SugarKitty Corsets

Burgundy Silk Dupioni Abigail Corset

2009-07-11T17:18:33Z

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. :)

The lowdown:

-Burgundy Silk Dupioni
-Black Cotton Trim
-Black #00 Grommets
-Black Ribbon Laces
-Black Twill Lining
-1/4" Spiral Steel Boning

ComFest

2009-06-26T18:43:37Z

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!

Skull Brocade & Dupioni Penelope Corset

2009-06-22T23:18:07Z

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.

The lowdown:

-Black & Silver Skulls Brocade w/ Black Dupioni
-Black Dupioni Trim
-Antique Silver #00 Grommets
-Black Ribbon Laces
-Black Twill Lining
-1/4" Spring & Spiral Steel Boning

Aqua Mermaids Brocade Abigail Corset

2009-06-19T15:33:45Z

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.

The lowdown:

-Aqua Mermaids Silk Brocade
-Self Trim
-Antique Gold #00 Grommets
-Antique Gold Ribbon Laces
-Antique Gold Twill Lining
-Modesty Panel
-1/2" Spring & Spiral Steel Boning
-Heavy Duty Busk & Boned Underbusk

In other news, the new design of the SugarKitty Corsets website is almost complete! It's been a long and arduous process, but I think it's going to be well worth it. I hope to debut it within the next couple of weeks! Woot!

Black & White Polka Dot Francesca Corset

2009-05-28T15:16:21Z

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! :)

The lowdown:

-Black & White Polka Dot Novelty Cotton Fabric
-Black Cotton Trim
-1/4" Spiral Steel Boning
-Black Cotton Piping
-Modesty Panel
-Black Lining
-Black #00 Grommets
-Black Laces

Black & Pink Polka Dot Francesca Waist Cincher

2009-05-19T18:53:34Z

The lowdown:

-Pink & Black Polka Dot Novelty Cotton Fabric
-Black Cotton Trim
-1/4" Spiral Steel Boning
-External Boning Casings
-Black Lining
-Black #00 Grommets
-Black Laces

Olivia Corset - Aqua Mermaids Silk Brocade

2009-05-15T16:40:43Z

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).

The lowdown:

-Aqua Mermaids Silk Brocade
-Self-Trim
-1/4" Spiral & Flat Steel Boning
-#00 Antique Gold Grommets
-Antique Gold Ribbon Laces
-Antique Gold Twill Lining
-Modesty Panel

White Cherry Blossoms Brocade Olivia Corset

2009-05-01T15:33:41Z

The lowdown:

-White on White Cherry Blossoms Brocade
-Self-Trim
-1/4" Spiral & Flat Steel Boning
-#00 White Grommets
-Lemon Grass Ribbon Laces
-White Twill Lining
-Modesty Panel
-Lacing Bones

Black & White Silk Dupioni Victoria Corset

2009-04-24T17:18:34Z

For a prom outfit, no less! :)

The lowdown:

-Black & White Silk Dupioni
-Black Cotton Trim
-White Silk Dupioni Piping
1/4" Spiral & Flat Steel Boning
-Black Laces
-Black Grommets
-Black Twill Lining

White Silk Dupioni Abigail II Corset

2009-04-23T21:31:16Z

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.

The lowdown:

-White Silk Dupioni Fabric
-White Silk Dupioni Trim
-Modesty Panel
-1/4" Spiral & Spring Steel Boning
-#00 White Grommets
-White Laces
-Pink Twill Lining

Pewter Cherry Blossoms Brocade Olivia Corset

2009-04-23T21:27:24Z

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!"

The lowdown:

-Pewter Cherry Blossom Silk Brocade
-Self-Trim
-1/4" Spiral & Flat Steel Boning
-Antique Silver Grommets
-Pink Ribbon Laces
-Pink Twill Lining
-Modesty Panel
-2 Pair Black Detachable Garters (not shown)

A new look for SugarKitty

2009-04-10T21:29:18Z

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. :)

Movie Monsters Victoria Corset

2009-04-06T22:12:48Z

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

The lowdown:

-Movie Monster Novelty Fabric with Black Satin Panels
-Black Satin & Lace Trim
-Black Satin Piping
-Lacing Bones
-Black Ribbon Laces
-Black Grommets
-Black Twill Lining

TRAUMA

2009-04-02T11:57:38Z

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.

This is the front of the corset I made for Lindsay - I didn't get it photographed for my portfolio because I was on such a tight schedule. I hope to get a photoshoot with her in this someday.

I made this corset for Lindsay for TRAUMA 2007.

