After re-posting my quilted corset demo, I received one particular comment complimenting the clarity and thoroughness of the tutorial, and warning me that I might want to take softer photos of the actual corsets, to hide the precise seam placements.  This individual meant very well, and was concerned for me that other corset-makers might steal my patterns (and by extension my customers) by examining the clear and thorough photos of my work.

I specifically want that clarity in my photos. All of them.

I am well aware that people can mimic patterns by examining a photo of an existing corset, because I often do exactly that with photos people and museums post showing historic corsets. It’s really not something I am concerned about, because it has little bearing on the niche I am trying to make for myself as a seamstress. I don’t work from set patterns, instead preferring to draft, from scratch, each corset to best suit both the desired profile and the measurements of the customer. I have no interest in making off-the-rack corsets, or other titled designs destined for tailored work. I like the uniqueness, and having the ability to make something beautiful for anyone, no matter how “hard to fit” they think they are.

People who come to me wanting a corset are looking for something unique, or something specific that they can’t find readily available and pre-designed somewhere else, or are far enough from “standard” sizing that they have a hard time finding a corset (even custom) that will fit. Your average corset-seeking customer is going to pass right by me just because they are looking for an image that will make them say “I want exactly that”, and go to the larger production house that stole one of my pattern concepts and dressed it up different, a tradition as old as corsets themselves.

Many of my customers also come to me because they want quality, and they want a corset that will last under the rigors of daily wear, even if they don’t wear it every day.  By posting tutorials and other detailed photos, a well-informed customer can see with certainty exactly the quality of my work, and have full confidence that when I guarantee my work, I mean it.

I also sell custom patterns, and am accumulating a body of knowledge in the form of tutorials in preparation to start teaching classes and writing books. I also believe in free knowledge and free information. Just because it’s available doesn’t mean everyone will know how to use the information, but I think it should be there for those who want it. No matter how secretive knowledgeable people are, the bright ones will figure it all out anyway, even if it takes a little longer. I certainly did.