SugarKitty will be accepting custom orders until December 31. Beginning January 1, 2011, all custom orders will be on indefinite hiatus.
I need to take some time off to reflect on which direction I want to take SugarKitty in the future, and if I even want to continue this venture. I will use time to catch up on my backlog of custom orders (which is almost complete!!), and to hopefully create some new projects.
Both Etsy shops will remain open (www.sugarkittycorsets.etsy.com and www.sugarkitty.etsy.com), but will only contain pre-made and ready to ship items, as well as any new samples I come up with. ALL GIFT CERTIFICATES WILL BE HONORED UNTIL DATE OF EXPIRATION - they can still be redeemed for custom orders!!! I will still continue to accept retail and wholesale orders.
If you've been wanting to place an order with SugarKitty, now is the time! After December 31, I do not know when I will be accepting orders again.
Dec 1, 2010
Sep 20, 2010
Sep 9, 2010
Interested in wearing SugarKitty gear for your next photoshoot?
If you're interested in wearing SugarKitty gear for your next photoshoot, there are several ways to go about it! First of all – CONTACT ME! Please don't just leave a comment on a photo or my wall stating “I'd like to work with you someday”! As much as I appreciate the compliment and recognition, I am an extremely busy woman, and odds are, I'll forget who you are in 10 minutes. Email me – preferably at my regular email address, sugarkittycorsets[at]gmail[dot]com.
Things to include in your contact email: date of photoshoot (paramount importance!), concept, colors, styles, sizes, and pieces you require. Please allow me 4-6 weeks PRIOR to your shoot to create custom items (even more time, if possible, especially during peak season of August-December). I do not keep a lot of stock on hand, and typically sell sample pieces. More often than not, I will need to make something for your photoshoot. If you need something in a week, chances are really good I won't be able to accommodate you.
That being said – don't be afraid to contact me! Please be courteous and professional. The more details you include with your email, the better your chances of getting a response, and a greater chance of getting to work together! I'm really friendly and flexible, but also busier than you can possibly imagine!
Now, onto the important stuff.
Things to include in your contact email: date of photoshoot (paramount importance!), concept, colors, styles, sizes, and pieces you require. Please allow me 4-6 weeks PRIOR to your shoot to create custom items (even more time, if possible, especially during peak season of August-December). I do not keep a lot of stock on hand, and typically sell sample pieces. More often than not, I will need to make something for your photoshoot. If you need something in a week, chances are really good I won't be able to accommodate you.
That being said – don't be afraid to contact me! Please be courteous and professional. The more details you include with your email, the better your chances of getting a response, and a greater chance of getting to work together! I'm really friendly and flexible, but also busier than you can possibly imagine!
Now, onto the important stuff.
- SugarKitty Corsets no longer accepts trades. Sorry!
- Corsets and costumes may be rented out. Rental fees may be waived (in the form of a refund) if low and high resolution images are provided to SugarKitty Corsets. Refund will be given only after receipt of said photos. Renter is responsible for shipping charges both ways.
- Corsets and costumes can be purchased for personal use, and are eligible for a discount, (in the form of a refund) if low and high resolution images are provided to SugarKitty Corsets. Percentage refund will be given only after receipt of said photos. Please contact me ahead of time to discuss discount percentage amount.
- Rentals and discounted purchase program are to be accompanied by a signed contract. No item will be lent out/rented/discounted without signed contract.
- Please contact SugarKitty for complete details and rates, and for a copy of rental/discount contract.
- Undergarments, such as bras, panties, and bloomers are not eligble for rental, due to their personal nature.
- Images MUST be professional in order to be eligible for a discount or refund of rental fees. Candid and amateur poses will not be accepted.
Sep 3, 2010
Aug 22, 2010
New Mailing List!
SugarKitty Corsets has a new mailing list! Please note, if you've previously joined my Bravenet mailing list, you must sign up for the new one! The Bravenet list will not be utilized any longer, and the new one must be joined if you wish to continue getting SugarKitty updates!
SIGN UP HERE!!!
SIGN UP HERE!!!
Jul 29, 2010
When did you start making corsets?
About 8 years ago. I'd always wanted one of my own - one of the really high end ones, and couldn't afford one. So I bought a pattern, made one up, and fell in love with it. I knew right then that's what I wanted to do with the rest of my life!
