Inspiration struct me the other day, so I started one using the corset pattern maker at: http://www.elizabethancostume.net/custompat/index.html. Just wanted to see how accurate the measurements would be with the tabs. Wish I would have found this before I started the first bodice for mom. Much easier. I've also created my own can tab pattern in Adobe Illustrator where I superimposed the tabs over the image created by the online pattern maker. Still working on little tweaks like the spacing, but, now I don't need to guess on the shape. Yeah!! Here is the front so far:
I've removed the AI pattern I posted here. If you would like to acquire it, please pm or email me. Sorry for the inconvenience.
I've been told the style looks like something from the Nutcracker Ballet.
As you can tell in the pic, this horizontal tabs are spaced much to far apart in AI causing it too be to wide. This is actually as good thing because of the stretchiness of the bodice. Anyway, I wanted to try adding variety by making a subtle pattern in the weave by turning the tabs over in places (as you can barely see in the above pic). Didn't show up that well, at first. But, it gave me another idea to run a contrasting cord through the upside-down tabs. More color! Look closely in the far left corner of the bodice in the first pic in this post.
I'm running into some problems with the victorian-style experiment I mentioned because I used nonstretchy shoelaces and weaved them too tight, I think. The lacings under the arms will not line up straight. Argghh!
****************UPDATE******************
Pic from TRF with flat cap hat
How do you get your pieces so tall?! I've been working on a purse and it's a few inches tall now and I can't seem to hold onto it to add any more rows.... do you have any suggestions for me so that I can finish it? Please! lol. Thank you for your time.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I understand the problem, but I tend to hold my larger projects upside down in my lap while adding tabs to the top. Sometimes, I also try to break the piece up into smaller sections that I join together later. This is only because I might mess up and don't want to have to pull off half the tabs in my work to fix something. I just have to redo/adjust the smaller section.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps. Good luck with your purse. I'd love to see pics of it.
Your work is beautiful!!! i have been wanting to do something like this for a long time, but i couldn't get it right. Your pictures really helped! thanks sooooo much. I do have a question though.... Off of what did you get the large tabs? They add so much to the bodice?!
ReplyDeleteThriftyMisty, the large gold tabs on the bodice were actually from Bumblebee Tuna/Chicken Salad cans believe it or not. Our neighbor can't seem to get enough of that stuff. So, I collected quite a few of them. I'm working on a flat cap hat to match my bodice using more of those tabs. You can find similar tabs on Dole/Del Monte fruit cans and various soup cans. But, some of those are other metals besides aluminum. You can check with a magnet if you care to.
ReplyDeleteYou will definitely have to show me your tabistry progress. I'd love to see what you create!
Woo hoo! I am feeling inspired! How do you put the corset on though.. o_O. Will start with something simple. ;)
ReplyDeletechelsea, putting any corset on is a challenge! lol Especially by youreslf with only back lacing.
ReplyDeleteMine is laced in back as well as the sides. This makes it more adjustable. The side lacing can be tricky, but are much easier than the back. Victorian-style corsets usually have a "busk" which is a series of hooks, that is used in the front. Then, you have someone help you put it on using the back lace, but you can remove it easier from the front. I'm going to be working on creating something like this soon.
Good luck with your tabistry projects!
I have to say that these are wonderful and there is no way that you are thirty something. I would say mid 20's
ReplyDeleteHaha, Miss Prissy Pirate. Indeed I am actually mid 30's. But, I refuse to count past 29. Thanks for the flattery. You made my day :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Found this on a Google image search, it's amazing! I just came to look at what I thought was cute checkered fabric, but was infinitly more impressed at what I saw.
ReplyDeleteHow long does this take to make? How many tabs did you end up using?
Thanks! I seem to get "googled" a lot. That's pretty cool. Sounds kinda kinky, though. :)
ReplyDeleteIt takes me about a straight week or so to complete a full corset. But, that's when real life doesn't interfere too much. I did manage a Turkish vest and belt set in one day. Whew, was that exhausting and hard on the fingers! It takes well over 1500+ tabs to make a corset like the one above. But, with friends helping, I can collect them much faster these days. Yay for me!
Mieljolie
Precious!!! I'm amazed. We need to learn how recycling all materials. thanks.
ReplyDeletelaura (vlc, spain)
Thanks L! We have a sort of competition going on in our family to come up with ideas to keep things out of the trash. They say, reusing is superior to recycling. It uses less energy.
