*EVIL LAUGH* (reguarding bodicies and mundanes!)

[Sequoia]

MWAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!

today, after raging at and nearly destroying my stupid-*ss, underwire-poking, stretchie-cloth-overstreatching, shoulder-killing, pain-inducing bra. . . .I have decided to wear my bodice!!!

If any of you have been to rennaiscance faires (mm ren faire), you have seen a bodice. Those things women wear, made of cloth or leather with lots of boning that makes their breasts go higher than anything normally should ;)

Well, I"m not lacing it fully, but I'm wearing mine today. Screw the freakin bra. I hate those things. Oh how I wish I had an honest-to-goddess corset that I could wear everyday. I would. I hate bras, they give little support (at least for me, D-DD), and they're uncomfortable, and they don't make them any higher! ;) So I'm wearing my bodice today. It won't be fully laced, so it won't be as though I could take a nap on my breasts. But It'll accent 'em, that's for sure! ;) hehe I'll let you all know if I get any comments LMAO

don't burn the bras, replace them!!! mmm lacings. . .

[Sequoia]

PS - no, I'm NOT wearing it on the OUTSIDE. . . baka! ;) It's under my clothes. And no, I'm not a masochist. . . I just like leather ;)

[Man/Wolf]

I'm good with laces! :bigredgri
And I promise not to peek! :bug:

[Lavender]

Ok...that's waaaaay too much info! :eek:

[Sequoia]

I was JOKING about the leather part!!!

[Myst]

:crazy:

[Lavender]

Originally posted by Puma Hime
I was JOKING about the leather part!!!

I wasn't referring to the leather part... :p

[Sequoia]

eeh? ^^;;

[Illuminatus]

Post pictures of you in this bodice please!

[Phoenix Blue]

She has one up already, over on page 3 of the Cloud & Tree thread. . . though, granted, the bodice is strung-up for happy naps in that one. :p

Puma, check with maternity stores sometime--I think you may have some luck there finding bras for your cup size that don't have underwire. I know they're out there, from all the times I got dragged into shopping trips with the ex-wife looking for such things.

[Melysande]

Am I the only one here who has ever actually removed the underwires and stays in a bra if I found them uncomfortable? :)

[kblackthorne]

Nope.

I'm in the "full support" category myself, so a lot of my bras come with this stupid little 2" piece of plastic boning up the side... As soon as I get them home, I make a little "snip" and pull the boning out.

Still, in my experience, underwires that have been de-wired don't really support.

And non-underwires tend to start pulling away from your body in front, so the lower edge starts riding up higher than it should...

If you want wireless foundation-garments, try Sears. I can usually find some there.

But you're right, Puma: Corsets/bodices are the most efficient "sports bra" ever invented! :) (~announcer voice~"A sports bra & push-up Bra in One!") Problem is, they change your sillouette so modern clothes ride funny. When I'm wearing one under Mundanes, I tend to lace 'em "flat". You still get pretty cleavege out the top, but it's not as weird-looking under modern garments.

You might want to consider a Victorian-style corset. Their shape is a little closer to the modern ideal, and will look less weird out of context. Azurefir... er.. Azure had a source on a simple pattern for one.

[Myst]

At some point nothing short of a miracle, much less a strip of wire, is going to help anyway.

Snip snip and out they go.

Sears is half decent but finding anything above DD there is.. well.. interesting.

[Azure]

I believe in corsets. I have a bunch of them. Once you get the hang of them, they aren't hard to make.

Seriously wishing I had a picture of me in my Victorian underwear that I could attach, but alas, no scanner. Corset, bustle, ruffled petticoat, the works.

I'm not sure I think most modern bras are attractive enough anyhow. There ought to be more flattering undergarments out there. . .

[Melysande]

**nods** I do the same. Those little plastic bits rub me raw if I don't.

But yeah, they don't support very well at all after I do that. I don't have cleavage; I have Cleveland. :p Some days, I say to heck with it and go bra-free. (Only if I know I'm not going to be leaving my office very much. Otherwise, I kinda bounce too much and it advertises the bra-lessness.)

[Myst]

If I were to do the same, Melysande, I'd be all but asking to beat myself around the head with them. :p

And on attractiveness, I agree, they don't make them in anything other then big, ugly, and white, if you aren't C or less.

