So I am almost finished with my upper class garb. Right now I am using an old shoe string to lace the bodice! :D I put in large brass grommets with the intentions of covering them which will make the hole considerably smaller. For those of you with upper/noble garb what do you use to lace it up? Pictures would be very helpful! Thank you!
Although my garb is of a lower class, I am also curious. I used to use ribbon, but that stretches. I just recently purchased some what I think is called rattail chord? Its fairly slippery, but much stronger.
I think most of mine are flat boot laces that came with the bodices. I have also used a cotton blend cord I buy by the spool at Joann's, similar to this: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/zoomImagedetail.jsp?PRODID=6828370&imageType=m&itemType=sku (http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/zoomImagedetail.jsp?PRODID=6828370&imageType=m&itemType=sku)
It's inexpensive, holds up pretty well, doesn't seem to stretch, and I wrap black electrical tape around the tips to create makeshift aglets.
Shoe laces. :-) I use the really long rounded black boot laces for most of my garb. I did finally make some cord (lucet-ish) but shoe laces are cheap, easy to find, and have yet to break on me.
Ii find using decorator cording from Hobby Lobby works best, finished off with gold bolo tips so that the cord doesn't fray.
Same as Lady K. Decorator cord. I have tried rat-tail when I couldn't find the color of decorator cord that matched. But that did break on the second lacing.
I use braided cotton/rayon ice skate laces. Mostly I use black and white, but the skate laces come in a variety of colors so I can occasionally match the fabric. (http://www.usaskates.com/figureskatelaces.html)
These are sturdy and stay tied, which seemed to be a problem with cords and ribbons.
DonaCatalina
Thats the best idea I've heard all year!!! I love using shoelaces but I have a hard time finding them long enough. Too cool!
I couldn't get the decorator cord to stay in a knot.
I generally use the decorator cord (and really like it) but it is too big for the holes on this one, at least without having to really shove it in.
I was considering boot laces but was afraid they looked too modern. Besides metal tips how do you cover the ends and still be able to lace? I typically melt the ends of the cording with a lighter to prevent fraying. ;D
I use a special hikers bow to keep things tied. I have NEVER had one come undone. Basically you tie a regular shoe bow but double the first knot (loops thru) and double the around the rabbit ear. :D
raevyncait I have that same cord. I was thinking about using it. Thanks.
I use this stuff thats basically round non slick shoelaces on a spool of like 9 yards. That way I can cut it to just the right length.I buy it at walmart and have yet to see it anywhere else. Sadly my walmart has remodeled ad doesnt have a full size craft section anymore...I just buy walmart out of it everytime I go visit my parents.I'd link to it but walmart's website doesnt have it either, since they arent carrying it in the new/remodeled stores...as for aglets I use either bolo tips or black electrical tape, if I can't find aglets of any kind...For some reason aglets are hard to find in denton.
I bought spare bodice laces at Moresca! only $1 each! AHHH Moresca!
I use some sort of cotton or cotton blend cord. The synthetic stuff just wouldn't stay tied for me.
To keep the ends from fraying, I whip them. If I REALLY want to make sure they stay, I coat them in clear nail polish afterwards.
Instructions here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_whipping
It has to be cotton or a blend that 'sticks' to itself. Sometimes I will get a bodice that has the nylon cord stuff. I get rid of it right away, since it won't stay tied, even when locklaced, and slips around a lot.
I know this sounds weird, but if you have laces that won't stay where you put them, the bodice won't fit well.
I use decorator cording or good strong shoe laces.
OO..i too like the idea of skate laces. Good suggestion.
My Mum and I use boot laces, they are cheap and cheerful and if your in a pinch they can be found at wally world