tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post3598507756629657421..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: I'm Done! Done, I Tell You!Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-14536036192802240032012-11-03T17:53:53.709-04:002012-11-03T17:53:53.709-04:00btw I forgot to say something very important, and ...btw I forgot to say something very important, and this is: <br />Once you get used to wearing a girdle it does not squeeze you any more!<br />It then simply feels very firm around you everywhere, a very nice experience in fact, so much so that from then on you don't ever feel so good without a girdle. Katie Cahillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13589385552723431803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-26793055661666408052012-11-03T17:45:09.923-04:002012-11-03T17:45:09.923-04:00I have a vintage Carnival longline bra that I love...I have a vintage Carnival longline bra that I love. <br />the only thing is that its waistband comes down over my girdle waistband and makes it doubly tight . Of course this further slims my waist and that's fine for grand occasions and special dresses, but not for always and I wear a high waist girdle all the time. <br /> Katie Cahillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13589385552723431803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47928886579814161802012-03-28T12:08:05.951-04:002012-03-28T12:08:05.951-04:00I wear mine with sheer tights underneath! eliminat...I wear mine with sheer tights underneath! eliminates the unsightly thigh bulge and adds extra control! I am totally in love with vintage undergarments but i don't feel secure unless I wear them that way! Can you suggest any long line bra / girdle patterns? xxxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03085000987037102922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-30352295384022424142012-01-12T22:37:46.670-05:002012-01-12T22:37:46.670-05:00Hi Gertie, I think you didn't give your time t...Hi Gertie, I think you didn't give your time to get used to it, and that varies from woman to woman. You probably didn't know how it's worn comfortably either. So a few tips.<br /><br /><br />I used to wear a girdle all the time in the Sixties, and into the Seventies, I tried a girdle again a few years ago. I was shocked, I loved it. <br /><br />There are a few things about wearing girdles and stockings. Put the girdle on properly. Do this by pulling it on but leaving it down at the back but right up in the front, it has to arch right down over your bottom and right up in front.<br />Stand and relax , wriggle and wiiggle about in it , and then most important fasten you back suspenders to your nylons really tightly, then pull up the girdle far as you can at the front until you feel an actual tug on your back suspenders. <br />Then still standing hold out your leg off the ground as you fasten your front suspenders. Then adjust again, wigglin and wriggling around. <br />It seems like it takes ades but when you get used to these actions you eventually do it all much faster without even thinking about it. <br />A great tip is to have your stockings up, and even your shoes on if you like, before you pull up your girdle. Leave the bra until last so you are freer to work the girdle exactly. <br />Now for training whilst in your girdle. Let your tummy sag into the girdle, let it go, now you'll feel the comfort of the girdle workimg for you and fully supporting your tummy, and then you feel your backside held up beautifully , then your hips , your thighs, everywhere...<br /><br />Keep letting yourself go inside your girdle like this, don't try as you do without a girdle to suck your tummy in, the girdle will now look after that for you. Aee, feel it, let go, everything at a time starting with your tummy. <br /><br />Now sit down and relax and feel yourself all over, preen yourself.<br /><br />Slap your belly with the palms of your hands, isn't it great to feel your belly all so firmly held in, hear the little thuds of your slaps, isn't it great. tip yourself like that around on your bottom too, feel it much smaller and beautifully held, caress your hips and thighs, hands on your waist, wow!<br />Now relax and feel your girdle ( and bra, preferably longline down over your girdle) feel them hug you, hold you up so snugly, caress your nylon-clad legs<br />, that's it, appreciate youtself for the fabulous figure you now have, think that you want to keep it forever. <br />Now go over to the mirror and admire yourself, yes admire, just look at that pretty, that sexy girdle, look at the flat front panel where your tummy used to be, admire your petite little backside now, your suspenders, stockinged legs and heels, this is being a woman, a sexy mature woman, don't mind any political clap trap, this is what I do and how I think, this iis the way you want to be, the only way. <br />And, yes, it's a way of life so much that after a couple of weeks you're used to it, after acouple of months you don't want to be any other way, in fact you do really get to the stage like me that you begin to hate not being in your girdle, you feel naked, odd, unsupported and you feel really awful without it. <br />Gertie I hope all this so much helps you to be the woman you want to be and the woman you can be. I think you're great to have bought that Rago and tried, you simply owe it to yourself and so does everybody else here. Love your blog and I intend to read it all, but already I can see that you're a fabulous person. Very Best Regards , Gilliane (Gillianenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-21603950240143027052010-06-14T20:05:58.920-04:002010-06-14T20:05:58.920-04:00I just barely caught the girdle era in the late 19...I just barely caught the girdle era in the late 1960s.