[kblackthorne]

Azure,

Send your film someplace like Photoworks to be developed, and they'll scan it FOR you. :)

And some-where there exists a series of photos of me getting dressed at a Ren-Faire. I start out in shorts & a tank-top, and end up looking extremely upper-middle-class. (I'd day-tripped to the fair, and changed on-site. A couple women just started photographing. I was kind of annoyed at first -- didn't exactly like having some of my "cheats" being photographed... like the tank-top -- but afterwards they came & talked to me about how to make it all, so I guess it's OK.)

[Earthcup]

ahh a bodice or corset...

I hate underwire bras with a passion. They're the only thing that supports but the wires poke and I have trouble with wires working their way out. They're not flattering in the least either.. Going braless isn't an option for me either and although I like sports bras they're butt ugly...

I think I'm going to have to dig out my sewing machine and make a few bodices. To me they look much more comfortable and flattering... I've never done any boning before so it's going to be a learning experience to say the least...;)

[kblackthorne]

Boning... be sure to put it between the lacing holes & the edge of the fabric. You want the laces to pull against the edge of the boning.

Consider trying to get spring-steele boning. It's more comfortable than the plastic stuff. And while it flexes to move with you, it doesn't get bent the way plastic does. Plus, it gives more support. (And it comes coated, so it's machine-washable.) You can get steele boning at www.lacis.com , among other sources.

Really, corsets aren't that hard to make. And even my white-canvas one with the oak slab down the fron (Elizabethan Busk) is sexy when I have it on! :devil:

[Earthcup]

I'll remember that! I've done some sewing but never tried anything like a corset or bodice before even though I've drooled over the patterns for years....:D

I'm mostly mad because I'm going to have to buy an ugly DD bra. I'd much rather have a white on white bodice beneath my t-shirts!

[kblackthorne]

Well, if you were out here, I'd offer to get together & do up a pattern for you. :) I can usually throw together a mock-up in about 1/2 hour. (Yes, I've done a lot of this!) Once you've got the pattern, the rest is easy. (OK, even the pattern is easy if you ask me. But it's really easier to fit someone else than fit yourself!)

[Azure]

I don't have the problem some of you have, I'm pretty much a confirmed 32 b/c depending on the garment. But bras made of elastic and sythetic aren't pretty, and they tend to create ugly bulges along elastic lines, whether you have anything to bulge or not.
I think there's a good reason fashion corsets are making a comeback - they are really sexy on most body types. I know very few women who can't make a corset look good, unless they are Ally McBeal skinny, and even then, I've padded them for people. . .

[Earthcup]

I've got a book that shows you how to make a mannequin to your measurements. Something like wrapping up in saran wrap and then wrapping a plaster of paris gauze around you. You cut the sides when it's hard enough to keep the shape and remove it and let it harden. Ta daa!!

Sounds good on paper but would probably turn into a major fiasco. It sounds worth trying once. If it does work it'd make fitting a lot easier!

I'm told if I can make a "master pattern" altered to fit me it can make altering other patterns much easier..

[Azure]

If you're going to use that kind of method, it's easier to put on a ratty t-shirt you don't want any more and have someone wrap you in duct tape, then carefully cut it off.

[Flaire-FireStar]

Aah....I'd die for a bodice or corset of any kind.... *:razz: to all the icky white stupid DD bras out there* :mad: And my friends say I'm lucky to have "boobs".. UGH! Not when you're 'athletic' it ain't (right?????????) *applause to kblackthorne for saying a corset/bodice was the best sports bra ever*
It's not nice having to wear t-shirts all the time...especially in summer when it gets hot out (anyone wanna take shots at my 25 Celsius being too hot? [75 farenheit]) I would go nuts if I could wear a tank-top without having to wear that cotton top over it for once... Just cuz the ugly bra strap is showing...

[Myst]

Originally posted by Azure
If you're going to use that kind of method, it's easier to put on a ratty t-shirt you don't want any more and have someone wrap you in duct tape, then carefully cut it off.

Yes, that's fun. We did that for our bridesmaid dresses.

[GreenDawn]

Originally posted by Earthcup
I've got a book that shows you how to make a mannequin to your measurements. Something like wrapping up in saran wrap and then wrapping a plaster of paris gauze around you. You cut the sides when it's hard enough to keep the shape and remove it and let it harden. Ta daa!!

