Making 17th Century Stays - Historical Corsetry

[@doctor-aesthetic]

"As long as the two pieces are stuck together, you've done good enough." As a beginner (have literally only made one piece of clothing so far) you have no idea how happy this phrase makes me. Sometimes I stress about whether or not I'm doing something "right," but in some ways, as long as it gets the job done, and looks alright, it doesn't much matter.

[@yourlilemogirl]

My favorite phrase when learning anything: “if the solution works, it’s not a stupid solution”

[@KL-qp6yo]

Better to try, fail and learn than never try!

[@GhostGirVinera]

I couldnt gather fabric for the life of me in school, as soon as I stopped caring about how pretty the stitching looked the technique got so much easier

[@gb9252]

I'm making my first ever garment (an 18th century shirt). My stitching sucks - but all I want is for it to stay together...

[@MildredRHolmes]

That what I was taught: as long as it gets done and looks right. Think that was to encourage me to sew as I find I am now finding better tips and tricks to do the same thing. "live and learn."

[@rarabang3584]

This corset is more structured than my life will ever be.

[@thecuteladybug]

same tho

[@queeniechicosplay6364]

Relatable

[@cemcg3859]

Sameee girl. SAME

[@babyshea89]

Ohhh!!! This comment hit me hard right on my un thimbled finger lol!!! Yet it unfortunately is 100% acute! Ugh!!! 😒😔

[@EH23831]

Ha! 😂👍🏻

[@ragnkja]

Busks often had carved messages on them, particularly if they were carved by someone close to the person they were intended for. One example of such a message: “To my beloved sister, and don’t you dare break this one.”

[@SuperNovaSirius]

That's incredible... Thanks for sharing!

[@alexia3552]

That's HYSTERICAL

[@KidTheFail]

I have a busk that a friend of mine made, she carved "witching queens" on it 😂😂😂😈

[@tiacat11]

GOD help me, that's hilarious. Good to know fashion may change over time, but sibling energy remains the same.

[@sadmac356]

I love the "and don't you dare break this one" message!

[@erindesroches9213]

Came for the stays, STAYED for the greys!!

[@daisanders82]

They look so good!!!

[@MorganDonner]

I suspect it was the paper and ink scent of Patterns of Fashion 5 coming out a couple months ago 🤣

[@daisanders82]

hehehehe. I suspect so.

[@SuperNovaSirius]

Same!! Did an 18th century one a few weeks back!

[@ItsJustLisa]

This came out beautiful. Oh, and needy greyhounds are needy. 😂. (My sister had an Italian greyhound. “They’re loving, adoring, sweet. You know, clingy.”-my sister.)

[@evelynncarlson8688]

Morgan mentioned her fabric warping a little and suddenly I don't feel as bad about a dress that I had made warping around the eyelets. It makes a lot more sense. I love this channel so much and appreciate how easy you make it to learn and identify areas of improvement in our own work. Keep up the great work (at your pleasure, of course)!!

[@michelamartino5439]

The finished corset is absolutely gorgeous, your skills are really impressive! You made that tabs binding so easy even if I bet it was not. Amazing job!

[@MorganDonner]

I thought it was going to be much harder than it ended up being, for which I am most grateful!

[@uniquely.mediocre1865]

I'm in love with the stays. I absolutely love mid 17th century fashion. If you were to make a gown to go with, would it be the simplistic middle class and first class, or the over-the-top court fashion. I would love to show you a drawing I made of the court fashion. The pose doesn't make sense for the dress but the dress itself (I think) turned out wonderfully

[@ThemisMorze]

Your thread burying method has me looking like the Pikachu meme with my mouth hanging open. *I'm not worthy!*

[@MorganDonner]

Everyone is worthy of learning new sewing tricks! ❤

[@melissapatterson3218]

Came in a year later to say the same thing 🤓

[@theexchipmunk]

@@MorganDonner Funny thing is, I came up with something similar because I hate doing knots. So all my Garments are generally done without a single knot. I just do two loops and then stitch through following by burying the tread. It holds just as well as a knot. Well it technically is, but its not fiddling with threads trying to tie them of. But then again, I am also one of these masochists who sew EVERYTHING by hand. I do not even own a sewing machine. :D

