fibres are then fed into the winding machine and are bound by stout thread into a firm, continuous cord [see cut], This cord, or "coraline," as it is now called, is then ready to be stitched into the corset, which is done in the same manner that ordinary cord is stitched between the folds of cloth.
[Note.—There is no genuine Coraline unless wound with thread as described.]
After the Coraline is stitched into the cloth, it passes through a tempering process by passing between heated dies. This is the most wonderful part of the invention, and it is its ability to receive a temper that makes Coraline so valuable as a stiffener for corsets. There is not more difference between soft iron and tempered steel, than between Coraline in its natural state and the same article after it has passed through this tempering process. No starch or artificial sizing of any kind is used, but it is a development of the natural elastic quality already existing in the Coraline, and this elasticity is therefore permanent. Corsets boned with cord may be so loaded with starch or glue that they will seem stiff when new, but this will disappear after a few days’ use. Those stiffened with Coraline, on the other hand, grow more elastic with use. This is particularly noticeable in our bosom pads, and in the bust of the Health corsets, both of which
( 5 )
