I got Tomodachi life on the weekend and after myself and my husband The Creature was my first creation! Followed by Victor and Mary of course.
I’m inordinately proud and delighted by all the shenanigans happening on my island. They’re actually all getting along very well (though The Creature is very introverted and sad a lot hahaha).
Original post, most recent post.
Hello again! On the suggestion of many after my last mockup I went over to r/MAKEaBraThatFits for their expertise in fitting the cups. For their context I grabbed a bunch of reference images and realised - I actually prefer the look (especially with a larger bust) when the centre busk isn’t sending the girls east/west.
After ruminating on this thought, thinking over their suggestions/examples (and realising it would make my life easier) I went back to the original pattern and made some fresh adjustments. I still lengthened the bottom edge - but only by 5cm instead of 8cm - and raised the front edge 3.5cm, and the side to meet. I was also able to correct some pattern-grading mistakes while I was there. I did keep the V shape gussets though!
Folks I’m stoked! AND feel a bit silly that I decided to overcomplicate it with the centre busk adjustment hahahaha. Once I tried this mockup on I felt like I still wanted a bit of lift so further adjusted the gussets taking 2cm out of the outer edge on the outer gussets and the inner edge of the inner gussets. I know the fit still isn’t perfect perfect but it feels pretty good! The slide with 3 photos is the 1st version, the 2nd version with outer gussets taken in and the 3rd with both sets of gussets taken in.
I think this will be the last of my mock-ups and I’ll be sure to share the final version with you as well. Final fit suggestions are welcome but I can definitely feel myself being a bit over it hahaha so forgive me if I don’t test them all!
Thank you again for all the support - I honestly think I would have given up (and felt terrible) without all your encouragement, ideas and help! Thank you!!
Also yes haha I only just saw my back panel is twisted in the photo but I promise I tried it on multiple times and it was solid!
Original post, most recent post.
Hello again! On the suggestion of many after my last mockup I went over to r/MAKEaBraThatFits for their expertise in fitting the cups. For their context I grabbed a bunch of reference images and realised - I actually prefer the look (especially with a larger bust) when the centre busk isn’t sending the girls east/west.
After ruminating on this thought, thinking over their suggestions/examples (and realising it would make my life easier) I went back to the original pattern and made some fresh adjustments. I still lengthened the bottom edge - but only by 5cm instead of 8cm - and raised the front edge 3.5cm, and the side to meet. I was also able to correct some pattern-grading mistakes while I was there. I did keep the V shape gussets though!
Folks I’m stoked! AND feel a bit silly that I decided to overcomplicate it with the centre busk adjustment hahahaha. Once I tried this mockup on I felt like I still wanted a bit of lift so further adjusted the gussets taking 2cm out of the outer edge on the outer gussets and the inner edge of the inner gussets. I know the fit still isn’t perfect perfect but it feels pretty good! The slide with 3 photos is the 1st version, the 2nd version with outer gussets taken in and the 3rd with both sets of gussets taken in.
I think this will be the last of my mock-ups and I’ll be sure to share the final version with you as well. Final fit suggestions are welcome but I can definitely feel myself being a bit over it hahaha so forgive me if I don’t test them all!
Thank you again for all the support - I honestly think I would have given up (and felt terrible) without all your encouragement, ideas and help! Thank you!!
Also yes haha I only just saw my back panel is twisted in the photo but I promise I tried it on multiple times and it was solid!
Apparently when I get a bee in my bonnet I can’t stop! Hahaha quick swap out of the gussets for mockup 5 following your suggestions and testing two different hypothesises. (Also in my newly finished chemise! And using a phone camera timer as requested).
My right side is evenly distributed gussets while my left side has one narrower gusset on the outer side. Each gusset has been changed to a V shape rather than a U shape - y’all were absolutely right on this!! The shape is SO much better. That side profile makes me VERY pleased.
When I fold down the top down I’m really happy with the progress. But obviously we're not there yet. I suspect the space between gussets and busk might be too wide for my breast shape but I’m not sure if moving the gusset over, or raising the busk would help. I also have a fold (?) happening in the tissue beginning at the busk. I would also LOVE some more lift haha but not sure if it’s possible. We shall see!
Thank you again for being wonderful and generous with your time! I promise I am considering a drawstring - I just love the look of the clean gusset versions so am going to pursue this a little longer.
Apparently when I get a bee in my bonnet I can’t stop! Hahaha quick swap out of the gussets for mockup 5 following your suggestions and testing two different hypothesises. (Also in my newly finished chemise! And using a phone camera timer as requested).
My right side is evenly distributed gussets while my left side has one narrower gusset on the outer side. Each gusset has been changed to a V shape rather than a U shape - y’all were absolutely right on this!! The shape is SO much better. That side profile makes me VERY pleased.
When I fold down the top down I’m really happy with the progress. But obviously we're not there yet. I suspect the space between gussets and busk might be too wide for my breast shape but I’m not sure if moving the gusset over, or raising the busk would help. I also have a fold (?) happening in the tissue beginning at the busk. I would also LOVE some more lift haha but not sure if it’s possible. We shall see!
Thank you again for being wonderful and generous with your time! I promise I am considering a drawstring - I just love the look of the clean gusset versions so am going to pursue this a little longer.
