Bralettes

Em’s April Watson

~ Michelle

It was time. I had to sew Em’s bra for April. Being a little pressed for time this month with all the fitting bras, I didn’t try a new pattern for her. No, I went back to the very charming Watson bra.

We went through some of my stash and Em picked this mesh and lace. I hope she loves this one too. I had a little bit of lace left over, so I cut out the flowers and added those to the frame on one side.     On the other side, I had the flower coming up the side of the cup as well.

Of course to finish a pretty bra, I add a bow. This is a very light weight bra. The mesh is very light, and so is the lace. As Em doesn’t need support, I’m not adding it behind the frame or in the cups.

However, the lace is non-stretch so there will still be a little support.  

This should be lovely to wear in the summer or warmer months as it’s so very light.

After my class next month, I hope to venture into other patterns for Em. Do you have a favorite light-support bra or bralette?

Happy creating!

The Final February Watson

~ Michelle ~ 4 Comments

I really love this Roxie kit from B,Wear. Not only does it have a lot of material in it – enough for 3 bralettes – but I really love the Lycra in it. Now I do have to say I had to add finding kits to make those three bras, but still. Lots of fabric.

This most recent bralette gave me the most trouble. Sewing the Lycra on its own was a little more challenging than the other two bralettes. I did my share of unpicking on this one.

  Still it turned out so lovely. For this one, as you can see, I used the embroidered mesh to cover the Lycra for the front cradle. I think it looks lovely. This way Em has 3 different looking bralettes to start off the year.

It’s a good thing pink is her favorite color! Here’s the full set again. Hmm, one of those little embroidered flower cut-outs will make a sweet addition to these panties.

Here’s the back view. As you can see, for all three bralettes I used the Lycra for the bands as well. As Em has some sensitivities, I used the Lycra for the frame too. They’re all very soft for her. I really loved this whole kit. The Lycra is really nice, but so is the embroidered mesh. I had to use a few of the left over scraps to embellish this bralette by adding just a few more flowers. Isn’t that darling?

I added one to each strap as well.      I love how all three of these turned out.

Here they are all together.

The full set is the most recent, the top right is the second Watson, and bottom right is the first one I made for Em. Do you have a favorite? I do! Which one do you think I love the most?

I think Em’s bra-a-month year is starting off well.

Happy creating!

Another Roxie Watson

~ Michelle

The Watson is Em’s favorite bra/bralette pattern, so I’m making her another one this month.

Actually I’m making her two more. I know, she’s getting spoiled. But she spoils me right back so it’s all good.

The Roxie kit from B,Wear actually has enough material in the kit for me to get three bras out of it for Em. I’m digging into my stash for the elastics, but there’s lots of the actual fabric.

I also have to say, the Lycra in this kit is the nicest I’ve ever used! It’s so soft and has more weight to it than any other. I really like this Lycra!

Okay, back to Em’s February Watson. For this one I decided not to line the cups with the Lycra – just to give her a different look.

I think this is utterly charming! Here are a few photos of this adorable bra with some matchy matchy. Oh this is pretty. I am in love with this Italian embroidered mesh. I have some more in my stash. I think it’s time to use it. Em and I went through my patterns and picked out a few other styles for her. I’m also going to sew her the Barrette Bralette. the Maris Bralette, and the Sierra Bralette. She really liked all of these Madalynne patterns.

Here’s the Barrette pattern. Lucky girl, I have some of this amazing band elastic to use for this too. She may need me to add a hook and eye in the back, but I can do that.

Here’s the Maris pattern:Em loved this one!

And the Sierra:   I think Em’s going to enjoy her year of being spoiled.

Lastly, here’s a collage showing this new Watson with the previous one – just so you can see the difference with the lined cups and the unlined ones.

The last one will be slightly different again, but you have to wait until next week to see that one. 

(And if you’re wondering about pants, I’m still working on them.)

Happy creating!

 

The Smallest Bralette and Panty

~ Michelle

It’s been a busy few months for me. I had overcommitted to too many things, but things are slowing down a bit and I’m catching up.

One of the things I was catching up on was sewing a new pair of panties for the store display. I wanted to sew something that reflected my own style and what I would teach more. For me, that meant cotton Lycra rather than power net for a main fabric for panties.This is a lovely heathered cotton Lycra from BMS. I’ve also used the Veronica Panty Basics pattern from there.

It felt really good to get these done as I’ve been promising them for more than a month.

