18th Century Stays

These stays, made using the "1780s Stays" pattern by Redthreaded, were my first foray into using artificial whalebone for boning. I used more theatrical techniques, such as metal grommets, machine stitches, and alteration points. It is made with 100% cotton fashion fabric (the floral was thrifted, the solid blue was from my stash), lined with cotton coutil as a durable base.

I made the removable stomacher double-sided to add more options to the wear. The dark blue side is the same fabric that I used for the binding. The notions were all purchased new.

Overall, I liked this pattern, but I would make a number of alterations in the future to better fit my own measurements.