[@BionicBear88]

I want to say something eloquent to express my admiration and sheer awe of this project, but unfortunately the only phrase my brain can process is, "Damn, girl! You talented!" 💗

[@ReignBeauofTerror]

Okay, but I really appreciate you showing your mistakes, whether it's uneven stitching or cutting a piece on the wrong grain. I've been getting back into sewing after more than a decade, and struggling to regain my old skill. It's really helpful to see people with experience aren't perfect! Thank you 💖

[@janicejohnson2168]

You can tell you are an expert taylor/seamstress. I watched you closely and your hand sewing was excellent. Not too many people would even know how to stitch binding or a hem. Bravo on your work.

[@emolorin1070]

I looooooove this so much! I've been working on my own stays for approximately forever, and this video series has finally gave me the inspiration to finish them off! Your stays look so, so good and I'm in awe at your patience and dedication to recreation-accuracy. I've learnt so many little tricks from your series and it's made my sewing life so much better. Thank you again :D (also your doggo's appearance made my day -- my cat does exactly the same thing with demanding pats while I sew!)

[@MorganDonner]

I am so glad! :D I love hearing that my videos help out other sewing people!

[@aomalley1991]

@@MorganDonner Incredible workwomenship Truly inspiring 🤯🤯🤯

[@TatyanaValdaBelindaHill]

Your style of teaching is so clear and helpful! :] It really helps that you address 'small', specific details I always have difficulty with and am not confident enough with as a mainly self-taught and not very experienced sewer... like that you used a pen instead of chalk and explaining how you finished the thread ends (even burying the thread, but not making a knot). Everything. Thank you xx

[@mattynoonan4428]

I know you’re your own worst critic, I do that all the time too when I’m sewing, but you are being a bit picky, haha. That looks AMAZING! I do a lot of hand beading and fine detailed work, I love it, but that was intense. All that hand sewing and channel sewing was amazing. I can see you loved doing it. And it looks great. Excellent job. It makes me want to make one.

[@anniesearle6181]

My however many times great grandfather was a stays maker in the early/mid 17th century. Maybe that's why I like sewing, embroidery and braiding etc so much!

[@MissKikkiKat]

"Mum, I are lap pupper" Doggos probably.

[@jennhill8708]

Oh, my goodness! I'm drooling all over my phone! LOVE the trim! Oh, my word, I'm utterly GREEN! WANT WANT WANT! & I want those wee clip things!

[@crypticwestwind876]

"What's a little 45 degrees shenanigans gonna hurt?" *The back seam of my walking skirt* _Heheheheheheh_

[@SalaiDjinn]

Dear Morgan, this is beautiful. I quite enjoyed watching this tutorial. Your voice is calming and you just helped me overcome my own struggle with my new project. I'll be sewing a 1780s justaucorps and haven't had the motivation to start. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@ginginnums4675]

I absolutley love the interludes where the Puppies are interupting for attention. The reality of sewing with pets.

[@SeithonJetter]

Hey, so I love watching artisans at work, and youtube usually sends me to metal working folks, which is hella interesting :D but I got to say your work is just as awesome and interesting to watch :D so thanks!

[@NeuroSpicyVlog]

This is one of the most gorgeous corsets I've ever seen.

[@NamiSparrow]

Quarantine at home has me wanting to make this corset XD but in Anne Boleyn inspired green~!

[@juliettedemaso7588]

Swoon! These colors! And Few things are so satisfying as laying rows and rows of beautiful neat boning channels; except when they’re in deeply contrasting threads/fabrics like this, so one can gawk even at great distances! 🥰 Boning a bodice makes me feel like I’m actually capable of straight lines and symmetry.. 😁

[@desdeathray6741]

You are such an inspiration!! I just started my foray into historical sewing projects and your videos and level of mastery give me something to keep pushing towards! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@MorganDonner]

You are too kind!! 😭😭

[@larasif2852]

I usually skip ahead when I’m bored (which happens a lot) but I didn’t even skip a second! You are amazing! I’m starting design school and binging a bunch of your videos!

