Vintage Floral Boylston Bra

So, I'm in love.  Like totally and utterly in love.  I finally finished by first Boylston Bra.  By finally I mean it was finished about a week and a half ago but I had to wait for the right length underwires to arrive before it was finished.  

I made a 36C of this pattern and I'm pleased to report it fits!  Not 100%, I think there is a fraction too much fabric in the upper cup but still 100% wearable and I don't think I'm taking it off anytime soon! It is just so comfortable.  Love, love, love.  The only thing I noticed when taking the photos is how unbalanced the pattern is on the cups, however given how amazingly comfortable it is I don't really care!

This was my first time making foam cups.  I used this tutorial from Cloth Habit with great success.  The process was really rather straight forward, much more so than I had initially thought it would be. I'm so pleased with how they turned out.

I'm sure if you've read my blog before you will recognise this fabric.  It is one of my all time favourites.  I've already used it to make a romper and a Watson Bra Set. I only bought 1.15m of this fabric, even though it was 150cm wide I'm still impressed.  One of my favourite things about lingerie sewing and bra making is how little fabric things take.  To be honest I think I can even sneak another bra out of this fabric too. If you don't want to go back and read, this is a stretch thick crepe like material I picked up from my local Lincraft.

I lined the bridge and cradle with one way stretch mesh.  I also put a layer of one way stretch mesh in the straps so they didn't stretch out too much. Especially as this fabric is designed for no stretch fabric. I'm also sold on the fabric straps. I'm totally in love with the pattern, seriously.

And whats the point of making your own bras if you don't make matching underwear?  Of course me being me whipped up a pair of my favourite Watson Bikini. I love the fit of them, they're just right for me.  It is hard trying other patterns when you've found one that is so good.

Anyway this might just be my new favourite set.  It is my new favourite bra anyway.  I'm hoping to turn the Boylston into a longline and a bikini top before too long. If I get time to sew that is.

What have you been sewing lately?

Emma

Bra Pattern : Boylston Bra by Orange Lingerie

Underwear Pattern : Watson Bikini by Cloth Habit

Fabric : Lincraft

Elastics & Hardware : Booby Traps

Underwires : SewSquirrel

Golden Girl Watson Bikini

Just a super quick post for tonight.  I managed to squeeze in a few hours sewing on Friday night after a pretty big week.  We had a new guy at work start and it's been interesting to say the least.

I whipped up a quick Watson Bikini using some lace from Lincraft and my new gold dot FOE.  I couldn't let metallic sit around for too long without being used!  I'm going to need a matching bra but I haven't settled on a pattern yet.

Seriously, Watson Bikinis are my favourite,  They always fit just perfectly and I don't think it will be possible to ever have enough in my wardrobe.

This lace has a more cotton than synthetic feel too it.  It also has a good amount of stretch.  The recovery feels quite good so I have high hopes.

My favourite part of this pair has got to be this elastic though.  It is just something else.  I'm totally in love with it.  Good thing to as I have 100 yards to use!!

Have you sewn anything this week?

Emma

Sequin & Velvet Bra Collection

I'm just going to start by sating I love this collection.  As in head over heels.  This collections was inspired by this set by Ohhh Lulu.  I had sequins left over from a pencil skirt I made (which I apparently haven't blogged!) and when I stumbled upon Sarah's set on Pinterest I knew I had found its calling.  Then what I found navy stretch velvet on my last trip to East Coast Fabrics it was serendipitous.

As you can see I made two bras and two sets of knickers with this combination of fabric.  Can you tell I'm a little obsessed?  The bras are a Watson Bra by Cloth Habit and a Jasmine Bralette by Ohhh Lulu and the knickers are Grace and Betty both by Ohhh Lulu.

I had myself psyched up for these being awful to sew, thankfully the process went smoother than I had expected.  I pinned a lot, which is something I never normally do, and I do think it helped.

Jasmine was the first piece of this set I made.  I find this pattern really easy to sew, I think that its mainly due to the fact there are only four pieces that need to be sewn together to end up with a completed bralette.  

There were a few more pieces for this Jasmine, purely because I lined the sequins so I could enclose the seams.  Lets face it sequins on skin are scratchy,  To get all the seams enclosed I followed these instructions in the Watson Bikini Sew Along.  Obviously these weren't crotch seams but I've used this method a number of times now and it always pays off.  It gives a much nicer finish than exposed seams.  I didn't enclose the side seams but I'm not too fussed, I don't see this bra being worn all the time, it's definitely not an everyday bra.

