Bra-A-Week Challenge: Weeks 5 and 6

Hello once again. I’m so glad to be able to finally write about my recent makes. I have three different bras to present. One is a Watson Bra (sorry if sewing this bra is becoming boring but I truly enjoy making this one and love the bra!), another is Kwik Sew pattern 3300, and finally the Florence Bra from Seamwork Magazine.I will start off with the Watson bra since it’s one you are already familiar with. I really don’t have much new to add about this bra as far as the construction process except the only thing I added to it is another layer of fabric on one side of the cups (the armhole side) because I really wanted the cups to hide some exposure and lucky for me, it worked. I also took in about 1/4 inch dart from the armhole cup because I was getting a bit of a gap. It is much better but I still notice a small gap. For my next Watson I will take in maybe another 1/4 inch dart from the side of the cradle and hopefully that will do it. Overall, I’m very please with how this bra came out. I really love the bright pink with white. The fabric is from Spandex House (will not purchase from them again due to bad customer service) and notions from Etsy shops MarySupplies, Porcelynne Fabric Boutique, and Arte Crafts. 

Now for another favorite but this one acts and feels like a real RTW bra, KWIK SEW pattern 3300. It is an underwire bra which offers support and surprising it’s also comfortable. This is the first underwire bra I have ever owned that actually felt comfortable. The wire did not poke or sit wrong. This bra did take a bit longer to make because it is has a few different steps but surprisingly not difficult at all. I used white Denair 40 Tricot which I have in my stash for main fabric on the side cup and also for the straps. I used Aqua color stretch lace for the neckline side cups, which by the way is amazing. I purchased the lace from MaryNotMartha Etsy shop. The channeling from Procelynne Fabric Boutique and the underwires from CalaOssidiana Etsy Shop. The pattern instructions are a bit confusing but I followed most of the instructions. I have to admit though, that the Bra Making class on Craftsy by Beverly Johnson definitely helped. Overall, I really love the bra, it’s simple and pretty. I will be making this one again for sure. I made some mini bows for these first two bras on this post using a youtube tutorial from Handimania, Tiny Bow On The Fork if you are interested in making your own and do not know where to start like I did. They are fun, easy to make and make your finished bras look even cuter.

Now for my disaster make, the Florence Bra. I really thought this bra would be really cute but after making it (and it could be completely my fault) I felt very discouraged. This bra definitely sewed quick, it is very easy and even similar to the Watson construction process but once I put it on, it did not fit at all which is the main reason it not looking right. I wanted to add the channeling and casing but I was skeptical. The bra was very stretchy so it did not sit correctly. I should also add that it might be completely my fault because I did not stabilize the cradle but the pattern instructions did not really specify or I missed it. I will be taking it apart and try again. One thing I did change is adding a back closure because this bra is meant to just slip over your head and I don’t really want to struggle trying to get it on. I used stretch charmeuse instead of stretch lace for the neckline side cup and powernet for the rest. I do like the color combinations but it has no support whatsoever. I will try to make this bra again and hopefully I won’t forget to add in the cradle support. I will write another post when I get a good fit on this Florence Bra and let’s hope the next one will be much better.

Overall, this bramaking experience has been really amazing. I just received a new pattern from Merckwaerdigh, BHS10 and I can’t wait to give it a try so expect another post on this some time soon. As far as my BurdaStyle sewing, I’ve really been lagging for no good reason. I am super inspired by the patterns but I guess I don’t look forward to another disappointed finish. But for sure, I will sew something BurdaStyle soon. I need some professional looking pants and skirts since I just started a new part-time job as a Bookkeeper (wish me luck!) and nothing that I had before fits and I refuse to buy any new clothes (I’ve been trying to lose some weight, I need to drop at least five lbs within the next week). So I have to get it together and get started. I plan on making at least two skirts and three to four pants. Let’s hope I can get this done within two weeks starting today. I just gotta! Well, that’s it’s it for now and any encouragement from you part would be greatly appreciated!