Sofi's Stiches Corset

[Rowan MacD]

  Does anyone have one of these, and is it good for use under gowns?   I have examined them in the booth at KCRF and they are very well boned.  They are sold as underwear/outerwear on The Tudor shoppe site.
  They don't come in white or natural colors.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Seldom have I made a corset in colors other than in a White or Cream Brodacloth on the outside with a design. That's because then the corset feels more like an undegarment than an outer one. Well boned of course.



It was a few years ago, I did a reversable Corset for a client that was made to be worn as an OUTSIDE garment, as if it were a Bodice without straps.

gem made a lovely corset that she wore as an outer garment. The pink one wirh black bias finish.

[bellalye]

My friend owns and wears the corset you mentioned.  She is a cast member at TRF, here is a pic of her fully garbed with the corset underneath

[gem]

Rowen, if you look at their Underpinnings page, you'll see that they do intend it to be worn as underwear (although, paradoxically, the majority of Sofi's gowns don't call for a corset!).

I don't own their corset, but I've tried it on, and it's definitely well-constructed! It should last pretty much forever. That said, IMO it's pretty pricey for a corset. My custom-made corset from Castle Garden Creations was, IIRC, only $90.

THAT said, I can vouch for the quality of Sofi's items; Milord and I own several, and they are beautifully made (although I do tend to think their bodices could use more boning).

ALL OF THAT said  , there is a real advantage to having a corset that's not just white, and that is what you've already figured out: it works as outerwear, too, for those wenchy days! My corset (as everybody probably knows) is bright pink linen damask... and it's a good thing, because it's heading into its third season and I STILL haven't made a gown to wear OVER it!

My only caveat here is to watch for bleeding/dye transfer; I have a purchased bodice (from a different vendor) that's lined in black cotton twill, and some of the dye has rubbed off on my chemise. A white corset won't do that, obviously.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Which is why I use a Drapery lining or heavier Quilter's weight Broadcloth for the inside layer of corsets because they are meant to be worn with Chemises as Undergaments. That eliminates "bleeding" of dyes in fabrics from getting on Chemises when one sweats a lot.

[Rowan MacD]

   I went ahead and ordered the SS corset in Navy, and it arrived this morning.  I had wanted one of these for years and it was on my wedding wish list 4 years ago.  Fits like a dream, Though I will need to change out the lacing (hate that thin cording she supplies).
  I also have a Castle Gardens corset. The front busk on the CG corset is much wider, but the SS has more boning. The tabs will also better keep my bumroll in place, and it is much heavier than the CG.   Dye bleeding is not an issue for the outer dress, since I will wearing it with a black velveteen. Under the corset,  I will be wearing a semi fitted muslin chemise that I never wear as outerwear, so I don't worry about any stains.
  I had originally wanted one of these for wench gear, now I can use it for both  .
  I have a number of Sofi items, mostly skirts and petticoats, as well as 4 bodices and a Ren Shirt.   They were some of the first garb I ever bought and I still use them.  They are very well made, and wash well too.
   Between Likly Lotus and Sofi, just about all my basic commoner garb is from those two sources.

     

[gem]

Oh, YAY! I'm glad you went for it. I think four years is probably long enough to know you really wanted it.    Enjoy!

[Rowan MacD]

  Thanks Gem!  It was pricey, but it was worth it.  It should last me a long time.