Context: previous post
Hello! I wasn’t going to post again but a number of folk said they were invested so I thought I would share where I’m at. Following a DELUGE of excellent and generous suggestions here and over at r/HistoricalCostuming I decided to lengthen the stays by 8cm at the bottom, and 4cm at the top on the front piece.
Using a well fitting bra I measured the width of the cups from side to sternum and used this to determine the width of the gussets. I also added a third gusset on each side and re-spaced them evenly. I added the straps from the pattern and tried it on with a t-shirt as my chemise is still unfinished.
In terms of the bodice - I’m stoked! Fit feels great, it’s not sliding down, the longer boning feels supportive and the busk is now sitting flush to my chest. We are definitely getting the Regency ‘divide and conquer’ shape!
The cups themselves…leave something to be desired hahaha. I’m absolutely thrilled they fit (!) but the shape is a little awkward. I think I need to lower the front a little bit (esp at the busk) but all I can think is to recut the gussets with more of a gentle curve rather than do straight so quickly, and maybe take in the center gusset? Or move the gusset channels closer to center? Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!
Also - I just wanted to say a massive thank you! I didn’t expect nearly the amount of help from my first post, but you were kind, thoughtful and had excellent suggestions. It may end up being very hard or even impossible to make work - but I’m excited to try (and leave this trail for other future large busted Googlers wondering how to make Regency short stays work!)
Context: previous post
Hello! I wasn’t going to post again but a number of folk said they were invested so I thought I would share where I’m at. Following a DELUGE of excellent and generous suggestions here and over at r/corsetry I decided to lengthen the stays by 8cm at the bottom, and 4cm at the top on the front piece.
Using a well fitting bra I measured the width of the cups from side to sternum and used this to determine the width of the gussets. I also added a third gusset on each side and re-spaced them evenly. I added the straps from the pattern and tried it on with a t-shirt as my chemise is still unfinished.
In terms of the bodice - I’m stoked! Fit feels great, it’s not sliding down, the longer boning feels supportive and the busk is now sitting flush to my chest. We are definitely getting the Regency ‘divide and conquer’ shape!
The cups themselves…leave something to be desired hahaha. I’m absolutely thrilled they fit (!) but the shape is a little awkward. I think I need to lower the front a little bit (esp at the busk) but all I can think is to recut the gussets with more of a gentle curve rather than do straight so quickly, and maybe take in the center gusset? Or move the gusset channels closer to center? Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!
Also - I just wanted to say a massive thank you! I didn’t expect nearly the amount of help from my first post, but you were kind, thoughtful and had excellent suggestions. It may end up being very hard or even impossible to make work - but I’m excited to try (and leave this trail for other future large busted Googlers wondering how to make Regency short stays work!)
Hello! I am in the early process of drafting some Regency short stays for myself using the Redthreaded pattern. I chose the size L as it was the closest to my measurements, knowing I would need to make alterations.
The first mock up was a disaster - who knew store boning was so terrible! - but the second one showed me I needed to take in the waist 3cm, and increase the size of the gussets a fair amount. I also replaced the centre boning with a wooden busk for extra rigidity.
Pictured is 2.5 with a newly cut front and enlarged gussets (too long I know haha). I still think I might need to take the waist in but I’m more concerned with the bust. Fit feels terrible! My breast tissue is spilling out like nothing else and the busk is just sitting out like it’s afraid of me. I know the cups are most of the problem but am not sure what to try next, especially considering I know regency stays are supposed to sit low and provide lift. When I push the busk to my chest it’s not terrible on one side but that’s obviously not a viable option. Either is wearing it over a modern bra (where it looks great!).
My tissue is SO squishy and pliable - I don’t want to look like I’m hanging low, but I’m concerned compression may just cut the tissue in half! I’m not sure what to do hahaha. My current thought is to maybe add an additional gusset on each side, and spread them out as well as raising the front a bit?
I was looking for help online but all the photos are lovely ladies with beautifully balanced proportions. I truly have an inordinately large bust on a narrow ribcage (10HH/32L) but I really love historical costuming and want to make this work!
Hello! I am in the early process of drafting some Regency short stays for myself using the Redthreaded pattern. I chose the size L as it was the closest to my measurements, knowing I would need to make alterations.
The first mock up was a disaster - who knew store boning was so terrible! - but the second one showed me I needed to take in the waist 3cm, and increase the size of the gussets a fair amount. I also replaced the centre boning with a wooden busk for extra rigidity.
Pictured is 2.5 with a newly cut front and enlarged gussets (too long I know haha). I still think I might need to take the waist in but I’m more concerned with the bust. Fit feels terrible! My breast tissue is spilling out like nothing else and the busk is just sitting out like it’s afraid of me. I know the cups are most of the problem but am not sure what to try next, especially considering I know regency stays are supposed to sit lower and provide lift. When I push the busk to my chest it’s not terrible on one side but that’s obviously not a viable option. Either is wearing it over a modern bra (where it looks great!).
My tissue is SO squishy and pliable - I don’t want to look like I’m hanging low, but I’m concerned compression may just cut the tissue in half! I’m not sure what to do hahaha. My current thought is to maybe add an additional gusset on each side, and spread them out as well as raising the front a bit?
I was looking for help online but all the photos are lovely ladies with beautifully balanced proportions. I truly have an inordinately large bust on a narrow ribcage (10HH/32L) but I really love historical costuming and want to make this work!