Jul 19, 2010
New Standard Sized Corsets on Etsy
While I work on getting the new SugarKittyCorsets.com up and running, I have introduced my full line of standard sized corsets in my Etsy shop. From now on, all standard corsets will be available exclusively on Etsy.
To clarify, a standard sized corset features sizing that is similar to S, M, L. I have created this line in an effort to create a wider audience for those who want to own a beautiful custom corset, but have a smaller budget. Standard size corsets are available in waist sizes from 20-30". You order the corset 3-5" smaller than your natural waist size, and for some overbust corsets, you'll provide your bust and hip measurements as well.
All corsets are still made-to-order, with the same level of care and quality as fully custom corsets. Currently, silk dupioni is the only fabric option available in the Etsy listings, HOWEVER, any fabric request can be accomodated (an additional charge MAY be incurred). Additionally, fully custom corsets will still be available by request (and special order).
Check out my Etsy Shop!
To clarify, a standard sized corset features sizing that is similar to S, M, L. I have created this line in an effort to create a wider audience for those who want to own a beautiful custom corset, but have a smaller budget. Standard size corsets are available in waist sizes from 20-30". You order the corset 3-5" smaller than your natural waist size, and for some overbust corsets, you'll provide your bust and hip measurements as well.
All corsets are still made-to-order, with the same level of care and quality as fully custom corsets. Currently, silk dupioni is the only fabric option available in the Etsy listings, HOWEVER, any fabric request can be accomodated (an additional charge MAY be incurred). Additionally, fully custom corsets will still be available by request (and special order).
Check out my Etsy Shop!
Purple Satin Burlesque Costume
I made this 10-piece burlesque outfit for my trade model. It's all I've been working for almost a month now, and while I'm happy with how it turned out, I am SOOOOOOO glad to be finished with it!
I will post photos from her photoshoot as I get them in. I will also be listing many of the individual pieces in my Etsy shop...a good way to launch my new burlesque collection.
The individual pieces I created were:
-Underbust corset with custom hotfix rhinestones
-Ruched skirt with pickups (the ruffled lining is attached)
-Basic two-tier bustle that ties at the waist
-Bloomers
-Side-tie panties with fringe
-Neckpiece and wrist cuffs (mostly decorative to match the outfit - I will probably come up with different designs for my Etsy shop)
-Flocked satin pasties
-Ruffled bra (My first attempt at bra making! I think it will go a lot smoother now that I know all the problem areas that come up. I'm still pretty pleased with the effort)
-Fancy fabric-covered garters with bows
-Fascinator with feathers
I had a REALLY hard time photographing the purple satin with any accuracy. The color was so rich and deep, the fluorescent lighting in my studio did absolutely no justice to it. For example, the purple feathers on the fascinator match the purple satin almost perfectly. And the hotfix rhinestones don't look pink in real life, they're a lighter shade of purple. I'm hoping the professional photos will capture the actual color a little better...
I will post photos from her photoshoot as I get them in. I will also be listing many of the individual pieces in my Etsy shop...a good way to launch my new burlesque collection.
The individual pieces I created were:
-Underbust corset with custom hotfix rhinestones
-Ruched skirt with pickups (the ruffled lining is attached)
-Basic two-tier bustle that ties at the waist
-Bloomers
-Side-tie panties with fringe
-Neckpiece and wrist cuffs (mostly decorative to match the outfit - I will probably come up with different designs for my Etsy shop)
-Flocked satin pasties
-Ruffled bra (My first attempt at bra making! I think it will go a lot smoother now that I know all the problem areas that come up. I'm still pretty pleased with the effort)
-Fancy fabric-covered garters with bows
-Fascinator with feathers
I had a REALLY hard time photographing the purple satin with any accuracy. The color was so rich and deep, the fluorescent lighting in my studio did absolutely no justice to it. For example, the purple feathers on the fascinator match the purple satin almost perfectly. And the hotfix rhinestones don't look pink in real life, they're a lighter shade of purple. I'm hoping the professional photos will capture the actual color a little better...
Jul 4, 2010
Jun 30, 2010
New tatty blastin'!
Left calf, done by Giovani at High Street Tattoo! The right calf will be similar...I can't wait to get it done!
Jun 8, 2010
Another Cigar Girl photo...
Taken at the Dollywood Parade. I'm sad to see that the hats are getting crushed. I don't know if they're not being stored/handled properly or what. Probably a totally nitpicky thing that only I would be anal about.