<br /><br />I'll tell you. Once panty hose arrived girdles went down the drain pronto - with good reason. <br /><br />I have never heard a woman say she missed them.RoseAGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01360864547510178832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-24571930149821403852010-05-19T07:21:12.263-04:002010-05-19T07:21:12.263-04:00I remember my mother saying in the sixties that wh...I remember my mother saying in the sixties that when I was grown-up, women wouldn't have to wear girdles and that I was lucky. She was a young woman in the fifties and had some fabulous clothes (her mother was a professional dressmaker and miliner) and horrendous underwear. I love fifties fashion but I alter them to fit my 21st century figure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-30950511911151879822010-02-07T01:03:09.301-05:002010-02-07T01:03:09.301-05:00I think it's admirable that you were able to A...I think it's admirable that you were able to A) complete the darn thing and B) wear it in public for a little while. At least you can say you did it, eh? <br /><br />I wonder what the vintage ladies do when underwear-related disaster strikes? Is that why they had to make so many trips to the powder room?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-49395490138146683002010-02-05T16:56:04.962-05:002010-02-05T16:56:04.962-05:00Ouch! Sounds like that girdle did not fit properly...Ouch! Sounds like that girdle did not fit properly. Since there aren't very many manufacturers of such shapewear now, I imagine it's difficult to find items that really fit everyone properly.<br /><br />My background is in 19th century historical reenactment, with some serious reproduction clothing going on. Clothing that simply doesn't work without a corset and skirt supports. Not only that, it is deeply uncomfortable without a corset, which functions as a bust support (like a bra), as a body stabilizer (so non-stretchy fabrics can have a smooth, snug fit), and perhaps most importantly, as a shelf for your skirts to hang on (so they don't dig miserably into your hips, as they can get rather heavy). Reenactors often complain about corsets - but there's a world of difference if a corset actually fits! Very few people are going to really be comfortable in an off-the-rack or standard sized corset.<br /><br />20th century style girdles and shapewear can be somewhat more forgiving than older styles of corsetry, thanks to some stretchy parts, but they're also trying to fit down around the hips too, which is an area that varies in shape a great deal from person to person. And if it doesn't fit right, it's going to be miserable. Even if it does fit right, you're still not going to have quite the range and ease of movement that you would without it.<br /><br />For my part, I don't think serious shapewear is very practical as a part of my everyday life, and also, I can't afford it at the moment! Plus I have a figure that doesn't cooperate with standard sizing. But I don't think it's necessarily, well, upholding the patriarchy or anything, when some vintage enthusiasts do choose to wear shapewear. It's an aesthetic choice - does it need to be a political one as well?AvaTrimblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07351000089253459996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-80574292755884980962010-02-04T13:09:56.374-05:002010-02-04T13:09:56.374-05:00This comment might come a bit too late, but I want...This comment might come a bit too late, but I wanted to put this out there-<br /><br />I am currently writing my graduate thesis on women in rockabilly music and the social issues that might have kept them from obtaining the same support as their male counterparts. The one thing that has been very hard on me is the realization that no amount of research or personal introspection can allow me to know what it was like to live in that time. Things are different now, thank goodness.<br /><br />How this pertains to comments about feminism and dressing up and girdles, etc. is that we have a choice now. <br /><br />If we choose to dress up for ourselves does that mean we are selling out to a societal view? If anything, by choosing vintage we are stepping outside of what society considers the norm for our time. I think it all boils down to intention. If your intention is true to yourself, then it is feminist because you have the choice and you took it. There is nothing more freeing than that :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855413111142257771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-86013555440575629912010-02-04T05:26:32.762-05:002010-02-04T05:26:32.762-05:00You were brave to try, hurray for spanx and wonder...You were brave to try, hurray for spanx and wonderful control tights!