Design and Draft Course

This past week I took the Bra Design & Draft course at Central Sewing Machines. I’ve wanted to take a bra drafting course for a few years now. With the course finally coming closer to home, I could do it.It was a pleasant surprise to find I knew the other students. We’d all taken either the Beginner Bra-making class or Shelley class at Central last year. And of course, we’d all taken those classes with Jeanette of Sew Uplifting Bras too. It was like a class reunion.

The first day was very exciting. We were all presented with a bag full of goodies. Now, others may not have been so thrilled with the goodies, but for a bunch of bra-makers, it was a thrill! Just take a look.This is the manual we were given. It has the complete Drafting course in it, as well as a bunch of other great resources.
We also got a full set of Long wires, and a complete set of Classic patterns (all the sizes). There were sample packs of duoplex and power net, a notebook, a binder (shown above), a set of curves, and a bra kit with findings. All in a great bag. I’m pretty sure that was the best swag bag ever.

Fabrics

The first day we learned about all different fabrics that can be used in bra-making or lingerie. Some of them were familiar to me, some were new. We were given samples too, with instructions on how they were best used, and not to be used. It’s all neatly contained in our new binder. One of the students is in a Fashion & Design course, and she said she’d learned more that day than she had in her Textiles class. It really was very useful. By the end of the first day, we’d all been measured and learned how to measure someone else by measuring one another – all under Jeanette’s instruction. We were almost ready for Day Two, but before that, we had homework to do.

Drafting

Day Two was the beginning of a lot of paper and pencil work. We were guided in the art of drafting. We started with our frames. I did something wrong. Jeanette told me what I did wrong, but I was tired and didn’t correct it right away. Let me tell you, all it takes is one little mistake to throw everything off. By the end of the day, we were sent home with homework again. This time we were to practice our drafting. We drafted frames for everyone in the class. Day Three built upon Day Two. We were starting our lower cup draft. Well, we needed our frame to be done correctly at this point, and the one I had with me in the class still wasn’t corrected. Things weren’t fitting together. Again, Jeanette pointed out what I’d done wrong on my frame. I was back to the drawing board. Literally. I’d had a little more practice drawing frames by Day Three after Day Two’s homework, so it went much more quickly. I was on track in no time. We finished the day with a draft of our lower cup, our upper cup, and lots of information on how to do adjustments if needed.

Day Four was similar to Day Three – still more paper, pencils, drafting, and information. Some of us even cut out our newly drafted patterns, and got in some sewing before the end of the day. One woman was almost finished her drafted bra on Day Four. I had my cups finished. I brought them home and put them in my fitting bra frame. I was thinking this would save me the time of completing the whole bra to see how close I was. There was one small little change I needed to make to my draft. That was incredibly encouraging.Something I’ve heard and read repeatedly is: To get accurate measurements you have to start with a well-fitting bra. It’s so true. Jeanette brought fitting bras with her, so we all started with a well-fitting bra to get our measurements. And it works!

Day Five was mostly a sewing day for me. But before I could sew, I had to re-draft my upper and lower cups with that one little change. I worked as quickly as I could so I could get to the sewing. I really wanted to be done by the end of the day. Thinking back, I could have just changed my pattern, but it was a drafting class, and I was getting a LOT of experience with drafting.

The great news is I did it. I finished the Bra Design & Draft course and came away with a perfectly fitting pattern and bra – that I drafted from measurements.On my drafted bra here, I added a couple of features just because I could. I gave this bra a Gothic arch, and a thinned band under the cups. This draft is for a Horizontal seam. This seaming is the basis for the ‘Heather’ bra. The Heather bra is actually a Wacoal bra. It’s the Retro Chic Full Figure Underwire Bra.

You can see this has a horizontal seam going across the cup. It’s so pretty. I’m already planning another ‘Heather’ using my new pattern. If you have the Craftsy Class Sewing Bras Foam, Lace & Beyond, Beverly shares how to make the Heather bra.

It was a great week. I can’t wait for the next course!

Happy creating!

Canada Cups – It’s a Wrap

Welcome back for the final stop on our Canada Cups Coming Unwired tour.

I’d Like to Thank the Academy…

Before I say anything else, I really want to say a big thank you! We put out the call to some incredibly talented Canadian designers, suppliers, and bloggers, and got an amazing response! Well, you’ve seen the prize list, seen the makes, and read the blogs. It’s been great!

Personally, on behalf of the bloggers, here’s a shout out to Bra-Makers SupplyChelsea C. DesignsClub TissusFavorite ThingsJalie Sewing PatternsLingerie Secrets, and Ohhh Lulu for donating patterns and/or supplies to our bloggers!

We had two guest bloggers on the tour as well! Some wonderful professional bra-makers took time out of their very busy schedules and wrote up posts. Thank you, Linda (Uplift Custom Bras), Maria and Karin (Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables). We are so grateful to you.

Our tour really wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for our bloggers willing to take their time too. Thank you Deb, Jessica, Lisa, Marsha, Mel, Michelle S., Rachelle, and Valérie! I loved seeing your gorgeous makes!

