website's instructions for turning the corset pattern into a bodice and kirtle pattern. I've also messed around with adjusting the shape of the front of the bodice.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes.

[Dark blue bodice 2019; Venetian style kirtle, purple kirtle, beige/pink bodice 2020; red Tudor-ish bodice-corset thing 2021]

10 Comments
Rosalaya said...(1/24/25 0:14 AM ET)   
You certainly are living up to your callsign. These are a great series - I especially love the russet one. Thanks for persevering and posting this.
  
alfileres said...(1/22/25 7:00 AM ET)   
Very nice corsets!! I am impressed with you making the grid paper for your project. My daughter loves corsets and have bought one in Etsy but I would like it to give it a try. My favorite is the dark red one!! Great work!!
  
SewPerfect said...(1/20/25 9:57 AM ET)   
Thanks for the review, great makes all 'round! I've gone down the rabbit's hole with buying a corset pattern and kit last month - it looks daunting to say the least! It even has a tiny Dremel sanding bit for the boning ends! LOL! I'm so glad to know of this pattern generator for corsets - I will def give it a go. A very long time ago, I discovered a company online - Wild Ginger - they were one of the first at making pattern generating software for general public use. I haven't used it in years, just checked their site and they still offer a freebie version for Hats, bags, and accessories.
  
alfileres replied...(1/22/25 6:56 AM ET)
I find interesting that the kit you bought has a Dremel sanding bit!! They thought about everything!
alpenrose said...(1/18/25 11:14 PM ET)   
What is a "generator" in the sewing world?
  
keenestbean replied...(1/19/25 7:31 PM ET)
(oops hit post before i was done,,,) I'm not sure if generative AI was on your mind when asking the question, but I just wanted to throw this additional context out there just in case.
keenestbean replied...(1/19/25 7:30 PM ET)
Queen of Pens put it well, but to add some context that I didn't consider when writing my initial review: it didn't occur to me that in the era of generative AI, the use of the word generator now has more contexts and connotations than it did when Drea Leed, the creator of Elizabethancostuming.net, coded the Custom Corset Pattern generator. I'm not sure if that was even a concern of yours, but I
Queen of Pens replied...(1/19/25 4:34 AM ET)
Well, think a basic drafting tutorial but with calculator component, you plug in your numbers & it gives you a handy diagram with guidelines, points-of-reference, and the associated measurements to find each, so your drafting can be made easier. It makes a new one based off the measurements you give it also, I might've played with it making absurdly proportioned kirtle blocks diagrams for like an hour. http://elizabethancostume.net/custompat/index.html
stirwatersblue said...(1/18/25 11:44 AM ET)   
Oh, look! What a lovely job you've done with this. Your kirtle is just beautiful. <3 (Straps are HARD. Everyone fusses with them. *shrug*)
  
keenestbean replied...(1/19/25 7:32 PM ET)
thank you <3 and I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one struggling with straps.
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