Victorian corset-making one day course

Anyone with an interest in Victorian corset making will be pleased to know Acton Scott Historic Working Farm will be running a course on Tuesday 18 September 2012.

The one day course runs from 10am to 4pm.  Participants will learn how to make their own corset, historical or modern, with guidance from course tutor Sarah Thursfield, who will work with you to draft and test a personal pattern and decide the best dimensions for you.

Sarah is a renowned historical dressmaker and teacher whose roots are in re-enactment, with a detailed knowledge of garment cutting and making from pre-history onwards.

The course is just £50 for the day and is suitable for those with sewing experience only. Participants will need to bring their own sewing machine.  Basic materials are included together with information on specialist suppliers.

Cecilia Motley, local Shropshire Councillor for Corvedale, commented:-

“Acton Scott is always coming up with new ways to showcase our Victorian heritage, and the corset-making course is certainly one of the most intriguing.  I do hope plenty of seamstresses will try out this brilliant idea.”

Well-fitted corsets or stays were the foundation of Victorian dress for women of every class. 

To go uncorseted was to have no self-control and was sure to lead to immorality.  The ideal measurement for any woman was to have a waist 10” smaller than her bust, and this was considered normal.

If the course proves popular it is hoped to offer follow-up courses with Sarah to build up a Victorian wardrobe – start with a corset and then move on to outerwear.

For further information more information please telephone 01694 781540, email acton.scott.museum@shropshire.gov.uk or tweet to @actonscottmuse.