I'm about to undergo my first big sewing project and have decided to make a bodice/corset like thing. I know it's not a true corset so I shall now on refer to it as 'it.' It is not Renaissance related but I don't know who else to turn to. I've tried craftster and though I only just recently posted it would seem that not a lot of people frequent the area I had to post my question in.
I am on a very tight budget so this is where fabric becomes an issue. I would like for it to be sturdy but I don't want to use expensive fabric. I was thinking of maybe going out and buying a satin sheet for the outer layer but then what could I use for the inner layer(s)? Also, I'll be using zip/cable ties for this and am not sure which I should get. Any and all help is appreciated.
Do you have any photos that are close to what you are wanting to make?
That will help us advise you on what you might need and any surprises that might turn up.
As you said this is your first sewing project I would say not to use satin, it can be hard to work with. If you have any local fabric stores check and see if they are running any sales or have coupons. For the inner layers you do want something sturdy, a heavy weight twill or duck or canvas depending on what you can find, and the style of the corset/bodice/it you are wanting to make. The use of zip ties or the bigger thicker duct ties again depends on the style of what you are going to make and what you want it to do.
The good news is that bodice/corset-things don't require very much fabric at all! Depending on your size, you'll need about a yard each of an outer fabric and an inner fabric. You can find great pieces in the remnants. I just made a corset from one layer of cotton canvas (about $6/yard at Hobby Lobby), and one layer of linen damask ($10/yard, bought online). And these are what I would consider "moderately expensive" fabrics, for me. Just under $16 for the fabric--not too bad! I've also used corduroy, tapestry... and the first bodice I ever purchased had one layer of quilting cotton (I don't actually recommend that, but it worked OK).
There is a really good thread on cable ties here, maybe a couple of pages back--but FWIW, you want really sturdy ones (see here (http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/4707019/282367920.jpg).) The ones I buy are Malco brand from Home Depot, 175lb tensile strength (this may not be marked on the package, and you may have to go with whatever is available at your hardware store).
Good luck! We here at RF.com *lurve* bodice-corset-thingies! ;D
Something along the lines of these (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bfR3t2Dp7ro/ScEi17w3ZrI/AAAAAAAAAGA/-kpmexuEq4c/s400/green+ft.jpg) two (http://media.photobucket.com/image/overbust%20corset/sexystuffAU/Corsets/EB_10074_50da0.jpg). I'll actually be using this (http://shinyshiny.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/diy-corset-tut-1/)tutorial for the pattern but I'll extend it up to go over my bust. I'll be using eyelet tape since I found some for really cheap. I've only got 2 fabric stores in a close enough distance where gas prices don't become a big problem but both aren't all that great with their stock. I'll check them both but it's likely that I wont find much. I did read about some woman who used heavy curtains for her's and was thinking I would probably just do that if I can't find anything else. Would that be work okay? I'll check out the hardware stores this week.
Since it sounds like you haven't done a whole lot of sewing, I'm going to recommend you start with a muslin mockup of the pattern (to make sure it fits) BEFORE you cut into any expensive fabric. You can use an old sheet for this if you don't want to buy mockup fabric.
I'm not familiar with the more Victorian-esque corsets that curve over the hips and cinch in the waist (Ren corsets are nicely straight up-and-down), so I'm not sure if you can use cable ties for that, or if you need steel. Others can advise you better there.
Curtains should be fine. Basically what you want is something densely woven, so the stretch is minimal and the bones won't work through the fabric. You might also check thrift/second-hand shops for old sheets/curtains/tableclothes/etc. *I* never have any luck with them, but I know people find great bargains on amazing stuff there all the time.
I'll definitely be doing a mock up first. I've looked at other Victorian-esque corsets that women have done on their own and one says that cable ties worked well. Though I also read about a woman using floral wire so I'll have to experiment and just see what works. When it comes to sheets and curtains the thrift store near me is pretty good so that's where I'll be going for the fabric of both the actual corset and the mock up. I've got a pretty good idea for all this so I should be good. Now I have to go out and actually get the fabric.
That green one looks mighty like the TV110 corset pattern. I did one of those recently. The results are on Live Journal:
http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1533242.html
http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1536267.html
http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1538808.html#cutid1
http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1554433.html#cutid1
http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1557296.html
http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1559992.html
http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1561090.html
http://community.livejournal.com/corsetmakers/1575365.html
Step by step, with comments.
It really is worth worth joining Live Journal for this group alone. LOTS of special people with centuries worth of corseting experience, both amateur and professional, through the ages. And generous with help and comments