I made the black & white leather vest - the pants & hoodie are Lindsay's.

I look so awkward and out of place amongst all of them. Ugh.

I really hope we get to do it again this year - it was a lot of fun, even though I was totally lost mentally, lol. Imagine what we can do when I'm running on all cylinders! :)

Photo credits: Andrea M. Haley (Devyne Productions), MJ, Courtney Brown, David Heasley, P.E. Palfreyman Photography, Brent Haley, Tiffany Fontaine, Rachel Turner

Black & Red Cherry Blossoms Brocade Francesca Corset

2009-04-01T18:33:10Z

The lowdown:

-Black/Red Cherry Blossoms Silk Brocade
-Black Cotton Trim
-1/2" Boning
-Lacing Bones
-Boned Underbusk
-Black Lining
-Silver #00 Grommets
-Black Laces

Anime Geishas Francesca Corset

2009-04-01T18:27:19Z

The lowdown:

-Anime Geishas Novelty Cotton Fabric/Black Silk Accent Panels
-Hot Pink Cotton Trim
-Hot Pink Cotton Piping
-1/2" Boning
-Lacing Bones
-Boned Underbusk
-Modesty Panel
-Pink Twill Lining
-Black #00 Grommets
-Black Laces

Silver Twill Men's Corset

2009-04-01T18:25:11Z

The lowdown:

-Silver Cotton Twill Fabric
-Black Cotton Trim
-Black #00 Grommets
-Lacing Bones
-Boned Underbusk
-Black Laces
-1/2" Spiral Steel Boning
-Black Lining
-Modesty Panel

Fran's Wedding Dress

2009-04-01T18:23:01Z

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. :)

The lowdown:

-Abigail Corset made with White Cherry Blossoms Silk Brocade, self-trim, white laces & lining, modesty panel and silver grommets.
-8-Gore Skirt is knee length, made from matching brocade
-Matching custom crinoline (purposely made long to peek out from underneath)

Blue Care Bears Alexis Corset

2009-04-01T18:17:23Z

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.

The lowdown:

-Blue Care Bears Novelty Cotton Fabric
-Yellow Cotton Trim
-White #00 Grommets
-White Laces
-Modesty Panel
-1/4" Spiral Steel Boning
-Hot Pink Twill Lining

Black & White Stripey/Polka Dot Abigail II Corset

2009-04-01T18:13:19Z

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.

The lowdown:

-Black & White Striped and Polka Dot Fabric
-Red & Black Lace Detail
-Black Cotton Trim
-1/4" Spiral & Spring Steel Boning
-#00 Red Grommets
-Black Laces
-Black Twill Lining

Purple Care Bears Abigail II Corset

2009-04-01T18:07:20Z

The lowdown:
-Purple Care Bears Novelty Fabric with Pink Silk Dupioni Panels
-White Cotton Trim
-White Cotton Piping
-Modesty Panel
-1/4" Spiral & Spring Steel Boning
-#00 Purple Grommets
-White Laces
-Blue Leopard Print Twill Lining

I'm Famous!

2008-10-05T19:44:27Z

I was featured in this week's edition of Columbus Alive! Incidentally, it came out on my 30th birthday, which made it one of the best birthday presents ever! My work made the cover, which is lovingly modeled by the gorgeous Miss Lindsay Hearts!

For any of you Columbus folk, make sure you come to TRAUMA this year! Lindsay and I are doing a fashion show with several collaborative pieces!

I hate the picture they used of me. I look like a douchebag. Oh well, at least the cover is amazing, and there's a cool image of my work.

More trade model photos

2008-10-05T19:35:07Z

It's been some time since I've gotten these latest images from my trade model, Maria Bella, but as I mentioned a few entries back, I'm more than just a little swamped these days. As usual, she knocks me over with the images she and JimmyC come up with. Hope you all enjoy 'em as much as I did. :D

Maria is wearing the Francesca underbust corset and Sylvia waist cincher, respectively.

Model: Maria Bella [Model Mayhem]
Photographer: JimmyC [LuminousImpression]

Celeste Morne Costume (Client Photos)

2008-10-05T19:26:42Z

My client sent me some photos of the Costume I made for her this past July (well, parts of the costume, if you'll recall). I think the entire ensemble turned out fabulously!

Victoria Corset - Black & White Silk Dupioni

2008-10-05T19:22:14Z

The Lowdown:

-Black & White Silk Dupioni
-Black Dupioni Trim
-Heavy Duty Busk
-Red Laces
-Red Grommets
-Modesty Panel
-Red Twill Lining (attached)
-1/4" Spiral & Spring Steel Boning