Central Sewing has also had a few requests for a Bralette class, so there was no better time to sew up a matching bralette.I used the Poppy pattern from House Morrighan. I made the size 6 but graded the cup to a B cup instead of the C/D cup in the pattern.

Here’s the sweet little set together.So cute! One of my favorite things about this set is the little hints of color coming through the bralette. The reason for this is the tulle I used to line it. It has stretch in one direction so worked for this. It’s this multicolored tulle from B,Wear.Isn’t this lovely? I’ve used it a few times now, and been so happy with it every time. Because it has stretch, I’ve used it to cover foam cups.

With the bralette, there’s just bits of this lovely color coming through.

Above there are hints of pink, blue, and yellow.

Along another part of the hem is yellow, pink and blue. I really love how this turned out with these bits of color peeking through.

Here is the cute little set on the display when you come into the store. The date for the bralette, and the panty class will be with the display soon.

That really is an adorable little set, and I’m pretty sure the smallest set I’ve made so far.

Happy creating!

The Sahaara Wireless Bra Pattern

~ Michelle ~ 2 Comments

I was excited when the Sahaara wireless bra pattern became available. It reminded me of the Watson bra pattern, which is a pattern I think is charming. However, the Watson is not in my size range. The Sahaara is!

I was very excited to try it.  PDF Rubies Bras Sewing Pattern- Sahaara Bralette

However, what really made me want to make this pattern was seeing one made up on the Nellie Joans website. Mini Review ~ Sahaara Bra by Rubies Bras – Nellie JoansIsn’t this stunning? Just beautiful.

I had to make my own version. Having sewn bras for a few years now, I had most of what I needed for this. I did order a few other supplies, like the lovely lingerie satin from Bodil’s.

  I did use a different lace, but I think it has a similar enough look to it. I love this!This fabric combination is very elegant.

I found the pattern to fit well using my measurements. I didn’t have to change anything. I fall between two band sizes, so think next time I’ll make a half size version. I couldn’t resist. I’ve already purchased a soft tulle kit for this pattern.

Wirefree kits with Soft Bra Tulle for the Sahaara from Rubies Bras - 3 I have two wonderful kits on my sewing table, so can’t wait to share more with you soon.

Happy creating!

Modified Sweet Sixteen Again

~ Michelle

I’m really happy with my modified Sweet Sixteen (Sw16). It’s very comfortable, and definitely supportive enough for around the house.The only thing I want to change on it is there isn’t enough depth at the center front to give any separation for me. I need to add to the pattern there.

So, I pulled out my modified pattern, and have added more depth to the center front.

Two more changes I’m going to make are to add channeling, and to gather and stabilize the center front.

I loved the powernet for the whole bralette, so will do that again.

Here’s my Twice Modified Sweet Sixteen.

I love the floral design. I think I’m going to start looking for patterned powernet.

You can see on the front where I gathered the center.

One thing I would do differently next time is to work on that tape sewn over the gathering to be centered. It’s slightly to one side because the seam folded over. I think next time after I sew the gathering stitches, I’d pin the center front open, then gather. Then I could sew the stabilizing tape right in the center.

Lastly, here’s the side view. Oh, I really love this power mesh.

I have lots more to show you, but we both have to wait. I’ve been testing some patterns, but can’t show anything until they’re released.

Happy creating!

A Modified Sweet Sixteen

~ 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!

An August Watson

~ Michelle ~ 4 Comments

A very dear friend of mine has wanted me to make her something for a couple of years now. The trouble has been she lives most of the year in Guatemala and she’s not back in Canada for long. When she is back, she’s busy seeing family and friends. It’s been hard to make arrangements to measure her with everything she has going on.

But this year we did it. I asked when she had time for a visit, and I made sure my measuring tape was handy. We had a great visit, and before she left I got her measurements.

She’s loved the long-line Watsons I’ve made for Em, so I made her one too.This lovely lace is from Libelle Sewing. Everything else was in my stash.

You know, I think this is so pretty. I love making all kinds of pretty colored bras, but I also like my neutrals. I think it’s time to make myself another pretty beige bra.

This should be lovely and light for such a warm climate. I’ve kept the cups unlined to keep them cooler. I did use sheer cup lining to stabilize the frame and keep the lace looking unlined.I brought the back straps in a bit because my friend is petite, however, they still look wide on the display. I’ll have to see how they are on her.I hope it fits perfectly. I haven’t had a problem with sizing for the Watson before, so here’s hoping for one more perfect fit.

Happy creating!

Wireless Freedom – BMS March Challenge

~ Michelle

The March BMS Challenge is all about going wireless, and we’re not talking WiFi.