I think this is my favourite Watson to date, but I'm not really sure I want to commit to that.  I mean it's hard to compete with this one and this one. Once again I made my standard 38A, in the longline version, however this one seems a little snug, still wearable, but a little tighter than normal, though I think I know the causes of that.

I think the snugness of this bra is due to a few factors.  Firstly I removed all give in the front of the bra by lining it with one way stretch mesh.  The bands are also lined with powernet as I did not think the velvet would be able to cope with the constant stretch.  The closure is also only two hooks in length not three and I honestly think that would make all the difference in the world. I plan on changing it when I can get my hands on one.  I have to order them online as no one in town seems to stock them.

The other change I made with this version in the addition of some boning along the side seams.  I've found my other Watson longline tends to ride up so the addition of boning should prevent this.Thankfully this was an easy addition but I do think it also contributed to the snugness of the band.

My favourite bit of this bra is the little rosette in the centre.  I think it makes it.

Grace by Ohhh Lulu was actually the first underwear pattern I bought.  While I've since discovered other patterns I love more this one will always hold a special place in my heart.  I used the same method as I did for the Jasmine Bra to enclose the seams.  The trickiest bit of this whole set was actually attaching the fold over elastic, it really isn't prefect, especially over the sequins but overall I'm still happy with it.

Until I tried the Watson Bikini I would have sworn Ohhh Lulu's Betty High Waisted Knickers was my favourite underwear pattern.  I think it still is to a degree.  Thankfully these turned out as I had expected and I'm pleased I chose to add them to this set.  I love the feel of high waisted underwear and a longline bra.  I think it might be my favourite combination so there was no way these weren't being included in this collection.

You probably deserve a medal if you made it to the end of this post.  There were just too many photos and I couldn't pick.  I hope you love this little mix and match set as much as I do.  I can't wait to break it out sometimes.

I now just need to come up with my next epic project.  So far its a quilt for a wedding present in May next year, so I have heaps of time (famous last words!). I'm also keen to try another Marlborough so we will have to see what inspiration hits.

Emma :)

Bra Patterns - Watson Bra by Cloth Habit and a Jasmine Bralette by Ohhh Lulu

Underwear Patterns - Grace and Betty by Ohhh Lulu

Fabric - Sequins about 18 months ago (for $10/m) from Spotlight, Velvet from East Coast Fabrics

Elastics & Hardwear - Stash a mix of Lincraft and Booby Traps

Paradis Latin Bra Set

I seem to be having a lot of those weeks lately.  The ones where nothing in life seems to go right or be simple and as a result I barely touch my sewing machine.  If I can clean up my house this weekend I have so much I want to sew!  Of course more sewing means more blogging so lets hope I can get that happening.  Worst come to worst I should have more free time next year so I can spend more time growing my blog.  That's the plan anyway, we will have to see if it all works out.

Anyway I have managed to squeeze in a bit of sewing over the past few weeks weeks.  This time I've got a longline Watson Bra and a matching Watson Bikini to share.  I'm calling this one my Paradis Latin Bra Set, after the cabaret show I saw in Paris on my Topdeck tour.

As you know this is not my first Watson (see the others here) and it sure won't be my last.  I already have one cut out and more than that planned.

I used a lace remnant I found at my local Lincraft.  I was still expensive at half price (I'm no Miss Maddy when it comes to remnant finding skills) but I had to have it.  I believe it's in the system as "Stretch Lace" making it a little hard to identify.

I made the bra in my standard 38A and the undies in a XL.  I lined the cradle of the bra with some red stain tricot left over from a kit from Measure Twice Cut Once.  I also used this fabric for the band.  The cups are unlined.  The strappings are elastic are all from Lincraft.  I used a non picot elastic for the band and it has given it a clean finish.  The inside seams are all uncovered so it looks a bit worse for wear on the inside but still looks quote okay from the right side.

The undies, which were the first Watson Bikini I've made, have quickly became a favourite and are in a fairly heavy rotation in my underwear draw (is that TMI??).  Either way I love them.  They are a fraction too big so I'm planning my next pair to be a straight large (as opposed to the XL).  I know that the stretch of the fabric can have an impact on this of course and this lace is rather stretchy so my size might vary dependent on the fabric choice.

I'm expecting many more Watson Bikinis in my future, and even a few more out of this fabric I think.  I'm hoping to have something a bit more luxe to share next week.  If I can get the time at my machine that is.

Til next time,

Emma

Lavender Days Bra Set

If you've read my blog more than once you would know by now that I'm a fan of Ohhh Lulu, this set is no different.

