Projects: Julia's corset

So around Halloween me and a colleague (Julia, head of lighting) where planning to go to a party.
Now I had my costume all worked out. But I surprised Julia by making her a custom corset for said event. It took me about two full days to make the corset. It was mostly made of stiff cotton with the outer fabric being wool. The wool fabric was cut on the bias (e.g. diagonally on the fabric). the corset was partially covered with rhinestones and boned throughout.

Here are two pictures of the corset mid production.
(Note the mannequin in the back, It's wearing my muslin version of my winter coat. more later)

And Julia showing off the corset onboard the Les Mis tourbus.

Double loop knot

A double loop knot is a very simple and easy way of tying a knot. It´s also stronger and more flat than the single loop knot.

1. Insert the needle in the fabric. bring it up and out after a few threads.
2. Stick the needle through the fabric once more at the same point as before. Bring it up and out again at the exact same point where it came up the first time.
3. pull tight.
4. Repeat step 2 and 3.
5. The knot is finished.

Single loop knot

A single loop knot is the most common way to permanently knot a thread to fabric.

1. Tie a simple knot in your thread (overhand knot) and insert the needle in the fabric. bring it up and out after a few threads.
2. Stick the needle through the fabric once more at the point of the knot. Bring it up and out again at the exact same point where it came up before.
3. Pull tight. The knot is finished.

Slip knot

The slipknot is a temporary knot which is used if you temporary want to sew two pieces of fabric together, I also use it on temporary stitches when marking lines on a pattern piece.
When you pull the end of the thread the knot will come undone.

1. Make an ´e´ loop lying on top of the end of your thread.
2. Pull the underlying thread through the ´e´without pulling the end through.
3. Pull the knot tight.

The Slip knot is now finished. if you pull the short end of your thread the knot will come undone.

Hand sewing introduction

Okay, before we can start machine sewing, you need to be familiar with basic hand sewing techniques. All of these are still used when making clothing or in basic sewing, as well as embroidery etc. I know it is tempting to start out with a project like a skirt, jacket or pillow. but let's just get out feet wet before we start swimming.

If you're a novice to sewing I suggest you try out these stitches and knots for yourself so you can get familiar with them.

Note: Most of the hand embroidery techniques photographs are done on embroidery gauze with embroidery thread. This to make it clearer on the photographs. Normal sewing thread will be much thinner.

Hi I'm Mr. Seamstress.

I said i'd never do it, but i'm finally a blogger.
And so i would like to welcome you all to it.
You may have already noticed that it is entitled Mr. Seamstress,
which is exactly what I am. A man who enjoyes sewing.
Hell, it the only thing I really can do!
And this blog will be about (surprise surprise) sewing!

Okay, so why a blog about sewing.
Well to me it seems there is a lot of information out there, but it's all very scattered and a lot is unclear
to my knowledge there isn't a single site that gives you all the clear info on sewing, with good photographs, instructions and drawings.
And a site wich is usable either for the people who are just starting out sewing, or for the more experienced sewer.
Now I don't expect this humble blog to become the answer to this void on the internet.
But maybe it can help to fill in a small niche.

And on another note, if you'd like to know more about me, check out my profile.

Well, I don't think i'm really good with these introductions,
so less typing and more sewing!