ReplyDeleteMieljolie
How is it that you connect the tabs? I see that it is obviously with ribbon, but if you could post a picture of how they are each connected that would be a huge help. I am trying to make a bodice myself and I saw your work and thought it was amazing. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello Anon.
ReplyDeleteYou can find an image at the bottom of this page:
http://tabistry.blogspot.com/2008/07/mom-needs-new-pair-of-shoes.html
If further instruction is needed, you may want to try the tutorial here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mieljolie
Good luck with it!
Mieljolie
Thanks so much! If it works out I'll post some pictures.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely gorgous, i just love how you put it all together. This has inspired me, and i'm working on one myself at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what you used to lace it together though, because im using regular ribbon and it just isn't doing it for me.
Strips of cloth maybe? I'd love to know and any help is appreciated <3
Anon, I use fabric strips more than ribbon. It's cheaper and usually stretchier. t-shirt strips work really well. Ribbon tens to snag and look pretty ragged by the time I get done. :)
ReplyDeleteIf you want more info, come join our discussion group by searching "tabistry" on Facebook.com.
Mieljolie
Your very welcome, Anon. I look forward to seeing your pics!
ReplyDeleteMieljolie
Good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Abscraft. Your work with recycled wire is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteMieljolie
Hi. I don't think I've ever posted on this site before. I absolutely love your work and really want to learn how to do it. I've figured out how to string the tabs together, but how do you fix the ends, if you don't mind my asking? I would LOVE to make this corset as well, although I may not be able to until I've done some other stuff. What would it take to get the pattern?
ReplyDeleteWell, KD7TYY, thanks for stopping by to comment. By "fix the end", do you refer to tying off the finished piece? If so, it depends on what material you are using to weave. Most fabrics can be glued, tied in a knot, or a mixture of both. On most of my projects, I will poke the end through the closest stitch on the back side, add a little fabric glue around the base of the material and tie it off in a double knot. Sometimes you have to loosen the stitches to poke it through. Then, you tighten them back up before gluing/tying. I've included some illustrations in my basic tutorial on how to do this and other steps.
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on getting a full resizable pattern/tutorial finished for the corsets. But, I do have the patterns available. Send me an email (my addy is in my profile page), I'll see what I can do.
Milejolie
hey! your work is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI know this sounds wierd but is there any chance i can have your email so i can message you personally about something please.
thanks x
hello, x. Feel free to contact me through my profile.
ReplyDeleteMieljolie
how many tabs did you use? i want to make my own and i need help on how do make it
ReplyDeleteOn average my corsets/bodices have taken about 1500 tabs each. That's about enough to fill a ziplock back. Feel free to contact me with any further questions.
DeleteMieljolie
how did you connect them all together? how many yards of ribbon did you use?
DeleteI like to use fabric strips to weave the tabs together. T-shirt or other fine knits work well cut in 1-2" wide strips because they curl when pulled. I use a lot of polar fleece, but some brands shed quite a bit.
DeleteWhen estimating the yardage, 1" of fabric per tab is a fairly good estimate. Though you ought to take in to consideration any stretch in the fabric.
For more info on weaving tabistry, I've put an illustrated tutorial on Etsy.com that covers just about everything needed to make things.
where did you get the red dress that goes under it? what brand is it and what would you call it? maxi dress or what?
ReplyDeleteThe under clothing I'm wearing here were a shirt and skirt I picked up separately 2nd hand. The shirt didn't have a tag. Though, I'm sure you could find similar pieces online. Or perhaps you could find a nice chemise at a local ren faires.
DeleteAs with most of my costume pieces, the black velevt overskirt was also 2nd hand.
DeleteThough I have made random pieces available for purchase, making tabistry is rather labor intensive and would be much more expensive and less rewarding that making your own. I'm not opposed to making an occasional commissioned piece, but do prefer to spend my time creating new pieces. All that said, I do have patterns available and am working on more.
ReplyDeletei have tried over and over but cant seem to get the pieces put together correctly. are any corsets going to be available soon or at all? my projects keep getting tangled and destroyed. i dont have any free time to spend on it and i want one soon for my upcoming play. any way at all?
ReplyDeleteSorry, I don't have anything finished. And, it takes quite some time to make one. And nearing the holiday season, I'm pretty swamped with projects at the moment. Maybe you have a friend or family member who might want to give it a try?
ReplyDeleteAs for troubles, have you tried using fatter weaving material that will fill the holes better. This will cause less shifting and perhaps tangling.
WOW! its amazing!
ReplyDeletewhere do i email you at for the pattern?
ReplyDelete