Sounds good on paper but would probably turn into a major fiasco. It sounds worth trying once. If it does work it'd make fitting a lot easier!

I'm told if I can make a "master pattern" altered to fit me it can make altering other patterns much easier.. ]

*pictures Earthcup covered in plaster of paris standing like the statue of David (except in girl form)- unable to move because she accidentally bought the quick dry formula. GreenDawn *in safari/tour group guid outfit* walks in with tour group and brags about the statue. There are now 25 people taking pictures of the glorious statue!*

Yeah, let's stick with the "master pattern", unless I need some extra cash;) !

[FelixFire]

What a great idea!

I hate the "fashion" larger bra's have. As if people with big boobs don't want to wear pretty bras!! I hate that, I'll find a beautiful bra, but the size will only go up to D, if I'm lucky. Well, I haven't fit into a D since high school...

I can't stand underwire bra's, so I have tried just about every brand and type of non-underwire bra in DD sizes I could find. My pet peeve are the ones that give you 'uni-boob'. Y'know, the ones that either smoosh your breasts together so it looks like you just have one gigantic one, or creates a "bridge" between them to give the same effect?

My favorite bra now is one of the styles made under the "Just My Size" brand (Hanes, I think?). I dunno the name of the style, but it's the only non-wired bra that actually leaves my breasts as seperate entities and actually offers a bit of support as well. Granted, it only comes in white or beige, but it's a lot nicer looking than some of the others...

My hubby calls them "industrial strength" bras. *laughs* He's right though!

[Flaire-FireStar]

Originally posted by FelixFire

I can't stand underwire bra's, so I have tried just about every brand and type of non-underwire bra in DD sizes I could find. My pet peeve are the ones that give you 'uni-boob'. Y'know, the ones that either smoosh your breasts together so it looks like you just have one gigantic one, or creates a "bridge" between them to give the same effect?

Can anyone really stand underwire?? I have one underwire & it rubs like crazy so barely wear it. :mad:
Arg... I hate the uniboob thing too - that's what my underwire one does. :rolleyes: Why can't larger size have something decent to wear as well???

[Man/Wolf]

Uniboob? *gets a headache trying to picture it, er ah, them, er ah, it???? :confused:

[Flaire-FireStar]

One big one, like in the movie Kung Pow. :nyah:

[Man/Wolf]

Have I died and gone to the Summerland? Someone pinch me!!! :mmm:

[GreenDawn]

*GreenDawn splashes water over the Old Wolf's face*

Ladies! Please, this man can barely take another uniboobie comment!
;)

[Man/Wolf]

Don't listen to her, I can take it! Honest, just one more uniboob! :crylaugh:

[GreenDawn]

Originally posted by Man/Wolf
Don't listen to her, I can take it! Honest, just one more uniboob! :crylaugh:

Okay- one uniboob

Here is the answer to why men have nipples
in the Garden of Eden, the God came to visit Eve.

"So, how is everything going?" inquired God.

"It is all so beautiful, God," she replied, "the
sunrises and sunsets are
breathtaking, the smells, the sights, everything is
wonderful, but I have
just this one problem. It is these three breasts that
you have given me. The
middle one pushes the other two out, and I am
constantly knocking them with
my arms, catching them on branches, snagging them on
bushes, they are a real
pain," reported Eve. And Eve went on to tell God that
since many other parts
of her body came in pairs, such as her limbs, eyes,
ears, etc., that she
felt that having only two breasts might leave her body
more "symmetrically
balanced", as she put it.

"That is a fair point," replied God, "but it was my
first shot at this, you
know. I gave the animals six breasts, so I figured
that you needed only half
of those, but I see that you are right. I will fix it
up right away."

And God reached down, removed the middle breast and
tossed it into the
bushes. Three weeks passed, and God once again visits
Eve in the garden.

"Well Eve, how is my favorite creation?" "Just
fantastic," she replied, "but
for one oversight on your part. You see, all the
animals are paired off. The
ewe has a ram and the cow has her bull, all the
animals have a mate except
me. I feel so alone." God thought for a moment and
said, "You know, Eve, you
are right, how could I have overlooked this? You do
need a mate and I will
immediately create a man from a part of you.

Now let's see... where did I put that useless boob?"

[Melysande]

That was so bad! I LOVE it! :lol:

[Man/Wolf]

Did I inspire that? Awwww shucks!

