Calling all Wenches, help me out!

[Jademozingo]

Hey, what kind of bodice/corset do you prefer?  Any recomended vendors or patterns?  I'm working on my wench gear for this year and need some advice!

Jade

[Betty Munro]

Moresca!  I can't afford a real one, but I have a pirated pattern of their pirate bodice.
There are fairly recent threads that have discussed both patterns and vendors for bodices, you might be able to find a TON of info already commented on ... (I am not any good at the search function, but I remember reading them in the last few months).
If you use a pattern, just be sure to measure yourself and compare to their size chart.  I thought I was a size 10/12, but in pattern size based on my actual measurements I was an 18/20.

[LadyShadow]

Here is there are members talking about moresca's bodices.   You might find it useful. 

http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=7864.0

As well as taking a while, but if you search or look through the forums there has been a lot of talk about who is good to get what from.  As well as some members of the forum do make corsets/bodices for others.

[Rin]

I got one of mine from Renaissance Fashions - Corsets and other wonders.
I'm wearing it in my icon, though it's hardly visible. It's held up great for the last three years.

[Joyce "Delfinia DuSwallow" Howard]

To buy. . I love Moresca        To have custom made. . .Lady Kathleen of Olmstead is the go to lady,she does wonderful work.

[Bonny Pearl]

If you are looking to purchase:


Moresca:  As you can see they are a favorite among many here.

Crimson Gypsy:  Crimson Gypsy is based out of NY.  I really like a bodice I bought from her back when I was starting my garb collection.  Prices are reasonable and the fabrics are nice.

Damsel in this Dress:  She has some great items as well.  I have a pirate coat from her and love it.

You can easily find these vendors via google.

Happy hunting!

[Ambrosine]

Bonny: Thanks for all those vendors, I'm still new at the corset stuff as I typically go more fantasy. I bought my first corset two years ago and don't even remeber who the maker is since it does not have tags. All of those you listed had very nice corsets and Damsel in Dress seems very reasonably priced!

[lady serena]

I recommend Devlin with Odd Bodkin, she makes all kinds of bodices and other ren clothing. She is a wonderful person to work with and she also has a lay-away program. Her is her website. http://www.oddbodkin.com/

[RumbaRue]

I won't mention the name, but while the bodices are nice, the underarm situation is horrible and way too high.
I have some other bodices I bought from some vendors with the very same problem. It hurts under my arms and rubs badly to the point I can't wear them anymore. I'll be selling them at the next event I go to.
So make sure the bodice you buy or make doesn't have that problem. I know other gals who have had the same problem with bought bodices.

[Betty Munro]

If you have experienced an issue, I don't think it is in bad character to name names.  It gives others the opportunity to ensure their fit is better, and make a point to be on the lookout.  As long as the complaint is specific and not just something like ... "such and such" sucks.  You've been specific, and it could simply be an individual fit issue.  Name names ... do tell ...

[Bonny Pearl]

I recommend Devlin with Odd Bodkin, she makes all kinds of bodices and other ren clothing. She is a wonderful person to work with and she also has a lay-away program. Her is her website. http://www.oddbodkin.com/

I just looked at their site and saw they are moving to Houston.  I am in the Houston area.  YAY a (soon to be) local vendor! 

Already have some pieces in mind lol. 

[Bonny Pearl]

Bonny: Thanks for all those vendors, I'm still new at the corset stuff as I typically go more fantasy. I bought my first corset two years ago and don't even remeber who the maker is since it does not have tags. All of those you listed had very nice corsets and Damsel in Dress seems very reasonably priced!

You're welcome!  I hate shopping for clothes but garb is a whole other ball game!   I can shop for garb for days on end lol.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

For Custom:  Lady Kathleen of Olmsted.  Her attention to detail is exquisite, and you're bodice will have a perfect fit.  You can choose your material and you will look stunning.

For Off the Rack:  I love my 3 Pendragon suede and tooled leather bodices.  The customer service is excellent.  I am hoping to purchase a Moresca when we go to Scarby, at least I plan to look and see if something cries out to me "take me home with you!"

I purchased an Odd Bodkin bodice and really liked the service and the bodice.  But I don't feel it is in the same class as the others I mentioned above.  Having said that, it costs a lot less, and it really is good value for the money.  I lost weight and it was too big for me, and this was the loaner bodice for my friends until I finally sold it to someone else whom it fit better.

[ladylissame]

I also say OddBodkin (we are missing her when she moved to TX...)
We had her make our entire wedding party's outfits and they turned out incredible. I have back issues so I have to have custom bodices made because I'm lopsided.

[TheAlchemistsStar]

I have about 15 or so corsets from Damsel in this Dress (www.damselinthisdress.etsy.com) and several skirts.  My pirate corsets are my faves and Michelle (DITD owner/operator/seamstress) is always happy to work with you to create exactly what you want.  I purchased my first corset/sleeve/chemise/skirt set from her in 2008 and I've never looked back.  Her Victorian Length corsets are longer than most which is great for me because I have a long torso, plus, she makes beautiful underbust pieces which are fantastic for me since I have rather large tracts of land.

I'm planning on trying Moresca at MDRF this year; I think it would be best if I did it in person so that I can really get a feel for their work.