I really don't like the underlining I've been using lately. Funds have been short, so I have to use what's already in the studio. The corset looks all wrinkly, even though it is fused to the underlining. So frustrating. Grr. Anyhow, I think it still turned out lovely. :)



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I probably should have posted this sooner, but I didn't realize so many people were expecting to visit the booth this year. Oops.

SugarKitty is not vending at ComFest this year. Due to lack of manpower and the depressed economy, I've opted out. So to all you lovelies that were hoping to visit the booth (not to mention the assclowns that steal from me year after year), I'm sorry to disappoint! I will be hanging out at the part on Saturday, most likely stumbling around with a beer in my hand. Make sure you say hello!

It's been a long time coming, but I've finally got a new corset style! I'm curently working on about 4 other orders at the same time, and I figured I just need to try and squeeze new sample corsets in between. I'll never get any new ones done otherwise!  It's an underbust corset, with longline hips. Kind of Edwardian style. I'm not crazy about the photographs, but they'll do for now. Photographing a dupioni corset when it's not fit on a body or snug on the dressform always makes it look kinda crappy.

Since I'm re-doing the website, I don't have it up for retail sale YET, but I will be listing the sample for sale very soon.



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This is the third corset I've made from this fabric...I'm kinda glad to get a break from it, beautiful as it is. It is an unbelievable pain in the arse to match up.



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I made this corset for Alissa Brunelli - so any local folks will get to see her wearing it at Hell City this weekend! Speaking of which, I'll be helping Mike out at his booth (EngineHouse13), so come say hi. I'm gonna have a few handbags and buttons and such for sale myself.

On to the corset! :)



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I've made a very similar corset to this before. This has become quite the popular fabric choice (look for an Abigail Corset made from the same stuff next week).



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For a prom outfit, no less! :)



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I absolutely hate the dressform I had to photograph this corset on. It makes everything look...well...so unshapely. One day I'll be able to afford REAL dressforms in a multitude of sizes! Still, the corset is lovely and I hope the photos do it some justice.



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This corset turned out so beautifully. My client loved it, too! Here's what she had to say about it:

        "I wanted to let you know I got the corset (on Saturday, actually, sorry for the delayed response).  It is absolutely GORGEOUS.  The extra touches with the packaging were so nice.  The corset fits like a glove, no, better!  It feels amazing and looks amazing and I'm just so THRILLED!  When I get a chance to take some photos I'll pass them on to you.  Thank you again!  I'll definitely be recommending you to anyone who will listen, and coming back myself!"




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I'm taking advantage of my time off from my second job (how effed up is our economy when I have to get a second job to make ends meet, and they cut my hours???) to get caught up on backorders and re-vamp the website. I have long wanted to redo the shopping cart system, since I currently only use PayPal's. I have maxed out what I am able to do with it's very limited capabilities, and need to bite the bullet and try something new.

I am not afraid of a new system, but rather the intense amount of time and effort it's going to require to do it. I am good at sewing - not web design. I will also have to redo all of my links on external sites (such as Flickr), and I'm not especially looking forward to that. The advantages of the new shopping cart will be well worth the expansive overhaul, however. I will have a contact form, a mailing list, and an updates page integrated right into the cart (as opposed to using third party sites like Bravenet and Freedback like I do now). I will also be able to issue coupon codes, discounts, gift certificates, and sales all through the website.

Lots of work.

At any rate, I'd love some feedback from any current/former/future clients that read this in regards to changes they'd like to see. The goal is to make the website as easy and as user-friendly as possible. I know my current corset ordering page is cumbersome and overwhelming, and any ideas as to streamlining that process are welcome.

One thing I'm seriously considering is adding "standard" corsets at a lower cost. Still handmade to order, but in standard sizes and with limited fabric choices/options. Any input regarding this idea would be great, too.

The past year and half of my life has been dark and painful. It's been a grueling and challenging time not only for me, but for my business as well. I finally feel that the clouds are lifting somewhat, even if the horrible strain the economy still places on SugarKitty has not. There's a light at the end of the tunnel! 

Thanks in advance to anyone who's got any ideas for me. I've been doing a lot of research, but as someone who knows corsets (and my website) inside and out, I feel I need some fresh suggestions. I'm too close to what I do, and it's all starting to sort of swim before my eyes in a giant mishmash. :)

I actually made this last fall for part of a wedding outfit. I just forgot to edit and post it!



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So, I'm only 5 months late posting pics. I know, I know, I've sucked at life quite a bit lately. Better late than never, right? I'm not posting all the photos - if you'd like to see everything, check out demisecherry 's entry on it - she has tons more. Photo credits are at the bottom.  All of the pieces that aren't mine were made by Lindsay (demisecherry ).


I made this corset for Lindsay for last year's Hell City.

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I am SO pleased with how this came out. I really want to do more wedding outfits. I can't wait until she sends me some snapshots from the big day. :)



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This is the last of the Alexis Corsets to be made without a busk. All will include a busk in the future, simply because it's too much of a pain in the ass to put on without one. And I don't like how it looks.



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This corset was created as a sample for the TRAUMA Fashion Show this past Halloween (held at BoMA). It was a collaborative effort with demisecherry , and for being a first for both of us, I think it went pretty well. I hope we're able to do it again this year. My life SHOULD be a lot more settled, and hopefully we'll get some more advance notice (so I can create some kick ass stuff).

This corset was also used in a SuicideGirls shoot, but I don't have any images from that.



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