[Myst]

psst just silly

;)

[Man/Wolf]

I was wonderin' when that would happen! :cool:

[MagickHLHgurl]

I ave jut one gripe about bras under a c....hey all see to be padded.....at least the nice ones....i wuol love to try a corset out i always wondered how they feel

[Azure]

Okay, several people have said something about nice larger size bras only coming in beige and white. One thought - dye.

When I taugh costume construction in grad school, on the day we did dyeing as fabric modification, I had all the students bring underwear and we tried out dye techniques. The results were always cool. Most bras have a high nylon content, and nylon, unlike most synthetics, takes color extremely well.

Other thoughts - beading, fabric paint, applique. etc. I've had lots of luck transforming ordinary stuff into things that are dead sexy. Or just really fun. :bigredgri

[Sequoia]

*.* I love you all!!! LMAO and 'lumie, just for you. . . (see attached piccy)

I once bought this thing in a store, it omg it looked like some sort of modern corset only with hooks, right! and so I buy it and it fit and everything. . . take it home. . . . and the plastic stuff inside, even before the first wash, starts bending. And then it started poking me :bad: oh I could've killed something.

So now it provides a nice slimming effect for my hips, when I can stand the damn thing -_-;;; damn thing.

ah, we should all form a club!! the "anti-bra" club! we won't burn 'em, we'll make corsets instead!!! :D!! bodices are nice too except -_-; yesterday well I wore it! got a few strange looks LMAO but the problem was, mine's leather, and it was stiff enough that the shoulders were majorly chafing my poor arms. . . (something about "don't wear backpacks while wearing a bodice" LMAO)

*.* I want a corset!!! We should all meet somewhere and have a corset party LMAO like tupperware only infinately more useful!!! ^^;

[Azure]

What a cute picture.

I think there are several of us who have done a fair amount of drafting of corsets and fitting. We could have quite the party. Everyone could pick their period and go from there. . .

[MagickHLHgurl]

YOU guys just creaed my prom dress...kinda you gav me the best idea!!!!!!!!!!

[Flaire-FireStar]

I'm all for the anti-bra club!!!!
:thumbsup: Love the pic, Puma!

:hearteyes:hearteyes:hearteyes I would love a Renaissance style dress for my "prom"....If I even get one, that is. :p

[Earthcup]

:lol: I can see me ending up in a body cast!

Duct tape might work, is there anything it can't do?

Tape me up good, cut me out, tape the cut back together and stuff!

[Earthcup]

hmmm... it's quite tempting to plan to burn my bras if the bodices and such work out...

Trés women libbers!:)

That would be a hoot, I'm just crazy enough to try that....:lol:

[Flaire-FireStar]

Yeah!!!! :flamer: Burn bra, burn!!

[MagickHLHgurl]

Do you think if i went to th right seamstress she'd be able to makeme a corset and Renaissance style dress?

[Flaire-FireStar]

I think they would..I was in this store once upon a time a million years ago & the owner was working on a bridesmaid dress (or flower girl, I can't remember exactly, all I know was that it was for a wedding. 8O)

[Earthcup]

Probably... you could also check out your local costume/party store. There are a couple around here that have fabulously gorgeous costumes for rent.

[MagickHLHgurl]

i just cant wait for prom

[Flaire-FireStar]

Niether could I, but since I'm doing home schooling right now, I won't get one this year..Or probably not next year either - unless I really get moving and get all my courses done, then re-enroll in high school... THEN I'll get to go to the prom? ;)

[Earthcup]

have your own prom! get together with other homeschooled kids and organize a party!

[Flaire-FireStar]

:dis: But they're all little wieners... :2G: I know them, they live up the street from me... (I think they're in elementary school, actually. :lol: )

I'll dance by myself... :p That way I won't hurt anyone. ;)

[Earthcup]

lol I guess it would be kinda hard being taller than everyone!

[Flaire-FireStar]

No doubt... :) It's tough being shortern' everyone too... :eyebrow: Me, being one of the "shorter" people in my grade... :rolleyes:

[MagickHLHgurl]

ahh i know that feeling it take 4 inch heels to make me 5'4" which is STILL short in my class!