[@BronBronishere]

This is the first video of your's I've watched (I know I should have watched the 2 earlier ones first) You showed me so many useful tricks and solutions to problems I've confronted, but couldn't find the words to describe the problems and look them up that I instantly hit that subscribe button. Keep up the great work!!

[@jdorbon]

Amazing work. Especially how you sewed all those channels without marking guides on the fabric first. They are so straight and uniform!!

[@sarawrr07]

I loved this video. I'm not a sewer, nor do I wear historical dress, but I really enjoy these sorts of videos and your style is so relaxing and informative. I then got incredibly overexcited because you have a greyhound! I dedicate my life to these fantastic creatures and have two retired racers myself. Imagine my delight, then, when you showed another one... and I'm not even at the end of the video yet! You've certainly gained a new subscriber today 😍

[@annapasdepubencommentaire1751]

This corset is so beautiful!!!

[@katlady5000]

First off cool video I wish I could make clothes this well. On your project the boning channels are so close the presser foot works. But at 4:30 when I machine quilt I use painter's tape as a guide and sew in-between the two pieces of tape. It ensures I get a nice straight line of sewing right where I want it. The painter's tape doesn't leave a sticky film. I thought it might be helpful for you or your viewers in future projects. I love to sew diagonal lines on my quilts. My painter tape guides keep each row nicely spaced and straight. I love your final project. I'm working to improve my clothing sewing skills. 12:50 I can confirm we quilters use the "wonder clips" this way. I love those clips. :)

[@maryinfante9090]

Beautiful work! I love this style of clothing. You, my dear, are fantastically talented. Your 4 footed assistant is a wonderful little distraction as well. 😃

[@jeannechapman2696]

So lovely. All the tiny precise stitching. As a Virgo, appreciate the detail and beauty of the end product. Good job!

[@91evilmay]

GREYHOUND!!!! Oh and amazing corset too =D

[@RockstarPriestess]

Oh wow I loved this! So beautiful, the colour, the boning.....!!!!! I love ole time stays sooooo muuuuccchhh

[@ElizabethJones-pv3sj]

It's amazing to watch the recreation it was so cool to come across your KZbin channel. I followed your LiveJournal back in the early 2000s but never got around to either using disabling my account but every year it sends me an email telling me to wish you happy birthday😁

[@haveanicedayiguess]

I don’t _think_ I wrote a comment back when I was working on it, but this video helped me a bunch when working on my own pair of 1790’s stays! Especially with binding the edges, since I’m not sure I would have managed the tabs quite as well as I did without having seen you mush a bunch of ribbon up in those tight corners first. Thank you very much for this video! (and all of your videos tbqh, they are time well-spent every time I watch one!)

[@SimpleDesertRose]

Where is the love button? Those came out so beautifully ❤❤ thank you for doing so much of the with the machine. Now I dont feel so guilty about using mine so much. I just dont have the time or patience for that much hand sewing. I'm planning on making some stays and a new dress for the local Renaissance fair. Your videos are so inspiring and incredibly helpful. It's just a shame that your stays will be covered up with a dress. They are so pretty, you could wear them as a bodice by themselves. ❤

[@janemaskell2281]

Oh this is so beautiful. And such sewing work. Love it love it. Now to go and see Bernadette 's corset. Two in one day I feel so blessed. And I love the dog he wanted his human so much.

[@MorganDonner]

They are good good pups ❤💕

[@bowtiemenswearllc7945]

Nice work and it looks vintage with a modern style

[@GOGOSLIFE]

What a job! Wow! I wouldn`t have the patience for all that hand sewing. You do a wonderful job on everything, I`d hate to imagine the mess i`d make, lol! It`s very interesting to watch the process, thank you.

[@lorenzalo6534]

Amazing! Love the video! Quick tip to skip the pain of threading the needle twice when you want to get both threads on the same side of the project: Let's say you want the threads on the under side of your project, pull that thread a little until a loop appears through the fabric (with the thread from the other side you can see that little loop at 4:49) put your needle through the loop and pull, pulling through the thread from the other side and you end up with both top and bottom thread on the same side. ;) I hope you know what I mean.

[@TheVelvetKitten]

It is so so stunning and I loved the doggy "help" …. :) Just not enough words to describe how well it turned out and how talented you are!

[@GarnetBanzai]

You and the lovely Bernadette Banner have inspired me to make a project I've been terrified to make- I was also inspired by the 2015 move The Witch, and want to make a period-accurate stay. I love this stay so, so much, but I wonder if it'd be appropriate for a 1630 Puritan. My thoughts for this character (that I would wear to festivals and such) is that she is a Scottish who travels with the Puritans, only to distance herself from them as soon as possible to practice her craft in solitude of the undiscovered (by white people, anyway) woods. Anyway, story aside - for this costume, the stay would be exposed with no kind of cover, and be made with a solid reddish-brown color, with gold stitching on the holes and border, which would be an obvious rebellion against the strict fashion rules of the Puritans. But I wonder- is this stay one that might have been worn in 1630?

[@MorganDonner]

That's so exciting! I hope you have a lot of fun making your character's outfit! 1630 is slightly on the early side for these stays, but not by much! Earlier analysis of the extant garment thought that it may have been from as early as 1620, so if this is what you want to make, go for it! If you haven't picked up Patterns of Fashion 5 yet, definitely do so, its such a good resource.

[@GarnetBanzai]

Morgan Donner Thank you so much!! I got my fabric swatches today, and when the next paycheck gets here, I’m ordering the book! I’ve never made a corset or stay before, so why not just jump right into a super complicated one LOL - thanks again!

[@Bananadiva1]

I'm addicted to your videos. They're always so clear and so enjoyable to watch. They're also incredibly inspiring! Keep up the good work!

[@elizabethm7833]

I really adore this tutorial, thank you! And I also have a greyhound and completely feel the toddler-esque need for attention from him whenever I start sewing :P

[@The_Simstress]

Who the heck says they could have done this better? That person needs to re-evaluate their life choices. Why say such a thing? This is GORGEOUS!!! It is amazing work by ANY measure.

[@EphanyasisOwleyes]

I have to wear a corset to help hold my spine together every day I always wanted to know how to make one thank you.

[@maxcrimson3720]

OK, but like, my Patterns of Fashion 5 just came in and I can't wait to make my own version of some of these stays! You're recreation is absolutely gorgeous!

[@moiragreyland]

You are a remarkable artisan. This corset is stunning.

[@tokyos7459]

Oh wow. Absolutely stunningly beautiful.

[@kiarakeeper2154]

A mazing! New sub from me. You tube has been trying to get me to watch this for about a week now. But I knew this was a 3 part series and I didn't have the time till today to watch all three. Love love love your video style. You do really make it look so easy but at the same time still just as daunting as I'm sure it actually is. It's like an effortless struggle... If that makes sense. And I enjoyed it. I habe extra time so I'm going to look through the rest of your video collection and see what other wonderful things you make that I will want to do but probably never get to.

[@lulumoon9]

This is gorgeous and adorable! I love the contrasty colors, and all of your wonderful tips, especially the one about binding the inner portion of the tabs! I have tried and failed on that bit of binding more than once - now perhaps success is within reach.

[@fotostudiomadam]

Wow, what a project.. The amount of work you had to put into creating this corset must have been soooooo many hours!! Wonderfully done!!

[@mellisartandcrafts]

I cheated and watched the video allready :D Again: I love it, it turned out amazing!

[@casandrahampton376]

You're so wonderful; I'm glad I found you. The matching red ribbon in the shirt sleeves was so nice! I was afriad for you for a sec because close up, the gores and the main body of the piece look so different because of all of the stitching, but it looked so nice when you put it on! So that's awesome! I love that you ended up layering the trim and how you credited your patrons; that's such a nice touch! Cheers!

[@amyhannon3034]

WOW those stays are stunning. I will say, when I first flipped through patterns of fashion 5, this was the first piece that took my breath away, so I am so ecstatic to watch you do it in Real Life!

[@myangelina100]

WOW!!! That looks amazing! Beautiful colors too. Great job!! ❤

[@bjbarden2070]

Beautiful..i still don't understand how women wore all these undergarments and overgargents. Especially in the southern colonies!

[@loristrout4741]

That was why Women Had "The Vapers" now thought to be Fibromyalgia/Fatigue Syndrome.

[@achanwahn]

@@loristrout4741 It didn't help that when your fight or flight reflex kicks in, you need to be able to breath deeper to get enough oxygen to your racing heart.

[@FabulousCthulhu]

lots of fabrice were made of linen, cotton, and wool so yes, while warmer due to the layers, they're breathable fabrics

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

@@FabulousCthulhu & @B J Barden & @Lori Strout There were no artificial fabrics before the latter half of the 19th c, so it was more an issue of the weight (more depending on the fabric choices; a brocade with gold embroidery is likely going to be heavier than the average linen, as well as possibly stiffer), rather than heat- & the 17th c was part of 'the Little Ice Age, so the layers might have been more beneficial to them. Another KZbinr, Izabel, has the channel *PriorAttire* - she has a series on 'busting corset myths' & such; though these are stays, the predecessor of corsets- & she's busting the myths in Victorian-era dress, but it holds up for this time, too. Seriously, give her a watch; I love Morgan, Bernadette & Izabel equally!

[@amandakumher3822]

Also keep in mind that this was historically accurate in the 1600s, there were even more layers later than this

[@flagerdevil]

wow, that's so beautiful! Not in a million years would I be doing a sewing project that big! 😁

[@GrainneDhu]

Oh my! What a gorgeous corset! I usually don't like sewing with self threading needles (Clover makes one version) but for a project like burying a gazillion thread ends, I find them quite handy. Just pop the thread through the micro-pinchy thing and it's good to go for just a few stitches.

[@IsabelleNeu]

Thank you so much for this video which allowed me to make the most complex piece I have ever made in sewing. It is practical, well done and super complete. I learned so much and it saved me a lot of mistakes. The result is just well above my expectations, I didn't think I would be able to do it. Thanks again :)

[@lanas.2129]

Your video came through my feed and I decided to watch it. I love corsets so much and this is by far one of the best demonstrations I have seen in a great while. The intricate detailing was so on point. I love seeing replicas of pieces made. I enjoyed this so much I decided to subscribe.

[@MorganDonner]

Welcome to the channel!

[@devetakhii]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! Based on your steps I managed to sew my own version. Would never make it without you! Please consider creating more 17c pieces 😊

[@5amisntlate]

the pinchy claws are definitely used by quilters! My mum has so many of them lol & she gave me a few for holding my sewing without have to use pins. They have their pros and cons - they're much easier to remove as you sew with a machine, and they tend to distort the fabric less, but because of the bulk they can get in the way. sometimes pins are better but sometimes clips are better.

[@functionoflightone]

You did an amazing job and your dogs made me smile.

[@speedbully_84]

Incredibly impressive! Just wow!

[@rosehale7000]

Fantastic! I learn so much watching your vids - thank you! Love way you figured out how to bind the cut out tabs, especially the bit at the top of the cut. I don’t think I would have thought of the “scrunch it up” method. Again - thank you!

[@debbielough7754]

Gorgeous job on these stayes. For future reference, when you're using petersham ribbon (which you were here, the 'sawtooth' edge is what distinguishes it from normal grosgrain), when you're ironing it, you can add a curve to it with a little steam and some pulling. It might help to reduce the bunching at the tab slits if you ever need to do something similar again.

[@RosyRosie42]

I can’t begin to express how much I would absolutely L O V E to make this ... but my patience would wear out within the first half hour 🤦🏼‍♀️ Gorgeous! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Grace_x68]

Masterpiece! This is so beautiful. I love the fact that you made a masterpiece and still like and leave a nice comment on other costubers stays. You actually do more for the trade than anyone else have.

[@poissonCHA1]

stumbled on this video by chance, but I must say, I'm thrilled I watched it ! such a beautiful piece of work, and what dedication / patience / passion you have ! its freaking amazing !!

[@1sissaree]

Oh my!!! That is sooooo beautiful! You did a wonderful job!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥰

[@margaretmyres5626]

Looks great I wouldn't worry too much about the off bits you pointed out. I wouldn't notice them don't think many others would either. Love the silver over the gold on the trim. I have pinchy claws because I mainly quilt. One day I'll get the courage up to try something easier then this lol

[@paulabrown702]

Wow, you have to be happy with your creation, such talent and patience, just stunning, beautiful and totally enjoyable to watch you create, Px

[@amandawilliams2266]

Beautiful piece and you look amazing in it . Great job Morgan

[@kayleenfeher4341]

Awww your puppy loves you. :) I think your stays are gorgeous. :) I wish I had the time, patience, and talent to sew like that.

[@aymiewalshe982]

I just found you and know that I'll be watching so much more...partly because your work is lovely but also...greyhounds! My own tall girl looks very much like your white and brindle.❤️

[@sheleia66]

This video was such a pleasure to watch. I love the look of this project!! It's gorgeous and looks very much like the extant piece

[@tellyfields2939]

This is absolutely lovely. And just so you know you are not alone, my Belgian Malinois does the same thing to me when he decides there has been enough sewing and not enough petting LOL

[@ndrva]

what a good morning iv had waking up to all these corset videos :) also people couldnt have done better, only different.. im so impressed with the fit after so little altering!

[@MorganDonner]

I was lucky, the original stays pattern from POF5 was actually nearly perfect, just needed it to be a little bigger for my ample self 😉

[@Lunishta]

Hopefully my adventures in "stay" making will turn out as lovely as yours. I have recently acquired my reed boning, satin ribbon, and i have begun seam ripping my unfinished working mock up that i used for Samhain. Thus far it is incredibly comfortable and reduces my chest size as well as my gc2b binder without the chest/rib pain!

[@Elemiriel]

What a cute mushroom at the end! Also, BEAUTIFUL garment!

[@d34d50ul]

Absolutely stunning! I've started watching your videos (binging, to be exact) while working on my own projects! It's like a little work group to "have you around" as a sewing friend :-) Thanks for teaching me how to do eyelets and finger loop braiding! And also you made me appreciate a good ol' hand seem (I used to avoid that, but now I am converted!)! Keep up the awesome projects, it is so inspiring to see your work and always gets me in the mood to do new and old things!

[@narahkimberlyartist8755]

Wow! Very impressive! I love your patience, attention to detail and fascination with historical details like the ink on the fabric. :)

[@moniquemikus1844]

Those lil clippy things are amazing!!!!!

[@sEaSoNaLMiLk]

God I’ve been craving hand binding a quilt for months.... I just don’t want to make the quilt top 🤣 Watching you bind those tabs with mitered corners was so satisfying!!

[@mothastrud]

This looks so good, I could never create something this beautiful.

[@lightinthedark9984]

The corset came out beautiful, And I love your curls. I just found your channel about a week ago, And have been watching a lot. Keep up the great work.

[@jandipeach]

Beautiful garment and amazing techniques. Thank you for sharing this.

[@montyollie]

WOW this is absolutely fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing the process!

[@PasoMerLegs]

Stunning! You make it look so easy. Well done!

[@stancexpunks]

Lol the doggy asking for pets was so cute

[@elenar4543]

I love your work and the doggie helping you!

[@sheri3108]

Beautiful work, and your dogs are fantastic. Your handwork is just fantastic!

[@cassim.9921]

Absolutely beautiful! those buttonholes are so beautiful! The finished piece is so beautiful and impressive! Someday I will tackle my own stays... someday.

[@Space_Ace2000]

What an amazing job! If i had to pick a profession in the 17th century I think I would have liked to be a seamstress. This just looks so satisfying to make, though hand stitching all that would probably take forever...

[@estelledesigns]

They turned out beautifully! That trick to finish of the threads for the boning channels is genius! Btw you look like Constance from the BBC TV show The Musketeers in this costume!