Hi Rachael,
Sometimes there was a bit of boning in the gown, as well. Even with a
corset, the gown could ride up. Generally it was still whalebone,
split into thinner widths.
Plastic featherboning is supposed to mimic actual feather shafts used
for boning. I heard that from a friend but don't have any actual
source. Anyway, the featherboning should be enough to keep the gown
seams smooth, it's just not enough support for a corset. Rigilene is
another light stiffener that will work, and is flatter that
featherboning. Something else that works in a pinch is horsehair
braid — I use one piece as a base, and stretch another piece to
zigzag on top of it. The ends have to be tucked into fabric, though,
or else those little nylon strands will poke.
The good news is, you can add the seam boning after the gown is made,
so you can try it on first to see if you need it.
-Carol
On Jul 20, 2012, at 3:54 AM, Rachel Stimson wrote:
I am making myself a version of a 1909 Directoire dress to go to my
sisters wedding in and the pattern calls for the bodice to be
boned. I
was going to wear a corset underneath, partly becuase it is so much
easier to stand up for long periods of time, do I still need to bone?
Does anyone know what boning was used in the originals?
Thanks
Rachel
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