[Flaire-FireStar]

Well...I'm 5'7..and the people in my grade...we're talking 6-foot here!!! :eek:

[Azure]

As Kblackthorne has pointed out, there are some good basic patterns out there. I'm liking McCalls 3315, which also has a prom like skirt pattern with it, isn't very hard, except for the actual fitting, and is based on a real Victorian corset construction, although it's made to V in front and look kinds 17th century.

A good seamstress could certainly help you.

One alternative if you have a college with a theatre department near you is to call their costume shop and see if any of their poor grad students want to sew for you - I did that a lot .

[GreenDawn]

Originally posted by Myst
psst just silly

;)

I know it goes in the just silly area, but it kinda was going with the conversation:smooch:

[kblackthorne]

Another note:

As Puma pointed out, plastic boning in corsets just doesn't work that well!

If you're going to do it, try to get steel boning. I usually get it at www.lacis.com, but there are other sources as well.

(And yes, steel-boning is machine-washable. Spiral boning isn't, but the regular stuff is.)

[phoenix4]

that sounded stupid, "hi, i'm the new kid in class"
really, I used to wear corrsetts, then i got older and they started hurting my back. you would think the bras would hurt my back worse but i found it to be the other way around.

[Earthcup]

Maybe you needed a new one? Your body had changed and it didn't fit properly anymore?

[phoenix4]

I would hate to think that my body had changed that much.... I know I'm in denial!!!40 & falling?

[Earthcup]

:lol: My body has changed a good bit in the past two years alone and I know my mom has suddenly changed sizes even though she hasn't lost weight. To a smaller size which makes her very smug.....:( :D

She also says she was 5'7 in high school and is now 5'5. Where did two inches go?

*walks off pondering the mysteries of life...*

[Phoenix Blue]

"Package contents may settle during freight."

[Sowelu]

Ugh....I can so relate to the hating the bra thing. I am a size 46 DD and it is nearly impossible trying to find that "perfect fitting bra"...(is there such a thing?)

Corsets huh? Maybey I should give one a try....:)

[Azure]

I don't believe in the "perfect fitting bra" - it's a myth. I have cleavage and a really skinny ribcage, and the combination does not seem to have been imagined by lingerie makers. Finding a 32 in a size larger than "A" is close to impossible!

[Sowelu]

Where is the cloud and the tree thread?

Azure, I thought "I" had a hard time....sounds like you have a harder time....I think I'll just open up a store for those of us who will possibly never find "The perfect fitting bra"....yes, I do believe it's a myth. Wish I could donate part of mine....:D

[Sequoia]

W00T and the bra-haters shall rule the earth. . . j/king!! hehehe

hmm a nice plain "cheap" corset heheh would be nice. Canvas with steel boning. . . simple, functional, and would it be comfey? hehe I dono! but I know I'd be able to embroider it when I got bored. . . *has embroidered her canvas high-tops LOL*

[Azure]

he he. Maybe Katherine and I should just start designing and selling lingerie. Maybe Noressa from Bnet will go in with us. . .

[Earthcup]

Very funny PB! :rolleyes: :T I told her that once and decided it would not be a good thing to mention that possibility again.... :lol:

I finally had to get a DD. :ugh:

The only place that has anything interesting in my size is a bit too interesting to actually wear. :T I actually found a couple of bras that fit pretty good though...:eek: :eek: :eek: It's a miracle!

However they have molded cups and I feel like I have two cannons mounted on my chest. :lol: I am not that "perky" naturally..:D

[Azure]

Stress has gotten to me enough in the past couple of months that none of my lingerie really even fits anymore, so I have to go through the royal pain of trying to buy some. Of course, i'm normally in a weird space exactly between a B and C and I guess I'm truly a B, so it may be easier.

I'm really starting to wonder how hard it would be to make this stuff. . .

[MammaStar]

I still have yet to find a COMFORTABLE yet supportive sports bra.(48DD) I usually end up wearing 2, being the jock I am in the Summer. It sucks, cause if I don't wear at least 2 (i can't find a decent one AT ALL), well, the guys like it when I run.

[kblackthorne]

I sympathize completely about the sports-bra issue! Never actually tried two, but I used to get one a couple sizes too small, then wear a too-small lycra tank-top over it... which I guess gave the same effect. (Smoosh, smoosh, smoosh.)

