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29.7.11

Racerback

I do like the look of a racer back.  I have not worn racer back styles though, because it annoys me when bra straps show (how outmoded of me!).  I have tried bras with straps that hook together at the back and ones where the straps change positions, but they still seemed to cross at the wrong place.  Then, a couple of months ago I saw a racer back bra in a magazine..it was a bit of a light bulb / "oh derrrr" moment for me.

So, using the cups from my previous pattern, I set about to make a racer back bra.  I substituted a front opening design for the bridge piece (for one bra I used the opening from Elan 540, for the other I used the piece from Pin-Up Girls Sharon bra).  I took the back piece and split it in two.  I could have made the entire back piece out of powernet, but when you buy a bra kit, often the powernet is not wide enough to cut a back piece on the fold.  This is why I split the pattern and made the centre back piece out of the same fabric as the cups. I actually cut a dart out ,rather than just split the pattern.  I just guessed the width of the dart.  I added some width to made up for the fact that the centre back was not stretchy.



This was my first attempt.  When I tried it on under a shirt, the racerback position was too low and a smidge too wide.


I modified the pattern and made a beige version.  This photo suggests that I need to make the band a little looser.

 Here, it is being worn under Jalie 2565.  No straps showing!
 
I made this top as a layering piece, using an Eileen Fisher fabric from EmmaOneSock.  I had not heard of Eileen Fisher, but when I looked at her website, she has some great designs for layered dressing.  This fabric is a great "neutral" for me, as I don't  much wear white.

This is how I have been wearing this top.  Hardly seen at all, but the glimpse of colour it offers seems to complete the outfit.

7 comments:

  1. Mary Nanna29 July 2011 at 17:14

    wow - you are SO clever. I am really impressed!

    On a side note, I have never understood the attraction of underwear peakaboo - you know the style where underpants or bras showing are part of the design aesthetic. Here having big man-style underpants showing out the top of low cut jeans is very popular but it just looks so trashy to me!

    Showing my age, I'm afraid.

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  2. Andrea Davis29 July 2011 at 20:27

    Nice work...I admire your creations and am really inspired.

    I'm working to get better at bra making. So you recommend the book from "Bra-maker Supplies?" I am considering ordering a book and a couple of sets.

    I blogged my latest creation on www.sewtofit-andrea.blogspot.com

    Please take a look if you have time. Thanks.

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  3. Bernice30 July 2011 at 04:20

    Golly gosh you're clever!! I'm not a fan bra straps showing either especially when worn with a strapless dress!!???!! I remember you telling me years ago that you'd read in a fashion magazine that it's OK to show your straps as long as they're pretty...still can't really go there. A pretty racer-back it's a much better option.

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  4. Gabrielle30 July 2011 at 07:59

    Very nifty - I'm impressed by your bra-making skills and by your lovely layering!

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  5. gwensews31 July 2011 at 03:53

    Very clever. A perfect solution to those tacky bra straps.

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  6. Gail31 July 2011 at 14:57

    Perfect solution. My daughters think bra straps are a fashion item.

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  7. Anonymous1 August 2011 at 16:42

    Wow! Your racer back bras look great! I saw a similar use of lace, but have more of an issue with a front closing since I wear a 36G or H bra. I did see one person draft a bra front that had two front closures one above the other, that allowed for a larger cup size... I need to get up the courage to try it, especially after seeing your pretty bras!

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