Hate to ask this question...

[Wild Rover]

I hate to ask these questions on many levels, but I have a 10 year old daughter who is now, well maturing...

I have been looking into corded corsets or so called children's stays....

Not putting her size on the web, but let's just say for a 10 year old, daddy taking her bra shopping is mentally painful..

That being said I need some guidance for her underpinnings....she has been participating for 3 years now, and this is the first year this topic has come up....

She has chemise, drawers, several petticoats and so forth, but I am looking for direction on the proper corset/ corset cover, and well, who makes these...I can't sew a poke bag..

Thanks so much...

Pards,

[Chris Fisher]

Re: Hate to ask this question...

Chris shot me a PM

[Spinster]

Re: Hate to ask this question...

Chris,

Let's ease some of that mental pain. Accelerated maturity rates in girls these days requires an adaptive look at all sorts of period clothing.

We are near to militant believers in keeping girls.....Girls. Sending the correct social signal that these are children no matter how they look is vital, especially with the rough and tumble atmosphere surrounding most reenactments.

Integral to that is proper supportive stays and Back Button Dresses. Esstentially, we've made being properly dressed for the actual age of the girl into a badge of honor for the girls, both by their clothing and intentionally teaching period skill sets that allow them to be kids and tend to also gain recognition for them.


So realize that you are not alone in dealing with this challenge.

Originals By Kay can make a corded stay for your daughter. These garments are flexible, supportive and not needlessly confining. The two young teen girls who aided in driving mule wagons for 2010's week long event , In The Van, were both wearing them during this physically demanding event. Theirs were homemade, but the principle applies.

At the recent Blue Gray Alliance meeting in Nashville, you met Beverly Simpson, of Cleburns Wagon Corps. She often has new and used girls clothing for sale that is correctly constructed for age and social station.

Too often, we see girls dressed as women because folks don't know how to alter patterns to dress them properly for their age, while allowing for developmental changes. Theres a better way available.

[VMurphy]

Re: Hate to ask this question...

As an Approved Vendor of the AC, I'd be happy to help you with clothing for your daughter. It is so important for them to learn early what the correct wardrobe is for women! Otherwise you have this teenager running around in a cotton dress, no petticoats, with knee socks and clunky boots.
I have childrens patterns from Glenna Jo Christen in stock as well as a small supply of reproduction and other appropriate patterns for children. My schedule is filling up fast, but would be happy to help you.
Regards
Vivian Murphy

http://www.themantuamaker.net

[Homespun Ma]

Re: Hate to ask this question...

While this may not be exactly what you were thinking of, it is helpful in concealing a maturing figure should your daughter resist the idea of a corded stay. I shamefully admit to putting one of these on my 15 year old for an event as she was in need of a new corset.

http://www.thesewingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2010-1-2-3-Pin.pdf

Lauren Ehas