Perpetually indecisive

I've started working on my corset, so currently in the re-fitting and patterning stage. I made up a new paper pattern based on my lavender corset, with a lowered waist, slightly smaller bust and hips, slightly larger waist, and shorter in length. The next stage is doing a mock-up. However, I am being incredibly indecisive as to whether I want to leave it as shaped pieces or add gussets. I keep flip-flopping. Here are my somewhat disorganized and rambling thoughts; please add yours!

1. I am fairly confident that this corset will fit well as is (ie. with shaped panels) because it's based on my lavender corset. I don't know if I want to do the extra step of using the mock-up to re-draw lines to add gussets and different shaped panels and do another mock-up, but it would be interesting to do a different style.


2. A gusseted corset will have more bulk where the gussets meet seamlines. But I'm not using terribly thick fabric, so I don't know if it will matter.


3. Both styles of corsets were popular for this era (1867-1875) based on what I've seen in De Gracieuse and Reconstruction Era Fashions by Frances Grimble.


4. I want to cord parts of the corset instead of using boning because my ribs stick out on my left side and the boning that ran over them in my other corset was uncomfortable. I can probably figure out a boning/cording pattern that works with either one.


5. For a gusseted corset, I am thinking doing gussets on seams (like the_aristocat's drab corset) and leaving out a back hip gusset, so that I don't have to deal with the points of the gussets which always give me guff and like to fray a little bit.


6. To sum up: Basically, using shaped pieces seems easier to me and I'm lazy, but maybe there are other benefits to gussets that I am not thinking of and I kind of like the look of them and think it might be fun to try.

Also, I have a Pinterest board.