Lastly, there are all the wonderful prizes donated for the tour. Thank you Atelier Fiber Arts & Abrakdabra, Bra-Makers SupplyBraphoria, Central Sewing Machines, Chelsea C Designs, Closet Case Patterns, Crookshanks Custom Textiles (I’m totally envious of whoever wins this one), Fabric Please, Favorite Things, Funky Monkey Fabrics, Libelle Sewing, and Midnight Mountain Fabrics. (Oh, I’d like any or all of these prizes!)

Behind the Scenes Highlights!

 Now for some behind the scenes fun! Let’s talk about a few things that went on while getting ready for the tour!

Don’t Get Your Knickers in a Knot!

Lisa made some hipster panties. She was questioning her fabric placement ability after putting that gold LOVE smack dab… well, you can see for yourself.

Lisa also had to draw on her own sewing experiences when she put off sewing until close to the end of the tour and found she was missing a page of instructions! There wasn’t enough time to get a new pattern and get the panties done in time. I wonder if that could have been the pattern placement page.

You Don’t Say

Rachelle and I both made the Sweet Sixteen bralette pattern. In fact, we not only both made the same pattern, we found the same material! Yup. It’s gorgeous, and we both loved it. We both almost made the same bralette out of the same material.

That Didn’t Work!  

I had a whoops moment I shared with the other bloggers. I called it when bad things happen to good cups. That gorgeous material I couldn’t resist? I had some technical difficulties with my machine… and then my seam ripper.Yes, that’s a hole in the middle of the cup, probably right about where the apex sits in the cup. There were jokes about leaking cups!

I wasn’t the only blogger who had trouble with my materials. Marsha shared with us how her crepe crept off the table and she cut one side of it 1-inch too deep!

 Kids Say the Cutest Things!

Jessica had a laugh when her toddler asked what she was sewing. She said ‘a bra’, and he replied…” a broccoli?'” Nope. Can’t sew a broccoli! It doesn’t fit with our soft-cupped theme either.

Deb told us her girls loved the nightdresses she made for them. They found them a little cold to sleep in now the weather is turning, but had a perfect solution: They suggested going on vacation. I like they way they think!

Name that Movie!

Michelle made the Romy bra, and Marsha reminded us all of the movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.

Do you think we could get that out of our heads once it got in? Hmm, I wonder if those are soft-cupped bras they’re wearing?

Fitting

A number of us dealt with fitting issues. Cups too big, bands too big. I don’t know if anything fit perfectly the first time around.

There was one comment made to us about the patterns all being for skinny bodies. Nope. That’s not the case. More than one of us does not fit into that category anymore. We really enjoyed calling each other skinny after that though.

We really do have a lot of fun on these tours, and hope you enjoy them too! So, we’ve wrapped everything up, thanked everyone. All that’s left is for you, our readers to win a prize! I want to hear if one of my readers wins a prize!

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway (This giveaway has ended.)

 

Prizes

Tour Discounts (These tour discounts have ended.)

  • Funky Monkey Fabrics is offering a 10% discount for the duration of the tour. Use code: CC10 for 10% off store wide until October 22nd. Not valid on already discounted full bolts.
  • 20% discount storewide at Fabric Please. Use code CANADACUPS.
  • 10% discount from Central Sewing Machines. Orders must be mailed to Muriel @ centralsewing.com to have the discount applied manually.
  • 10% discount from Midnight Mountain Fabrics. Use the code CANADACUPS10
  • Free shipping from Club Tissus on all orders over $100. Use code: livraison100
  • 10% off a retail purchase from Libelle Sewing with $15 purchase. Use code: CANADACUPS

   If you missed any of the tour, here’s the schedule again.

Sunday, October 15


Monday, October 16


Tuesday, October 17


Wednesday, October 18


Thursday, October 19


Friday, October 20


Saturday, October 21

♥♥
Monday, October 23

  • Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:

Little Heart ThreadsGlitter in my CoffeeMichelle’s CreationsMrs. Weaver’s Finest UnmentionablesGracious ThreadsÉlégantine!That’s Sew VeniceSprouting JubejubeFlying by the Seam of my PantsFilles à Maman

Prizes and Discounts

The Canada Cups – Cross Your Heart Relay is all wrapped up, but that doesn’t mean the fun has stopped. Oh, no. We have more fun for you.

First, let’s see our winners!

Giveaway Winners

Are you one of the lucky 10?
  1. Lavender and Lace bra-making class from Braphoria: Reece Montgomery (Canada)
  2. Two $25 CAD store credit certificates (for you and a friend) from Bra-makers Supply: Denise Marie (USA)
  3. Exclusive pre-release Latte bra kit from The Emerald Studio: Jodi Barrington (Canada)
  4. Complete bra kit including findings, underwires, and lace from Uplift Custom Bras: Angela Smith (Canada)
  5. The Sophie Swimsuit online class, incl. PDF pattern from Closet Case Files: Yiling (USA)
  6. $50 CAD store credit from Blackbird Fabrics: Chelle (USA)
  7. $25 CAD gift card from Ann’s Fabric Shop & a PDF pattern from Jalie: Jeannie (USA)
  8. $50 CAD gift card from Central Sewing Machines: Patricia (Canada)
  9. Complete bra kit from Custom Bras: Kelly Boggs (Canada)
  10. The 10th prize is a bundle of 3 classes from Craftsy, worth more than $200 USD. Their Giveaway is still open until tonight, 11:59 PM MST. This winner will be notified directly by Craftsy.

