Monday 14 March 2016

The Three Bras

You know the story of the Three Bears, too hot, too cold, just right etc. well this scenario has happened in my bra making. The first spotty bra I made was really supportive to the point where I could have joined the cast of Call the Midwife and blended in perfectly. The stretch cotton had 20% stretch it was really good to wear and very comfortable. But now I have made a jersey version with 50% stretch and it is too saggy - even though it is really pretty.



The jersey really needed lining to stop the cups stretching down. It is totally wearable, no problem but whilst I am learning I am noting improvements I could make each time.



You can see where the fabric has stretched along the neckline, this stretches out while wearing it but it shows that it needs stabilising. The knickers are from a free download at Sozowhatdoyouknow? They are a very good everyday style that happen to be perfect in this jersey.



The third fabric I am going to try is simplex. It has 30% stretch. How do I know?. I lined up the direction of greatest stretch (DoGS for short) and measured 10cm and then measured how far I could stretch it comfortably, it landed on 13cm so it has 30% stretch



I have found a great supplier of underwear notions. She has great products at reasonable prices, delivered really quickly, with friendly emails and I believe you speak as you find. It is called The Sewing Chest and the choices are vast. This flowery jersey fabric, fasteners and elastic all came from Kellie.



So third time lucky? I am happy to report it is just right and looks like a bought one, I am so pleased.



Black is a little tricky to photograph so the bra looks super pointy because of the light and shadow!



I used the last scrap to make the insert in the front of some knickers to match. They really are tricky to get a picture of, they are not wonky as the photo suggests!


And for nosey people out there this is the back. I omitted the fabric straps on this one and went for all shoulder strap elastic and it was much better (for me, anyway!) 


'You can give a man a fish but... teach yourself to make a bra... and you need never... stand in M&S bare breasted again.' or some such proverb like that. I've cracked it, I am totally self sufficient in bras while enjoying myself immensely along the way.


Thanks for stopping by. 
Jo x

17 comments:

  1. You are so cool Jo! Love your bra adventures. I don't think I'l go there anytime soon, my task is to master the overlocker with confidence (getting there). x

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  2. I am in awe of your bra adventures, they are amazing. For me it is M @ S and hoping that it will be a comfortable fit, it rarely is...

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  3. Hey good going Jo wow who said time is too short to make bra's and knickers.

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  4. That's amazing, well done, I have made knickers and really enjoyed it, not brave enough to try bra's!

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  5. They are all very impressive makes Jo. You are very clever they look so professional xx

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  6. I am resisting making a comment about hot bras.... You have done an amazing job with these, they look pretty fiddly and you finish looks very professional. Mx

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    1. Actually it is the smallness of the project that makes them enjoyable and easier than you think.No slopping about of yards of fabric hanging off the table - just all really compact and easy to handle.

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  7. Wow, fantastic job! I have a sew your own knickers kit lurking somewhere but now you've inspired me to want to make a bra! Creative Blessings, Tracy x

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    1. Get it out they are such fun to make! Jo x

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  8. You are really on a roll, Jo. I love the idea of making my own bras because I have a weird fit. I'm busty but also they seem to be high? It's hard to explain and probably people want them high, but mine seem to grow out of my armpits on the sides. I have never found a bras that contains the sides properly. I rarely wear anything sleeveless because everyone will get a view of a chunk of boob coming out the side. Is that too much information? :)

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  9. Jo you really are amazing! I'm so impressed with your latest makes. Is there anything you can't do?! You inspire us all.
    Marianne x

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  10. These are amazing! The black one looks like it is straight off the shelf in M&S. Well done x

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  11. Wow! Really impressive! Where do you buy your hooks etc from?

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    1. The very aptly named 'The sewing chest' the site looks a bit strange but the service has been amazing, fast delivery, amazing prices and really diverse choice.

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  12. Bravo, for figuring out how to make your just right undies and finding good resources for supplies to make them, Jo! I admire your determination and skill! xx

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