You're right, Blackjohn. I am! :)
Regarding corset/stays patterns fitting or not fitting: You're not picky, AkashaZuul. Patterns are made to fit average sizes. For most clothing, getting in the ballpark is good enough. But for something as close-fitting as stays, it's imperitive that it fits *you*, not just your measurements. One of my best friends and I have the same bust, waist and side (underarm to waist) measurements, but she's a D and I'm a B. But our measurements are the same.
As a custom clothing maker who's started a pattern business, let me tell you, it's a challenge to fit everyone! But stays are the hardest. Everyone has one hip that's higher or they slouch or any myriad of things that patterns can't take into consideration.
Next time you set out to make a set of stays, try this trick. Cut out the pattern in your size, but cut it out of bristol board or poster board instead of scrap fabric. Tape the board stays on and move around in them. Cut away where they pinch you, making sure not to cut too much. Then cut your good fabric using the board pattern, not the tissue. This will give you a set of stays that fit you perfectly.
And I LOVE the red duchesse idea! You can see them, but the stays I'm wearing in my avatar picture are made from red duchesse satin. I love them.
Mad Kass