Sierra Bra

Something a little different today, when I first saw the Sierra Bra (a free pattern by Madalynne) I liked the look of it but I wasn't sure if it would look any good on me or be supportive enough to wear for more than short periods of time. I'm pleased to say I have been pleasantly surprised.

The pattern was really easy to sew up, to be honest the hardest part of the whole process was tracking down lace that was wide enough.  I couldn't find anything locally and had to order online, not that I'm really worried by that :).  I ordered this amazing navy lace from Booby Traps, it is super wide (25cm) and utterly gorgeous! 

The only change I made to the pattern of the Sierra was the strap placement.  The pattern uses a halter strap, however I just don't find it practical, so I just made normal straps and attached them onto the back piece.  I dyed the elastic (Rit dye - 1tsp Scarlet & 1tsp Taupe in 4 cups water) to this peachy colour.  It didn't come out quite as I wanted, I think its too much taupe so if I was trying to dye a peach colour again I would add a little more red.

I mean seriously though I just can't get over this lace.  The scalloping is to die for and it looks amazing on.  Like seriously amazing.  Love, love, love!  It might be rivaling this set as my all time fave.  The only issue is it's a touch too small, like an inch or two, but as I've just joined the gym I'm hoping I can get the fit better.

As you can tell I left the lace unlined, partly because I didn't have any appropriately coloured powernet, only white and nude neither of which would have been ideal for this bra, and partly because I like the lace plain. 

I also made a Watson Bikini.  I think this might be my go to underwear pattern.  Well maybe this and Betty, I still have a thing for high waisted underwear. I made a large which is the prefect size, the XL I made previously had a bit too much height at the front whereas this one is perfect.  I especially adore the scallops at the top, I think they make this pair!

Anyway, I recommend checking out the Sierra pattern if you have a smaller bust, especially as it is free.  I seriously doubt that I'm going to get over my navy addiction any time soon.  Though is there anything wrong with having a navy addiction.  It is such an amazing colour!

I'm sure there will be more Sierras in my future, in fact I already have another one cut out.  I'm also contemplating buying more of this lace, just cause it is that amazing in person.  Time will tell about that though!

What have you been sewing lately?

Emma :)

Patterns - Sierra Bra by Madalynne & Watson Bikini by Cloth Habit

Fabric - Booby Traps

Elastics - Lincraft & Booby Traps dyed using Rit Dye

Brigette Bra

Continuing the bra making trend from last week, this week I used Ohhh Lulu's Brigette Bra Pattern to make another bra.

I'm going to be totally honest to begin with and say I don't love this one as much as my Jasmine Bra.  I think some of that is to do with the fabric, my Brigette Bra uses proper bra making fabric where as this one just uses what I had in my stash.  I'm going to try it again when I get some better fabric and see how we go.

Saying that I am happy with it.  It still looks nice and while I'm not sure I'll get much use of it on an everyday basis I'll still be able to wear it around the house when not much support is required.

I made a medium as per my measurements, however the elastic I used on the band is not as tight as other lingerie elastics I have used.  I really went for looks over practicality with this one I think.

I'm planning on making a matching pair of undies, sometime soonish hopefully.  I do hope to share something other than a bra with you next week though.

I really like the fact I've learnt plenty from this project.  The first being how to use fold over elastic correctly, the second being the importance of the correct materials for a project.  Overall, even though I'm not entirely satisfied with my finished product, I'm still happy.

I'm also linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it up Friday.

What have you learnt when a sewing project didn't work out?

Emma

Ohhh Lulu Jasmine Bra

So I actually used the fabric I blogged about in last weeks Sunday Stash.  Let me preface by saying I am in L.O.V.E with the results.

I was really in the mood to sew the other day.  I knew I had no plans and after a very busy week so I got set up in my sewing room with Gilmore Girls playing on my laptop and got stuck in.

Until recently I had never even considered sewing things like bras, undies and lingerie.  I don't know why, they'd just never been on my radar.  I'd seen a few different things on pinterest and they had caught my eye.  However it wasn't until I stumbled across Ohhh Lulu that I was hooked. So far I've made undies using both her Grace and Betty patterns.

I used the Ohhh Lulu Jasmine Bra pattern and honestly can't believe how easy it was.  There were only three pattern pieces, each on a separate page so no taping required.  Plus if you made it unlined you would only need to sew five seams - talk about crazy easy!

I used this bra kit from Susan at Measure Twice Cut Once.  I can't recommend it enough, the fabrics are wonderful and the colour is amazing!

I fully lined my bra with the tricot from the kit, I wanted to give it a bit more structure than just a plain lace bra.  This was still simple enough as I just followed the instructions in the pattern.  Though next time I would make sure that I took more care to ensure that the lining sat better inside the bra.  I feel that in the one I've made the lining is marginally too large, though not enough to stop me being crazy happy with the results.

The details are some of my favourites.  The elastics are brilliantly feminine yet robust enough to survive wear.  The straps have a delicate detail which I love.  

I've got to say it is amazingly comfortable to wear and I now need to make enough to make to have one to wear every day of the week.  Sarah at Ohhh Lulu also released new patterns this week, I think this could be bad for my budget!

Have you ever thought about making a bra or underwear?