A Modified Sweet Sixteen

January 15, 2022January 11, 2022 ~ Michelle ~ 2 Comments

I’ve been thinking of making a modified Sweet Sixteen (Sw16) bralette since last summer. Monica Bravo had a class in the Great Bra Sewing Bee about how she modified this pattern to be ‘more supportive’. I wanted to try some of her suggestions.

The first thing I wanted to do was change the cradle of my Sw16 to match the wire size I use. I’d been thinking about this hack for a couple of days, and I kept thinking the Watson cradle in my size might work perfectly for this.However, after looking at the two patterns, the cradles are different enough that I decided not to try it. So I hacked my Sw16 cradle, and redrew it.The next thing I had to do was put back the amount of space I’d removed from the frame. I added that to the back band. It’s looking much more like a bra pattern now, rather than a bralette pattern.

My pattern was ready, so it was time to test this out. I wanted a soft stretchy bralette, but when I saw this powernet, I decided to make the whole bra in it.Isn’t this powernet lovely? I bought it from B,Wear.

How did my experiment work out? Well, I have to say, it worked out rather well.Are you wondering the same thing I was wondering the whole time I was making it? Does it fit? Well, yes it does. The band is a touch too big – I have to fasten it on the tightest hook and eye. That’s and easy fix.

The cups fit as well, but I will need to add to the inner cup to get some separation.

However, despite those small issues, when I put it on, I didn’t take it off. It’s incredibly comfortable.

Happy creating!

Starry Nights Collection

January 8, 2022January 7, 2022 ~ Michelle

In December, Beverly Johnson sent out a request for testers to test a new pattern of hers. I knew we’d be moving, but I also knew if all I did for the next month or more was pack and unpack, I’d be miserable. I knew I needed a creative outlet too. So, I volunteered, and I’m really glad I did.

The Starry Nights Collection is a great lougewear/nightwear collection. It has three-length options, as well as a capri option.I made the full-length Luna option. I used a beautiful turquoise cotton Lycra, with some coordinating lace on the inner cups.

The cup option I made isn’t show, but was easy to do. Just use lace for the inner cups only on the Luna.My Luna is a bit big for me, but I’d rather have loose for sleeping than tight. However, my mind is full of ideas for how to change this up.

Another change I made was to do two spaghetti straps per side instead of the adjustable bra strap option.

One idea I have came from the Monica Bravo’s class in the Great Bra Sewing Bee (now the International Bra Sewing Bee). She adapted her Sweet Sixteen bralette. I took notes during the bee, and plan to try some of the changes she made – like narrowing the cradle for a more supportive bralette.

Another idea came from FB ads. Right around the same time Beverly sent out her tester call, I started seeing ads from Montelle Intimates. I was so surprised because the cups on this is the same style as the Starry Nights Collection’s. There’s a link in the photo (from their web page) that will take you right to this lovely chemise.

Seeing this got me really excited for possibilities for the new Starry Nights Collection. In fact, the day after I finished my Luna, I dreamt all night about making changes, and I woke ready to forget unpacking some more and wanting to get back to my sewing room!

Happy creating!

New Year, New House, New Sewing Room

January 1, 2022January 1, 2022 ~ Michelle

We moved mid-December, so I had a big sewing blitz in late October and early November knowing everything was going to get packed up.

Fortunately, the previous owner of our new the house moved out a week before we were to move in. That gave me to time to do some cleaning, sorting, and unpacking in the new house. After the kitchen, my sewing room was my top priority. It was mostly set up days after our move.

I’ll warn you. I’m not all unpacked and sorted yet. But I was able to sew. (smile) First off is my Singer treadle machine, rather laden down with things still needing to be sorted. Next to that is my Rocketeer. Then piled beside those are a bunch of books that are still unpacked, some storage, and then my cutting table. You can see the fabric left over from my latest project.

My sewing table butts up against my cutting table making a U-shaped work area.Behind the sewing/work area are my storage rack, a small sewing table, and a storage cupboard. Beside the storage cupboard is my yet-to-be-packed bookcase.

Lastly, I have two closet doors, but the closet space runs the full length of the wall between the doors. It’s wonderful to have all that space!I still need to do some organizing, but at least I’m set up enough to do some sewing.