Did you win? If not, we have a number of tour sponsors who have not only donated prizes, but have also very graciously provided discounts for us.

Just look at all these sponsors! A very BIG thank you to all of them for participating with us!

14339952_10210984887124239_819227118_o

I hope you enjoyed our tour as much as we did making it. Let me know if you win, or if you decided to make something new as a result of our tour. I’ve already heard from one woman who said she “was motivated to finish her foam cup bra and make a lace one after reading the review on the Foam, Lace & Beyond class.” That is so great to hear. Did our tour motivate you?

Happy creating!

An Interview: Central Sewing Machines

Welcome to another stop at Michelle’s Creations. Today, as part of our Canada Cups Cross Your Heart Relay blog tour, 2016, I’m featuring Central Sewing Machines in Edmonton, Alberta.

14115479_10153680178531949_1549809682088206873_o

Before we start our interview, did you see my post saying why I’d become a Craftsy affiliate? I think Craftsy is great!

Now, on to our feature post. You might be wondering how a sewing machine store features in bra-making/lingerie tour. Let’s find out!

Who is Muriel? Tell us a little about your new ownership venture.

We are very proud to be a brother and sister duo owning Central Sewing Machines. Our official start date was July 19, 2016. We are thrilled to be part of this new world and look forward to bringing our brand to a whole bunch of new venues. 

In fact, if you’re in the Edmonton area, tomorrow (September 17th) it’s Central Sewing Machine’s Fall Open House.

central-sewing

Where is Central Sewing Machines located?

Central has two locations and classes are held in both our South and West stores. Our South store is at 8649 – 63 Avenue, and our West store is located at 10642 – 170 Street. Both in Edmonton.

 Central Sewing Machines (CSM) offers bra-making classes. Will that continue now under your new management?

Absolutely! We love the idea of offering a lot of variety and as long as our clients want to take these classes, we will continue to offer them.

basic-bra-class

The Basic Bra-making class offered this fall.

Oh, that’s wonderful news! Any plans to expand the classes? Offer more? Or have the classes held more often? Or other lingerie classes?

Expansion of classes? Absolutely! We have set up an Education Team. This Team is looking for other types of classes we can bring to our store, along with new teachers who are interested in bringing something unique.  I cannot speak directly about other lingerie classes, but if there is a desire for this, and a teacher willing to offer this, we would love to bring these to fruition.

Mrs. Weaver? (Nudge. Nudge.)

How long do you see this trend of making our own bras/panties/lingerie continuing?

I think this trend will continue to be very strong. It is something that speaks to all ladies, ways they can personalize their own look.

bra-displayThis lovely bra is on display at the South store. Ooh, I love the bow on that bra!

How do you get the word out?

We send out email blasts on our courses. We also have a new website that we will be unveiling shortly which has all of our courses listed. You will be able to search and purchase classes online.

CSM has been offering bra-making classes for close to 20 years. In fact, the first bra-making class at Central was with our very own Fairy Bra Mother!

Yes, that’s right. Beverly Johnson was the first woman to teach bra-making classes at Central.

Beverly, when did you teach at Central Sewing Machines? For how long?

It had to have been 1999 or earlier. I talked to Bev S. (Bev still works at Central) and she wanted to book one class. I told her she should book at least two, as they would sell out. She announced it to her customers and we sold out 3 classes. The next time I was there I taught 8 classes in a row!

At that time the classes were only offered once a year. Is that right?

Yes. I was in Edmonton once a year, but it was always for multiple days at a time.

What were those early classes like?

They always put 24-25 women in a class.  Imagine 75 women on that first trip! No helper either!

classroom

Here’s the classroom where the bra magic happens. Twenty-five students would be really crowded.

That must have been a challenge to try and work with that many women at one time. The classes now have a limit and a waiting list. No more 25 women in one class.

Classes that are too big are not good for the learning process.

How long were you teaching at Central?

I taught there for four years, maybe five.

Who is there now?

Margaret started teaching there about five years ago. She is a great teacher!

Margaret Ferguson is teaching two bra-making classes this fall.  Bra Making – The Basic Bra, and Bra Making – Cup Design Styles.

It’s so great we have some local access to bra-making, and for those who aren’t local, there are bra-making classes on Craftsy!

 I would like to thank Muriel from Central Sewing Machines, and Beverly Johnson, from Bra-Makers Supply, for taking the time to allow me to interview them.

Have you (my readers) taken bra-making classes? The Craftsy classes count.

14339952_10210984887124239_819227118_o


Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes

Canada Cups Logo Draft

Friday, September 16

bloggers

Thank you to our wonderful bloggers for making this such a great tour!