Figuring out Victorian corsets

It started at last year's Dickens Fair in San Francisco, when I was admiring the corsets at Dark Garden's booth. Who among us hasn't? They are spectacular. So my friend says to me, "Oh you could make something just like that." Uh-huh, yeah, maybe after 10 years studying at a Parisian fashion college. Sure I've made my share of Ren Faire bodices, but professional corset making is a whole new level. Rising to the challenge, I bought a Simplicity pattern at my local JoAnn's and made my first failure. It didn't fit. The satin puckered. The grommets were too big. Then I attended a workshop with Carol Wood (who is brilliant!!) and bought the Laughing Moon pattern #100. Not to trash-talk Simplicity, but the LM corset pattern is so much better. It has a more sensible assembly strategy, clear instructions and illustrations, and a whole page of background information on materials. Also, a shout-out to the YouTube channel "Bishonen Rancher" for demonstrating a lot of basic techniques. So... The goal is to make a fabulous Victorian corset with all the right hardware and materials. Let's see how it goes!!