Jun 6, 2010
What kind of corset would look good on me?
It all depends on what size and shape you are, as well as what style and shape you're interested in. Not every corset style fits on every body type.
May 16, 2010
Black & Red Cherry Blossoms Brocade Olivia Corset
The lowdown:
-Black & Red Cherry Blossoms Silk Brocade
-Self-Trim
-1/4" Spiral and Spring Steel Boning
-#00 Black Grommets
-Black Laces
-Red Twill Lining
-Modesty Panel
Apr 29, 2010
Antique Circus - Part III
The third (and so far, final) piece of the circus order. I made all parts of this costume except the top (which was provided by my client). I did alter the top - it was very thick and heavy, so I cut it off right below the bustline and added a jersey knit bottom. Since it will be covered by the corset and skirt, it won't be seen.
The skirt is made from a heavy weight stretch satin in dark peach. It's actually a bubble skirt sewn over a high-waisted panty. It was originally going to be shorty-type bottoms with billowy legs, but because the material was so hard to work with (and also because it simply didn't look right with the rest of the costume), I changed it up a bit to look more like a skirt.
The arm pieces are made from the same stretch satin. They are intended to be worn over the bicep, and will stop before the elbow. They billow out and have a similar bubble shape as the skirt. They are held in place with elastic, but look kind of limp just pinned to the dressform, lol.
The roses on the neckpiece are up-cycled from a satin halter top. I added the beading, antique gold tulle, and ribbon ties to the back. It's hard to tell, but the gold of the tulle almost matches the top perfectly. The top hat is covered with antique gold silk, and has ivory netting/feathers. It's hard to tell in the photos, but the silk of the corset is a golden peachy color, and shimmers in the light. It's actually quite a different shade from the skirt/arm pieces, even though they look kind of similar.
The corset is a "costume quality" corset. While it's still constructed of 4 layers of fabric, and still shown the same amount of meticulous detail shown to a standard corset, it is made a little differently. For starters, there is only steel boning at the front and back. There's plastic boning in the sides, so that the wearer can move and bend in it. It has a (hidden) zipper front closure, and a sewn-in stretchy modesty panel at the back. It has only a very slight waist reduction. It functions as a corset, but is mostly for show. It will stand up to repeated wearings, but would not be suitable for any substantial waist-reduction or waist-training.
The skirt is made from a heavy weight stretch satin in dark peach. It's actually a bubble skirt sewn over a high-waisted panty. It was originally going to be shorty-type bottoms with billowy legs, but because the material was so hard to work with (and also because it simply didn't look right with the rest of the costume), I changed it up a bit to look more like a skirt.
The arm pieces are made from the same stretch satin. They are intended to be worn over the bicep, and will stop before the elbow. They billow out and have a similar bubble shape as the skirt. They are held in place with elastic, but look kind of limp just pinned to the dressform, lol.
The roses on the neckpiece are up-cycled from a satin halter top. I added the beading, antique gold tulle, and ribbon ties to the back. It's hard to tell, but the gold of the tulle almost matches the top perfectly. The top hat is covered with antique gold silk, and has ivory netting/feathers. It's hard to tell in the photos, but the silk of the corset is a golden peachy color, and shimmers in the light. It's actually quite a different shade from the skirt/arm pieces, even though they look kind of similar.
The corset is a "costume quality" corset. While it's still constructed of 4 layers of fabric, and still shown the same amount of meticulous detail shown to a standard corset, it is made a little differently. For starters, there is only steel boning at the front and back. There's plastic boning in the sides, so that the wearer can move and bend in it. It has a (hidden) zipper front closure, and a sewn-in stretchy modesty panel at the back. It has only a very slight waist reduction. It functions as a corset, but is mostly for show. It will stand up to repeated wearings, but would not be suitable for any substantial waist-reduction or waist-training.
Apr 18, 2010
Black & White Striped Bustle
This bustle goes with the black/white/red antique circus costume. It was finished at a later date, and the rest of the costume had already been shipped to the client. Hopefully, she'll send me photos of the entire ensemble soon.
Apr 9, 2010
What is the determining factor on how you price your designs? and do you think that is is too ow or high?
There are several factors that go into determining price.
First (and what I consider most important) is the cost of materials. Every basic corset has fashion fabric (costing anywhere from a few dollars a yard to $30, $40, $50 a yard), then there's fusible web, interfacing, lining material, busk, boning, grommets, laces, and trim. Some corsets have other options, such as modesty panels, fancy trim, embellishments, garters, heavy duty busk, 1/2" boning upgrade, etc etc etc.
