In this week’s session, I covered a range of topics including corset construction, draping techniques, and answered various questions from students. I demonstrated how to create pleats for a Roxanda-inspired dress and discussed different approaches to corset making for various body types. The session was a mix of practical demonstrations and in-depth explanations of garment construction techniques.

Demonstration Steps for Roxanda-inspired Dress Pleating:

1. Start with a rectangular piece of fabric for front and back
2. Create an opening for the arm, about 20-30 cm long
3. Attach the side seam to the underlying bodice
4. Begin pleating from the waist, leaving space in the center front
5. Create pleats radiating from the shoulder point
6. Adjust pleats to create desired fullness and shape
7. Repeat pleating process for the back, creating more volume towards center back
8. Mark and number pleats for pattern-making

Questions & Answers:

• Q: How do you support a DD cup in a corset without underwire?
• A: A well-fitted, snug corset with a raised back can provide sufficient support without underwire. The fit is crucial for proper support.

• Q: Do you make the bra section separately in a corset dress?
• A: No, it’s part of the full corset. The pattern includes separate cups sewn to the waist area.

• Q: What type of boning do you recommend for corsets?
• A: I use rigilene boning, about 1 cm wide. We’ll discuss materials in more detail next week.

• Q: How do you finish the back closure of a corset?
• A: I typically use hook and eyes, sometimes zippers. For fluctuating weights, I’ve used lacing. We’ll cover this more next week.