Description

Sew an underwire bra + corset with Madalynne!

Dive into DIY corsetry and lingerie with a focused, 3-day retreat at Madalynne Studios in Philadelphia. Maddie Kulig’s hands-on teaching methods guides you through every detail of constructing a structured Merry Widow corset. The Merry Widow corset is a vintage-inspired piece of lingerie that combines the structure and waist-shaping benefits of a traditional corset with the allure of a bustier or longline bra. Typically, it extends from below the bust to the hips, offering firm torso support, while the bra cups lift and shape the bust. Created in the 1950s by Maidenform, the original Merry Widow was designed to provide both shaping and freedom of movement, making it popular under fitted, hourglass silhouettes.

Each day is designed with hands-on sewing, demonstrations, and personalized guidance, ensuring that your finished garment fits beautifully. From finding your size, determining the corset underwire, how to sew boning channels, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to make a one-of-a-kind garment.

Top Drawer is also chance to enjoy three days of creating with like-minded sewists and make new sewing friends. Plus, you’ll be the first to learn how to make this new lingerie and corset inspired dress pattern from Madalynne X Simplicity!

DATE + TIMES 

March 21-23, 2025
April 11-13, 2025

Day 1: 12 – 6PM
Machine set up. Measuring and finding your size, sewing muslin, fitting.

Day 2: 9AM – 5PM
This is a busy day! We will work our way through the cutting and sewing the Merry Widow. 

Day 3: 9AM – 5PM
A more relaxing day, but don’t let your guard down! The last day is all for finishing.

We will break for lunch between 1-2PM. There will be vegetarian and non vegetarian options upon request. Please let me know if you have any dietary restrictions. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks. 

LOCATION

Madalynne Studios
3101 W. Glenwood Avenue, Philadelphia

COST

Cost includes the class, materials to make the project, and food only. Students will have to pay for travel, lodging.

PROJECT, WHAT YOU’LL TO EXPECT + LEARN

Types of underwires
How to find the right underwire
Determining your size
Adjusting pattern to fit your underwire shape and size
Making + fitting a muslin
How to sew an underwire bra cup
Pattern making basics for lingerie + corsetry
Types of fabrics for lingerie + corsetry
Type os linings + strength layers for lingerie + corsetry
Types of boning for corsetry
Techniques for sewing boning channels

SUPPLIES

All materials to make the project are included in class fee, however, it is strongly encouraged that students being their machine and supplies (snips, pins, rulers, marking pens, etc). If a student is traveling and cannot bring their own supplies, please contact hello@madalynne.com after signing up.

SIZES

Pattern is available in band sizes 28-44 and cup sizes A-I. If you are outside this size range, please email hello@madalynne.com to see how your size can be made.

REFUNDS

Refunds or exchanges are not available.

PREREQUISITE

Intermediate or advanced lingerie sewing knowledge is required. Students must have made a bra prior to the class or schedule a 1-on-1 lesson if they have not. Madalynne reserves the right to refund registration if a student’s skill level is below advanced.

MORE MADALYNNE

See all of Madalynne’s virtual classes here

Additional information