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-76903078617460994582010-02-04T04:43:40.589-05:002010-02-04T04:43:40.589-05:00This is a cool post. Just what I am searching for....This is a cool post. Just what I am searching for. Thanks.Chancelle Fall Womens Suitshttp://www.elegantandbeauty.com/stylechn11800-p-7.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85073808331541699542010-02-04T02:03:50.317-05:002010-02-04T02:03:50.317-05:00You know Gertie, about the passion-killing Spanx: ...You know Gertie, about the passion-killing Spanx: That is why the phrase 'I'll be right back, I am going to slip on something more comfortable' exists. That way nobody ever knows what you are wearing underneath your clothes.Oxidaisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04292158017984261741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-57525634654243473402010-02-03T21:21:11.989-05:002010-02-03T21:21:11.989-05:00I have a $10 Calvin Klein garter belt that works g...I have a $10 Calvin Klein garter belt that works great. Doesn't dig (or shape) and still holds up them stockings.Miss Subhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06807393272869913743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-91045321546443605912010-02-03T21:05:54.738-05:002010-02-03T21:05:54.738-05:00Erika has a really interesting point. I've al...Erika has a really interesting point. I've already decided that I can't reconcile any kind of shapewear with my feminist beliefs but I do still wear heel occasionally, and pencil skirts. I have this one pencil skirt that's knee length and very tight; it looks really great on and I feel so sexy in it. But every time I wear it and I have to do something like run for the train I think, 'so THIS is why women decided they wanted to wear pants.'<br /><br />A post about shapewear and feminism sounds interesting, I'm already looking forward to it!mayahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02108785781573611637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-76680185555662396462010-02-03T20:50:30.967-05:002010-02-03T20:50:30.967-05:00Well, Gertie, you have discovered what us grandpar...Well, Gertie, you have discovered what us grandparents already know. My dil told me about something called a Spanks body shaper or something like that. So, I went to the store and looked at one. Shaper??? I said. Girl!! This is a girdle!! We got rid of those in the 60's. Why on earth would you want to wear that??? You can call body shapers anything you want. They are still girdles!Stashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03064220415021728232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-1089044663818629912010-02-03T20:30:05.882-05:002010-02-03T20:30:05.882-05:00People think i'm crazy when i tell them, but i...People think i'm crazy when i tell them, but i buy high waisted pantyhose and safety pin them to my bra at the centre front and sides. You don't get a saggy crotch or a big dent through the middle of your guts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-3185857815249715492010-02-03T19:28:48.306-05:002010-02-03T19:28:48.306-05:00Hello again! A post on feminism and shapewear (eve...Hello again! A post on feminism and shapewear (even modern ones) would be wonderful! Even if the shapewear is comfortable, how do we combine it with the belif that all women should be pleased with themselves just the way they are?<br /><br />Personally, I like getting dressed up and I'm a feminist. Sometimes that doesn't seem like it should be able to go together. Why is it that curling my hair, putting on some make up and wearing heels, will make me feel better about my looks? I'm happy just being me, but I'm happier being me a little dolled up. If that hadn't been the case, I would have lived in my sweatpants. Sometimes it makes me feel that I'm maybe less of a feminist and that I'm more affected by "the norm"-idea than I'd like to believe.<br /><br />So my question earlier was just as much at myself as to you, sorry about being a bit unclear. I'd love to hear your views on it! You somehow always puts into words what up until then had been vague ideas in my head. <br />When you are indeed fully recovered from the day's adventures into vintage underwear, of course =)Erikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08762815696807107905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-25508736495462912092010-02-03T19:26:10.303-05:002010-02-03T19:26:10.303-05:00Gertie, when I wear a dress, I wear a shaper that ...Gertie, when I wear a dress, I wear a shaper that has some boning in it, bought it at Dillards (like Macy's), probably paid about $45-50 years ago. It is not uncomfortable at all, of course, you are held in, but not terrible. It is cut like a bathing suit. I wear regular control top pantyhose with it, underneath, then the shaper, which has a closure in the crotch area for bathroom needs. Overkill, maybe, but works for me. Don't need a bra with it, so that's a plus. After 4 kids, I need the tummy help even though the rest of me is not too large. Before giving up. try JC Penneys, Macys or one of those stores that can fit you, and isn't so 50's style iron cage.Myrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16163175961766563965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29196343139714469712010-02-03T19:16:37.123-05:002010-02-03T19:16:37.123-05:00Haha