I have been making corsets since 2002.

2) How did you develop your corset making skills?

I developed my skills mostly by a LOT of redoing (trial and error), studying other corsets (both in 2d and 3d), and gut. By gut I mean if something wasn't right, I would correct it based on how it seemed like it should be without necessarily knowing exactly what to fix. Today, I still feel like my learning is a constant process and is fluid. Once I feel like I have accomplished how to do a certain thing or perhaps corset style, I will move on to learn something new. Or if I haven't done a certain style for a while, going back to that style is a refresher course. Also, each body is different and will react differently to a corset, so as I encounter new bodies I am often needing to readapt my skills to fit X person with Y corset.

3) What made you decide to specialise in corsets?

Well, aside from being interested in corsets since I was a kid in the 80's, once I started making them for myself, I had the thought that I should try selling them. I have always been of mind to have a job (i.e. make money) doing something I really enjoy and that allows me to be creative and my own boss. Also, I had been acquiring this huge stash of really fun fabrics and I realized it was going to take me forever to use it all up if I was just making corsets for myself!

4) Where do you get your inspiration from?

I'm inspired by many things: the work of other corset makers, historical corsetry, a particular fabric, paintings, haute couture, and even many times it could be a tiny piece of old lace or a little antique bobble that sends my gears in motion to create a corset around it.

5) Do you have any fabrics or techniques that you like working with most?

My favorite fabrics are cotton, silk dupioni and wool. Honestly, I don't work with wool enough. It is a fabulous fiber to work with. It steams and molds like a dream!

As for a favorite technique…. Hmm, that's a hard one. I don't really consider myself to have more than one technique, just mine. I learned corsetry on my own, so I made up my own technique of construction. I watched a corsetry video by Laughing Moon and their method of construction is totally different than mine! I don't think I could have figured out their method of making a corset on my own. I think the process, which I use to make my corsets, would be called the "sandwich method," which is to put the "guts" of the corset in between layers of fabric as opposed to putting them on the front or back of the corset. Even when I approach a historical pattern, I will construct it using my methodology. I would love to learn other ways of making corsets. I have a few corsets from other makers and sometimes I can figure out how they made their corset and other times I'm a little stumped! (This is said without taking apart the corset, just from studying as a finished piece.)

6) When designing for bespoke customers what process do you go through?

I have a questionnaire (order form) I asked them to fill out that goes through every process of the corset, from style of the corset, fabric, reduction, if it is for a special event, to if any special details are desired. Sometimes a customer will come to me first with an idea or request that we will discuss together before she fills out the order form.

7)Who is your favourite designer and why?

My favorite, "big name" designer is Jean-Paul Gaultier with John Galliano (too bad he's a bit of a douche) coming in close behind. Way back as a kid, I used to watch this tv show on Saturdays with this British lady with a super sculpted black bob who would go to all the catwalks and I remember Gaultier's clothes always being so stylish, wild and adventurous at the same time. There were others who were doing wild things too, but Gaultier was fashion's l'enfant terrible for a long time. And, of course, we can thank him for not only bringing back the corset, but also putting it on the outside so everyone could see it! His fashion collaborations with Madonna really were fantastic.

I want to mention that I know some readers will say, but what about Mr. Pearl? Yes, his work is top notch, but it is the work that he was commissioned to do for other designers (such as Gaultier) that is remarkable. He knows the techniques of how to take a Gaultier croquis and render it into a functioning corset. Same for the work he did for Thierry Mugler in the 80's.

8) What did you want to be when you were younger?

A rockstar, painter and equestrian. I've done all three, but only really continue to do two of them now. ;p

9) After a stressful day how do you relax?

It used to be with a dirty martini, but since I am nursing, a good piece of chocolate, a warm bath and curling up with my baby boy does the trick nicely!

10) Lastly we at Lulu and Lush love cupcakes, what is your naughty treat?

Chocolate, expensive boots and rare orchids are my naughty treats…. All ordered online and delivered to me here in the country!

www.blooddrop.com