I found some stretch lace at my local Lincraft, it had a really good stretch that I've been struggling to find however it was only in white.  Thankfully I didn't really see that as a problem and proceeded to dye the fabric and all the elastics for this set.  I used Rit liquid dye in navy and ended up with this colour.  Thankfully I like it!.

I used the Jasmine Bra pattern (I cut a medium) for the bralette.  It really is nice and simple for a lounge bra.  There isn't much support for a lounge bra it isn't really required.  Saying that it's not something I would wear to work though.

I added bows where each of the straps were attached in order to cover up that they don't look the best.  Thankfully I had the ribbon in my stash already.

You can see how well everything dyed and how well it coordinates.  This is not going to be the last time I dye everything for a bra that's for sure.

I used Ohhh Lulu Alice Knickers Pattern to make the matching undies.  The pattern stated 90cm was required for these but thankfully due to using stretch lace I was able to get the whole set out of  1/2 a metre.  

I used some grey cotton jersey for the gusset, it was close enough to blend as I hadn't thought to dye any.  I used Miss Maddy Sews suggestion and attempted a rolled hem to finish them as I wasn't adding more lace to the edges.  It wasn't disastrous but it sure isn't perfect either.  I'm pretty happy with it as it was the first time in a long time I'd tried a rolled hem.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with these, and even happier I got them the set out of so little fabric!  I'm keen to try a bra with underwires next, I've already ordered some so now I just have to wait til they arrive!

Emma :)

Fabric - Lincraft (Dyed by me)

Elastics - Stash - Mostly Lincraft

Bra - Jasmine Bra by Ohhh Lulu

Knickers - Alice Knickers by Ohhh Lulu

McCalls 6659 - Dressing Gown

I've never really been one for dressing gowns, they've just never really been my thing. However I recently decided I wanted a light weight dressing gown.  I found McCalls 6659 at my local Spotlight during their killer pattern sale a few weeks ago.  I grabbed it and got stuck in.

I used a voile by Cloud 9 that I picked up at Spotight on sale, the piping is a hot pink velvet piping from Lincraft and the tie is maroon grossgrain ribbon also from Lincraft.

I made a few alterations to the pattern, mostly because I had assumed that the voile was 150cm wide and ended up only being 115!  I of course only had 3 metres which was what the pattern stated for 150 wide fabric.  Thankfully with some clever cutting I got what I needed to out of the fabric I had.  I achieved this by shortening the sleeves, who needs long sleeves on a light dressing gown anyway, and using ribbon for the tie.

I also added some loops in the side seams to keep the belt in place.  

Overall the pattern was really easy to assemble, I used french seams for most of it to give it a more professional look.  There were only 7 peices to cut (2x front, 2x sleeves, 2x lapels and the back).  The fit is nothing fantastic but it is a dressing gown so it doesn't really have to be.

I also trimmed the hem with ribbon in an attempt to make the finishes a little nicer.  Sadly I think it was all let down by the finish on the band you can see above.  I didn't really think about how to finish it and while the pattern recommended slip stitching that is not one of my strengths and I'm sure it would have looked worse!    Overall I am still happy with the way it turned out.

Emma :)

Pattern - McCalls 6659

Fabric - Cloud 9 Voile from Spotlight

Ribbon & Piping - Lincraft

Ohhh Lulu Emma Romper - Take Two

As I had planned last week, I made another Emma Romper out of this fabric.

I am thrilled with how it turned out!  I graded from a medium bust to a large at the hips with this one and it does fit better.  The only other change I made was turning the back straps into a racerback feature.  I used the elastic and trim that I dyed and I am pleased to say I think it turned out quite well.

Anyway enough words to today, its been a loooooonnnnggg week, I'll just leave you with the photos.

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it up Friday.

How has your week been?

Emma

Sunday Stash #8 - Mystery Fabric

I failed at my attempt at No Buy July!  Lincraft was having a 50% off all fabric sale and I went in to have a look.  Saying that I only spent $15 so that really is still quite successful.

I'd seen the new patterns Sarah at Ohhh Lulu had released and really liked the look of her Emma Romper, after all we share a name :).

Anyway I saw this fabric in Lincraft and knew it would be prefect!

I have no idea what fabric it is and I'm stumped.  It has the texture of a crepe, but its thicker than I've ever seen a crepe.  It seems like it is has a brushed back given how soft it is.  It also has the really generous stretch.  It also had no tag which would be right.

Anyway, I can't wait to see how it turns out!  I'm hoping it will be amazing!