such a funny story! The torture devices from ...Haha such a funny story! The torture devices from the days of yore are certainly not for everyone!Ms. B @ Millie Deelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08017849348031677122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-84134533598087600712010-02-03T18:29:06.476-05:002010-02-03T18:29:06.476-05:00That is such a bummer! I remember the first time ...That is such a bummer! I remember the first time I tried on the vintage lingerie. It's definitely uncomfortable. But so is everything you're not used to. It's gotten to the point where I love wearing them. If you're looking for a comfortable garter belt I suggest this one: http://www.dollhousebettie.com/garter-belts/374-rago-3184-6-strap-satin-garter-belt.html<br /><br />And a waist cincher is a bit more tolerable than a girdle: http://www.dollhousebettie.com/retro-pinup-lingerie/765-rago-21-waist-cincher-with-garters.html<br /><br />Perhaps you just had the wrong siz of girdle?<br /><br />But, yes, don't sacrifice comfort. Do what feels right for you!mary van notehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04714164235227076308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-10831308862997253382010-02-03T18:07:39.354-05:002010-02-03T18:07:39.354-05:00My aunty asks, if you got fitted for your girdle a...My aunty asks, if you got fitted for your girdle at a old fashioned corsetry store or one of those terrible stores where the staff "bulge out all over the place"? Apparantly that makes the difference!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-20312950782616638662010-02-03T17:50:19.419-05:002010-02-03T17:50:19.419-05:00Looks like a really need to do a post about body a...Looks like a really need to do a post about body acceptance and shapewear. :) Like I said earlier, I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. The right shapewear can make you feel confident and help your clothes hang smoothly, and I've always been open about my use of Spanx in this capacity. I was interested to try the retro foundation garments in place of Spanx because so many vintage bloggers go crazy for them. I personally don't feel doing so was at odds with my ideals.<br /><br />Authenticity per se is not important to me, but I like to experiment with different retro looks. Hence, the "accoutrements" series started here. <br /><br />Also, in terms of feminism, isn't it funny how it all comes down to underwear sometimes? I have to remind myself often about the real issues - equal pay, reproductive rights, etc. To make everything about girdles gets a bit reductive. (ha ha, is that a pun I spy?)<br /><br />Hope this all makes sense! I'll try to elaborate further in a post.Gertiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-75140534331095960702010-02-03T17:21:52.730-05:002010-02-03T17:21:52.730-05:00Sounds like it was a size too small for you! Even ...Sounds like it was a size too small for you! Even spanx and modern control wear have the 'bulge' problem - the fat has to go someplace :/ <br /><br />I have to ask, what were your reasons for trying girdles in the first place? From all your previous posts it sounded like you were very against changing your body type to fit into vintage patterns, and not fussed at all about authenticity :/<br /><br />I would really recommend a six or eight strap garter belt from WKD or Kiss Me Deadly - much stronger than the flimsy 2 strap things you get from modern stores, that aren't designed to be worn outside of the bedroom! (A side note, but I'm now going crazy buying stockings at the site you linked to! I find it hard to get stockings with cute patterns and colours, but I hate wearing pantyhose because I always alway always get drooping!)Miss Emmihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07251628463640473391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53950752935753108312010-02-03T16:05:47.489-05:002010-02-03T16:05:47.489-05:00Personally I dont require a girdle, but I have two...Personally I dont require a girdle, but I have two modern ones, using modern materials and construction. I did have a new Rago which I found aweful, I didnt think it made me slimmer at all and it was rather itchy. I found a nice one on etsy in black and peach made by Kiss Me Quick.Louhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17205736411743186483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85382681453546133622010-02-03T15:32:14.055-05:002010-02-03T15:32:14.055-05:00Gertie, I would have suggested going up because in...Gertie, I would have suggested going up because in the end the girdle is there to give you a silhouette and help the clothes hang better. Making you a bit smaller happens because it redistributes the weight more evenly, but the size is still there. Before you give up completely, I would suggest going to an "old school" store like Boston Store or JC Penney that has girdles and trying them on to find what size fits you without creating a bulge or making you feel funny.<br /><br />PS That same friend stayed with me for 2 hours while I tried on every seamed cup bra Boston Store had in various sizes until I found the right size and shape that worked for me. Tedious, but time well spent.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855413111142257771noreply@blogger.com