This month is about Marching toward freedom – freedom from wires! Wireless freedom, as they say. So the bras you make this month won’t use any underwires. Let’s see all those creative bralettes, Ingrids, and your wire-free conversions from the Classic or Jewel series of bras.

The first bra I’m submitting to the Challenge is one made during a class. The class was the Sports Bra (The Many Faces of Ingrid) class at Central Sewing. It was another class Jeanette, of Sew Uplifting, was teaching.

My Ingrid

Here’s my new Ingrid. Jeanette brought the materials for us to use. We had our choice of this nice bright scuba on my Ingrid, a more pastel floral, or duoplex. I chose the brighter fabric, most of the class chose the pastel floral, and one student made a duoplex Ingrid.Oh, I like this. It’s nice and bright with a lot of pop! It would be pretty hard to mirror scuba prints, but I did try to get as much of the same pink as possible in my cups.

I made a change in my center front. Instead of using power net, I used power mesh for a different look.

Omega Adjustments

Having Jeanette fit me, and seeing the changes she made to the cup pattern helped me learn something. It was great to see what alterations she made on this cup style. The cup is very different from the PUG Classic, or Shelley, and those are the patterns I’ve worked with the most.

Here’s my bra from the side. I chose to finish my Ingrid with wide elastic rather than lingerie elastic.The wider elastic really makes it feel secure when it’s on. This elastic is called Comfort Elastic, and it really is comfortable.

And the back.Just for fun, I added Fuchsia rings and sliders for a little more color on the back.

I’ve worn this bra a few times now, and it really is comfortable. I’d also promised Em another bralette, so had to make time for that too.

A New Sweet Sixteen

The Pin-Up Girls Sweet Sixteen pattern was revised, and of course I had to try it. (You all know I have a pattern addiction.)

Here are the two patterns. The older one is on the left, and the new one is on the right.Here’s Em’s Sweet Sixteen in all lace.  This is a lovely red, beige & tan lace. It’s very pretty. I made sure to save  some of this for me.

  Here’s the bralette from the side.And here’s the back. Em wanted a more decorative back, but until I know this size is just right for her, she’s only getting a lace back. We’ll do some fancier back details on the next one.I finished this bralette off with some purchased straps. These were marked down to 25 cents. I grabbed a few of them thinking even if I only used the rings and sliders, which are metal, they’d be worth it. I’m glad I was able to use the straps too though.

Em has tried on her new bralette, and tells me she needs a larger band and cup size. So as it turns out, this is the second bralette I’ve made for a friend of Em’s.

I’m off to sew more Fitting bras.

Happy creating!

A Navy Floral Watson

~ Michelle

This was just a short little post, so I added another short post to the bottom of it. So today is a two-for-one post.

Em really loves her Watson bras. So much so, her sister had to see what all the fuss was about. After trying on Em’s, she wanted one too.I’ve made all of Em’s Watsons from bits of this and that I have left over from other projects. Em’s sister decided to pay for materials though. This Watson is the most put-together Watson I’ve made yet – even though the other ones I made were very pretty.

I sent her to look at Libelle, because they have what I’d need for a Watson bra at a great price. They have mesh, and lace, and elastics. And they’re all the size needed for a Watson.

She picked this lace: (Link is in the photo.) It’s a lovely stretch navy lace. I ordered some of this lovely lace for me too.

Em’s Sister’s Watson

   Most of the Watson’s I’ve made, I’ve fused a stable interfacing to the front cradle, but for this one I’ve used sheer cup lining behind it. (The lining was from my stash.) I love how it looks. You can hardly see any difference between the front cradle and the cups.

Here’s the side view:  The back band is a dark navy Lycra. It has a lot of stretch, similar to power mesh, which is what I’d used for Em’s Watsons.

And the back:  I’m really happy with how this turned out. And I hear Em’s sister is happy too.

My second post is my make for the Bra-Makers October Challenge.

“October – Your Breast’s Friend! October is Breast Cancer month and we challenge you to make a mastectomy bra and/or a prosthesis for someone you care about.”

Bra-Makers Supply also has a few related blog posts: DIY Breast Form, Foam Cup Pockets, and  Russian Doll Bra Cups.

For the challenge I made a couple of breast forms.

Here are the forms I made:They’re made from cotton Lycra, and have bean-bag-fill (tiny plastic beads) in them. They weigh just less than 1/2 pound each. They’re also very similar to some store-bought ones a family member uses.

These are very easy to make. They’re light-weight, and I hope work well.

Happy creating!