In addition to the supplies, I have other expenses to consider - rent on my studio space, gas, internet costs, sewing machine repair and maintenance, notions (thread, scissors, fraycheck, glue, bone casing, ScotchGard, lint rollers, fabric marking tools, rotary cutter blades, grommet press, aglet setter, etc etc etc), packaging materials, and so on.
Next, I consider the complexity of the corset, and the size of the individual. A complex corset design is going to take significantly more time and effort than a basic underbust waist cincher. If the client has an exceptionally large bust, odd-shaped body, or is plus-size can also figure into the complexity of the corset design.
And last, but certainly not least, I have to factor in my time. I do not get paid as much for my time as people might think. You're paying for my experience and expertise. I'm a skilled professional who has been sewing for almost 25 years, making corsets for 8. Anyone can buy a pattern, slap something together and call it a corset. Making a corset that not only fits beautifully (and comfortably), as well as making something that will last indefinitely requires years of experience. Corsets take anywhere from 20-40 (sometimes up to 70) hours to make. It's not a fast or easy process.
As far as thinking my prices are too low or too high...well, obviously I don't think they're too high, or else I would lower them. If anything, I'm on the too low side, but we are in a recession and people can't afford luxury items. I haven't raised my prices for more than a year, so I don't think that my prices are unreasonable by any means.
Apr 8, 2010
Elise's Wedding Outfit
The most recent project I've been working on (hence the reason only 2 of the 3 Circus costumes are done) is this lovely wedding outfit. It was a 5-piece order - a corset, full length skirt (ruched in the front only) with a long red petticoat, short 'school girl' style skirt, and a short red petticoat. The short skirt will be worn at the reception. My client is almost 6' tall, so it was hard to get a good shot of the long skirt w/ the petticoat peeking out from underneath while it was on the dressform.
The corset features:
The corset features:
- White Silk Dupioni Fabric
- Red Silk Dupioni Piping and Trim
- Hand-made Red Silk Dupioni Knife Pleat Ruffle
- White Twill Lining
- #00 Antique Silver Grommets
- White Ribbon Laces
- Modesty Panel
- 1/4" Spiral and Spring Steel Boning
Antique Circus - Part II
Part two of the circus series. I made all parts of this costume, except the black beaded top (provided by my client). I did alter the top to make it fit better under the corset, and I used parts of it to make the neck piece.
The bustle is silver silk dupioni, with a velcro waist closure (so the wearer can easily put it on/take it off). The bloomers are silver satin. The waist and legs are elasticized, but the ribbons are also functional so that they're actually multi-size. The arm pieces are black stretchy mesh. The burgundy arm "garters" are also elasticized so they can be worn at the bicep, elbow, or wrist. The top hat is covered in burgundy silk dupioni.
The corset is a "costume quality" corset. While it's still constructed of 4 layers of fabric, and still shown the same amount of meticulous detail shown to a standard corset, it is made a little differently. For starters, there is only steel boning at the front and back. There's plastic boning in the sides, so that the wearer can move and bend in it. It has a (hidden) zipper front closure, and a sewn-in stretchy modesty panel at the back. It has only a very slight waist reduction. It functions as a corset, but is mostly for show. It will stand up to repeated wearings, but would not be suitable for any substantial waist-reduction or waist-training.
The bustle is silver silk dupioni, with a velcro waist closure (so the wearer can easily put it on/take it off). The bloomers are silver satin. The waist and legs are elasticized, but the ribbons are also functional so that they're actually multi-size. The arm pieces are black stretchy mesh. The burgundy arm "garters" are also elasticized so they can be worn at the bicep, elbow, or wrist. The top hat is covered in burgundy silk dupioni.
The corset is a "costume quality" corset. While it's still constructed of 4 layers of fabric, and still shown the same amount of meticulous detail shown to a standard corset, it is made a little differently. For starters, there is only steel boning at the front and back. There's plastic boning in the sides, so that the wearer can move and bend in it. It has a (hidden) zipper front closure, and a sewn-in stretchy modesty panel at the back. It has only a very slight waist reduction. It functions as a corset, but is mostly for show. It will stand up to repeated wearings, but would not be suitable for any substantial waist-reduction or waist-training.
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