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