And I've worn molded-cups, too (though usually in swimsuits). Feel like I'm gonna bump into walls or something! (What's worse is with the swimsuit, when one gets "bumped" and dents the wrong way. Then you have to go around with a "dented boob", or reach in and fix it! :nonono:

I'm really getting ready to buy more boning my next trip to the Bay, and build a non-Elizabethan corset for every-day wear! (Well, let's hope the fairies don't steal the boning this time! ~mumbles about fairies~)

[kblackthorne]

At some point in the past month, I wasn't diligent enough about my laundry.

I ran out of clean bras.

So I had to wear the one for my wedding... which has an underwire.

Took my poor, bruised ribs two days to recover!

[Yvonne Belisle]

Mine leave bruses around my sides and I bubble up over the tops of all of them. Anyone feeling really courageous is welcome to make a corset for a 40H Most of my bras are in the F range since I can't find my size my mother has bought me one but I don't know how soon she will get it to me in the meantime I wimper if I have to wear one I get gouges in my shoulders and bruses on my sides and if I were dumb enough to run I bruse in more uncomfortable spots. OWIE!

[Sequoia]

uhg! oh I think I can sympathize, guys. . . *HUGS!*

-_-; it really annoys me when people are going "YOU'RE SO LUCKY!!" . . uhh. . . you can have 'em, thanks. ;)

I like how I look. . . but for all we seem to oogle breasts as a society, we sure don't cater well to above C or D!!

^^ gosh I hope I can get a corset. . . I would DIE for it lol well ok not DIE, but. . . ^^;; dang! hehe. . .

I've only got two bras that I like to wear. One cuts into my shoulders and the other is a very squishing sports bra, but the rest of 'em annoy the living crud outta me an ddon't work right. And whoever came up with that whole "front fastening" idea. . . >.< baka baka BAKA!! it doesn't work, at least, not for me LOL

well i need bed. . . :) we really should establish some sort of club, or something. . . hehe

take care, all!
~Puma

[Scarlettvixen]

huh can i join the i hate bras club pls!
You guys should try living in australia and buying bras
the last decent ones i got where when i was in the USA in 1997 and they r now falling apart.

I have NEVER seen any place here in oz advertise bodices
i asked my dressmaker and she looked at my like i had just landed from mars, and said she had never even seen one, so i dont think that will work! lol

Wish i could donate several kilos/pounds off each boob
would sure save the back ache!!
:bug: :bug: :bug: :bug: :bug: :bug:

[Earthcup]

ugh, I hate the "dented boob" swimsuits! They don't support you but do their own weird thing instead....

I'm dreading swinsuit season. I don't mind being overweight or forgetting to tan but the little shelf bras and molded cups drive me crazy! They don't support, they shift and bunch and they don't even smoosh. The underwire suits are made for b/c cups and the ones in my size are not only uncomfortable they're really ugly!

I haven't tried two sports bras but I have tried the smaller size one. You can't run properly with your arms crossed!

The cups on this one are shaped different and have a band of padding across the bottom so they support really well. Which is great because you can't even tell I'm slightly larger on one side in these, unlike other bras... even though I know 95% of what's sticking out there is me I still feel like I have on fake boobs.. :lol:

Junonia has some underwire tankinis but they're Morticia Adams ugly. Maybe I'll just find a tank and wear a smoosh sports bra with it this year...

[Azure]

I'm serious, there's a business to start right there, making bathing suits and everything from sports bras to sexy lingerie for women who don't happen to be a 34-38 B/C. Those are the sizes everything is designed for.

It can't be that hard to manufacture a functioning sports bra for women with serious cleavage. It just can't.

[Earthcup]

I'd be glad to test out the products!

Q-T makes some decent stuff and, well some very "colorful" stuff.

Other than that you're stuck....

Some sexy lingerie would be nice, a la 30's and 40's movies. More satiny gowns and less bright red lace mitts.... ;o)

[Azure]

Yeah, I love that period stuff too. Someone also needs to bring back the peignoir and negligee.

I will probably find myself drawing stuff tonight. I'm very restless and my Dad's cancer surgery is tomorrow, so I think the chance of me sleeping in non-existant. I may just go out and rent movies. Even Friends can't distract me.

I have to admit, that frequently I like as little undergarment as possible - little cotton bra and a thong are about perfect for me.

