Foundations Revealed

Marianne discusses strategies for using social media and local events to stay informed about and connected to not only your customer base, but also your peers.

Marianne discusses the hard numbers of how to work out the actual cost for a given corset (or any garment).

Marianne walks us through the steps of setting up a thorough and professional-looking portfolio, a must-have for any creative professional.

British corsetmaker Charlotte Raine shares her experiences of obtaining photography for her business - obstacles overcome, and lessons learned.

Promotion is vital to an apparel business. Here's how to get your corsets into the fashion world and show off your skills effectively on the catwalk or runway.

Jenni continues on silhouette and fitting a house style on different body shapes, plus its relationship to your corsetry business and brand identity as a whole.

Marianne explains line sheets, the collective representations of your styles, which are used to help you develop, manage, and sell your line.

Joëlle of Atelier Sylphe isn't an easy corsetiere to categorize; blending historical corsets with modern styling, and mixing with a touch of whimsy.

Daydreaming about the future to help make decisions today.  "What am I going to sell?" can refine your practice, enhancing your chances of success.

Professional corsetmaker Charlotte Raine tells us how she got started, how her business works and about working with the Jane Austen Centre.

"Sell only the particular skills that you have already practiced. Practice only the skills that you hope to sell." Jenni helps you move toward professional status.

What are the correct tools for corsetry, when some swear by tools that others avoid? I'll share what's in my toolbox, what has been relegated to the scrapheap, and why.

We talk to Kate Mior of Totally Waisted Corsets about how she juggles a business in corsetry with a career as an international street performer!

Laura shares her step by step corset construction worksheets for making a two layer corset with and without a waist tape. Never miss a step again!

More on technical fashion drawings known as "flats". You'll learn how to take your corset illustrations to the next level, with Marianne's three keys to beautiful flats.

Practising making corsets in preparation for selling: what exactly should you practise, and what's the most effective way to use your time and resources?

We glance briefly this month at the historic makers of Bon Ton, Royal Worcester and Adjusto models: patents, corsets and where you can learn more about the company.

Help in creating a corset pattern for an asymmetrical figure; advice on dealing with models, corsets and photoshoots; and how to clean everyday corsets.

Marianne shows you how to produce flats - the clean, professional line drawings that show important construction details for each of your designs.

Many corsetmakers accept long distance orders. Is it a good idea? Jenni explores the benefits and pitfalls, and offers tips and advice.