Sunday Stash - Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers Week

In my quest to make some more knickers and bras I took a trip to Lincraft to get some supplies (and enjoy their 40% off).

I mostly purchased mesh and lace as it comes in very handy for the patterns I'm using.  Plus they help make things look a bit more feminine.

The bottom on the pile is a slub knit.  It feels amazing!  I can't wait to get a pair of knickers in it!

While I was at Lincraft I also took advantage of their selection of lingerie trims and elastics and stocked up (Why weren't these included in the 40% off!)

I think I got a pretty good selection.  Fold Over Elastic in white, black, nude and navy.  Black Rick Rac Elastic trim, matching width elastics, a whole matching set including bra strapping and fluro green bra strapping!  I have no idea what I'm using the green with at the moment but I love it!

I had grabbed some bra hardware, like hooks and strap adjusters and left them all at the counter, thankfully without paying for them!  These kind of things tend to happen to me on a Friday afternoon.

I've already used some of it to have some fun and make some pretty new knickers, I can't wait to get stuck in and make some more!

I'm linking up with Molli Sparkles for Sunday Stash today.

Some recent Fabric Scores

I like fabric shopping.  That's no lie.  I have enough quilting fabric to sink a battle ship but dressmaking fabric not so much.  In fact up until about 12 months ago I had no interest in sewing clothes.  They scared me.  They had curves and zips and scary terms like notches and you had to cut out patterns and actually use scissors to cut the fabric.  Being a quilter all those things scared me.  But somehow I got over it.  Something made me want to sew clothes.  And wearable ones at that. So that was what I did.

I started with a few simple things, a skirt or two, and then a top.  Then I found those indie pattern designers we all love Colette, April Rhodes, Sew Over It, By Hand London, and spent hours trawling through patterns finding ones I loved and wanted to make and buying the ones I could afford.  I'd also hit up Spotlights pattern sales when they were 3 for $10 and make the most of it.

Now I do profess to being a dedicated Spotlight shopper (I blame the nearly 5 years of working there.  I'm thinking of ideas for a post for my hints and tips for finding bargins at Spotlight. Let me know).  However I was down near Lincraft and thought I would go in and see what they had.  I was impressed.  Bargins garlore on their clearance table!  Some lycra type lining at $5/m and some navy ribbed knit down to $1.25.  Now I didn't take photos of these two partly because they are pretty boring, partly because they are in a box somewhere :).

The rest were a bit prettier.

There was this maroon knitted fabric with a metallic gold thread at $8/m.  I got 2m to turn into a knitwear jumper for those cooler Autumn days around the corner.  Just to decide on a pattern.  I'm leaning towards using the free Easy Tee pattern by It's Always Autumn.  It's a good pattern, pretty much my size plus its free!  Nothing to complain about there.

 

 

I also fell in love with this other fabric and plan on using the same pattern with it.  I'm just too scared to sew it because it is so open with the weave.  Any hints or tips would be appreciated.  It's really a black/brown colour and the sequins just make it in real life. 

 

 

 

 

I've also purchased this tribal like rayon from Spotlight with unknown plans at the moment, maybe a simple shift dress.

 

 

I also grabbed this pirouette dot tulle during the recent 30% off sale.  I have plans for a cocktail dress using this to make a Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City) style skirt and a black satin bodice.

 

I also discovered Ohhh Lulu the other day and fell in love. Romantic, Feminine, Stylish.  I plan on making up a few of their patterns (funds permitting).

I grabbed this combination of stretch lace and cotton below for the Ohhh Lulu Grace Knickers and the lyrca (2 remanent pieces at $2/m) for the Abigail Swimsuit.  One day anyway :).

 

 

 

Anyway I hope to get some more sewing done over the weekend.  Or at least finish off some other things to show you.  Things should settle down after I actually move in after Easter and that should mean more sewing time :)

 

Until then,

 

Emma

Drape Drape 2 No. 4

I was reading some blogs a while ago and stumbled upon the Drape Drape books.  I fell in love.  Sadly being Japanese pattern books they are a bit small for my sizing (about a Australian 12-14 ).  Anyway I'm pretty happy with this first run though.

I went into Lincraft the other day and scored on their clearance table, though that is for another post.  This gray kind of see through knit caught my eye and I decided to make Drape Drape 2 Number 4.

 

 

As I said I'm pretty happy with it for a first try, I plan on modifying the pattern when I make it again.  It was very quick and easy to sew, in a few hours and then I wore it to a party that night.

 

 

There is more Drape Drape in my future for sure.  Maybe after I move anyway :)

 

Emma