KAtherine, have you done much work with 14th and 15th century clothing? I have a bunch of garments from that period, and granted I'm building them for my body (32 B to C) but I cut them so that you get corset like support from a sturdy fabric without any boning, and I can wear them comfortably all day. They spiral lace to create the line with support. However, the type of cut I use was actually pioneered by my friend Meredith (DD) and it's been pretty successful for her too. Hmmmm.

[Yvonne Belisle]

All I know is that I am large enough that running is hazzardous to my health. Baseball, golf and any other arm swinging with the hands basically together activity is out of the question. If you can make a pattern for someone of my bulk and size I would love it!

[kblackthorne]

Well, I know the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) is active in Australia.

Here's a link to the local site:

http://www.sca.org.au/

Maybe you can find some nice SCA lady to help you out?

You're right "mundane" seamstresses aren't likely to know what the heck you're talking about... and if you show them a picture, they'll make it poorly, and with cheap plastic boning. It really takes someone with a specific interest in "costuming"... which is a bit different from just sewing.

[kblackthorne]

BTW, Puma

Are you still interested in getting together & doing a fitting?

[kblackthorne]

Azure,

15-16th Century is mostly what I've worked with.

My problem with no boning is that the lacing sometimes tends to "bunch". A strip of boning for the laces to pull against prevents that.

I admit that -- for practical reasons -- I usually do criss-cross lacing rather than spiral. (It's what I'm used to... it's how I lace my shoes.) The one gown I copied, though (the Elenora de Toledo burial gown) spiral-laces. I really like the look. :-)

But you're right: Not a lot of boning is needed to achieve the look/the line. Fabric-tension does (or can do) almost all of it.

Hmmm... (Mentally designing a full-figured sports bra based on that little top Gabrielle wore in Xena....)

I'll have to go home & do some sketches...

OK, ladies, I'm thinking the easiest way to keep 'em from bouncing is to smoosh them. (At least that's what's worked best for me.)

Are we agreed on that? (If not, holler, & I'll try to design something else, as well...)

Maybe I can do some mock-ups on Sunday. (Now where's my spare muslin...)

[Azure]

Yeah, I'm in that mood too. . .

Thinking Earthcup and I don't live that far apart. . .

[Scarlettvixen]

Thanks for the link kblackthorne for the sca.
took me a while to check them out, but lots of their links go back to the usa
and the clothing links in australia were dead
i will go back next week and try again and see if it was temporary website problems

thanks again
blessed be

[Earthcup]

Originally posted by Azure
Yeah, I'm in that mood too. . .

Thinking Earthcup and I don't live that far apart. . .

Gets a guinea pig feeling coming on....:2G: :lol:

Testing sports bras would get me back on the exercise track!

I say smoosh 'em. You're already hot, sweaty with a game face on, at that point you could care less about perkiness.....:p

[Jeleia]

hmmmm...... I actully don't mind underwire bras. Maybe I'm just nuts. :crazy: but they don't bother me in the least.

And ladies...

I have found the perfect bra......... :eek: very comfy.

At least I love it! The only problem... I can't find one in white. How weird is that!

Puma ~ Nice Picture, you look so purdy.

I've never tried wearing a Corsets/bodices.

[SnowStar]

Yvonne...
I dunno if the thought had crossed your mind at anytime, but I was reading an article yesterday and it mentioned that if the size of your breasts is causing medical and physical problems as well as everyday difficulties that a lot of insurance companies will almost fully cover surgery to have them reduced. I'm not meaning to offend or anything, but reading your posts about difficulties in everyday life made me think of the article. Its actually in the most recent issue of Seventeen (June, I think) if you'd like to read it.

[Earthcup]

My sis is about to have a reduction done. The insurance company is covering all of it.

Personally I'd rather not go under the knife but then I'm not as lopsided as she.

[museluna]

Azure, I found you!
As for underwires - I agree! Being poked in the armpit is no fun. I've never tried a coset. The possiblities could be interesting. Hmmm.
We'll have to look into it. - or whatever

[Azure]

Hi Muse!!! Welcome to MW!

Guys, this is another Bnet person, and I'm sure you'll love her.

Re: the reduction thing - a friend of mine had that done about six months ago, and I have to say that from watching her it wasn't a comfy experience, but at the same time, she is just deliriously happy - her shoulder and back pain is gone, and she can walk into stores and buy bras in the C/D range without a problem now.

