I completed my first Bare Essentials draft. In fact, I completed two of them – one for a regular wire, and one for a ‘demi’ wire.
The Orange wire isn’t actually a demi wire, but it’s a little bit lower in the front. When I combine the wire shape, the wire size I need, and being an Omega shape, it made sense to try the demi draft.
I have to say, the Bare Essentials drafting process is still something I’m learning. I won’t say I have it down pat just yet, but I’m making progress.
This past week I drew up my draft. It actually looks like bra cup pattern pieces, so I thought I’d be close.
I sewed together a very quick tester bra. I told my husband it was the ugliest bra I’ve ever sewn. He said he couldn’t believe I would make anything ugly. This isn’t designed to be pretty. It’s designed to determine if you have the correct volume before you move on in the process.
I wasn’t exaggerating when I said it wasn’t pretty! It’s not.
From the straps being pinned on, thread ends not cut, everything just sewn enough to hold it together to try on once, it has served its purpose.
Even the strap elastic is only tacked down quickly to work for that single fitting.
As terrible as it looks, it worked. I have the correct volume to move onto the next stage, which will be to take this draft pattern, and begin to alter it to the shape I want.
However, I think I’ll redo the draft another time or two to make sure I have this well figured out before I move on.
Happy creating!
So after a week of watching along, I knew I still needed help. Both instructors were offering one-on-one sessions. I signed up with both of them, and I’m really glad I did. They both come at the process differently, and I think things are finally starting to click.
I can’t even begin to say how helpful this is. Every mathematical measurement is given here for your draft. You put in your measurements and it does it automatically. You just have to refer back to your numbers to do your draft. It’s very helpful.
It’s so lovely! It’s also so very comfortable. Everything about this bra is the same as a ‘normal’ bra – channeling, underwire, but it’s all soft cotton jersey.
To account for the stretchiness of the jersey, the original sewer went down a full size to make her jersey bra. I did the same, and it fits very well. I do need to make a couple of adjustments for my Omega shape, but other than that, this is a very good fit.
There isn’t anything different about the back except I used jersey again. The whole bra is jersey except for the elastics, and the underwire and wires. As well, to keep this very soft and comfortable, I did not stabilize the frame.
I pulled out Catherine (my dress form) for this Angie. She’s a little wider through the back than my white dress form. So I thought the bra would fit better around. And it does.
There isn’t anything different about the back except I did the two stitches to attach the strap elastic again. I do like it better. 
I hope this Angie fits perfectly.
This is a Northcott panel called Angels Above. As soon as I saw it, I really just had to have it. 
The pocket is the same coordinating fabric I used for the back of the apron.
Oh, that’s pretty. I’m very pleased with my new Christmas apron.
Yes. A longline is what she wanted.
Isn’t this pretty? I don’t usually wear white, but I really do like this.
I can’t wait to see it on her. I know she’s going to be a lot happier with more coverage.
This looks like pasta! I had to try it.
I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful this was. It still is. I’ve frozen half of it, and am enjoying every week or so. I’ll definitely be making this again.
Unfortunately, due to covid and lockdowns, I’m having to mail her the bra and then we’ll use video to test the fit. It’s not ideal, but I should still be able to get close to what adjustments I’ll need to make.
The one benefit I had making her bra is I’ve had so much experience with Omega adjustments. She got most of them, and everything came together quite well.
I did a little something different on the back this time. I don’t love how the lightening stitch looks on the strap elastic, so I decided to look at my RTW bra. It has the same lightening stitch along the outer edge, but it has a zigzag on the other side.
Isn’t that nicer?
She said she likes lace, and black, and well, anything but brown. So I gave her the first two choices on her list.
This is such a lovely lace. Seeing as she doesn’t have any support issues, I didn’t line this. I did line the cradle though.
The turned out so well. She comes over next week to try it on. (Yes, we’ll have masks on to make sure no one shares anything we don’t want to share!)
My little pup is quite camera shy, but this shows his new boots. He still hates the cold and wants to come back home as soon as possible.