[Jasmine Star]

I love underwires, but I agree that finding a 32 in anything bigger than an a or b is nearly impossible and as I have an obsession with underwear thats a bit of a problem. However I have found vest sets are backin aswell and you can get them with insewn support they are real comfy I'm wearing one now. :D

[museluna]

So people, where does a person Get a bodice thingie?
it's not like Ren Fairs happen every day. Keep in mind that I'm in Minnesota. Anyone know if there's something in the Mall of America?

Muse

[Euphoria]

?

[museluna]

Euphoria,
We don't kill cats. Save the killing for things that deserve it.
Like child abusers.

Everyone else, my question still stands. Where can I get a bodice? Would Victoria's Secret have them?

[Azure]

Actually, they have been carrying them, as right now, they are pretty trendy as outer wear, but most of what I've seen there looks damned uncomfortable. There are any number of websites that specialize in Renaissance Faire garb that do carry them - feed "Renaissance Costume" into your search engine.

There is also a huge active SCA crowd in Minnesota, which might be your best bet. They can be found via www.SCA.org - plus I think there are a couple of big Renaissance fairs? Anyhow, SCA people are going to be able to find someone who can custom fit a bodice to you, and that's the best way to go if you want one.

[Yvonne Belisle]

I love anything that prevents me from seeing my tummy:) I love being big I just hate the lack of support I have been thinking of a spandex lycra shirt for under my clothes but i don't know how to do it.

[Euphoria]

where on Earth did the killing cats thing come from

[Earthcup]

Above your avatar it says Euphoria, Asassin of Cats ;)

Why cats? :lol:

[Euphoria]

well it means that i kill ppl for the cats

[Yvonne Belisle]

My mother found one in my size!!!!!!!!!!!! It is even pretty! It is the first I have worn that hasn't left bruises from being too small in 10 years. It also feels much better to have them held up for me:) I am a happy housemouse!

[Azure]

that's great! Dare we ask who the manufacturer is?

[Yvonne Belisle]

Aviana and it has no wires!

[museluna]

So, do they have a web site or who carries them? I would love to try one. I have a feeling that seeing me in one would knock my husband's sock off. (I get to knock the rest of his clothes off )

By the way, my kitten - Luna (black and sleek) has a new trick. She gives me hugs and kisses when I leave for work and when I get home. She sits on the table and meow's until I get close to her and she stands up on her hind legs and stretches up to put her paws on my shoulders. then she rubs her face against my or licks my chin, sometimes I get a little nip from her

Muse

[Yvonne Belisle]

They do have a web site I will ask my Mother for it and post when I get her reply.

[Yvonne Belisle]

I got the web address for the place my bra came from. It's
http://selenassecrets.com

[Earthcup]

oohhh... I like the Bohemian PJ's.....

[Myst]

Originally posted by Euphoria
well it means that i kill ppl for the cats

You know, you might not want to go around saying that. :lol:

(I say this as someone who just mentioned how my friends ex would fit in a bodybag on her site, hah!)

[kblackthorne]

Yes, yes, I know this thread is long-dead.

But I found this page, & just thought I'd post it, for those interested in such things.

Custom Elizabethan corset pattern & directions, based on your measurements (http://www.dnaco.net/~aleed/corsets/custompat/)

Not a true custom-fit, as it dosen't take any asymetry into account, but still better than off-the-rack! :)

[Myst]

hm haven't seen you in awhile..? :D

Thanks for the link.

[kblackthorne]

And it'll probably be a while before I can commit much time here again -- "serious case of life". Not really anything bad, just busy.

But I stumbled across that page, & thought of all the folks here.... :D Couldn't not post it!

[Valnorran]

All I know is I came away from my first ren fair convinced the wonder bra has NOTHING on a bodice. I was 29 at the time and hadn't openly gawked at a woman's chest since I was 15 (I pride myself on discretion when scoping one out :)) I'll never forget the tavern wench who served me a beer. Granted, I don't recall her face too clearly...

[museluna]

BODICE WEBSITE - as well as Ren. Fair clothes.

fantaseaweddings.com

on the left scroll side of their site is the ren. clothes.
I got a bodice - Wore it (sans blouse) and knocked my husband's socks off
He was very frisky that night.
I just like how it makes me feel - VERY Sexy!

:thumbsup: ;)

Muse
:RuNew: