The above photo shows a batch of bras that I made for my daughter. I never thought that I would sew bras for anyone else, but I like sewing, and I have enough clothes for myself, and she needed bras, so there we go. The bottom one is the Marlborough, and sadly, it was too small. The top 3 are variations on the Boylston bra, which I have never made for myself, but I thought would suit her. It is actually more fun sewing for her because the only fit changes I needed to make were to move the straps in, at both the front and the back. I need a whole heap of fitting changes to get a bra pattern to fit me.
These cute swan knickers were made using Jalie 3886 Julia, using a cotton knit fabric left over from a dress for my daughter. This panty pattern is great, but the matching bra I made was such a disaster that I didn't even finish it. I think for the Julia bralette, I need to choose a larger size for the band than the bodice. The band was way too tight. Also, I find fold-over elastic to be too flimsy for bra straps, probably more so because this cotton knit is quite firm. Also, the bralette darts seemed a bit odd. I haven't given up on this pattern though, and will us it again, choosing a different size and different straps. I still have enough of this fabric to make another bra, but I think I will make the Jalie 3131, as my last two versions were worn until they fell apart.
This bralette is made using the free Barrett Bralette pattern from Madalynne. I made this on the morning before I left for a long flight, and it was so comfy for the journey. I am surprised by how often I reach for this one, because usually I prefer underwired bras to bralettes. I did change the position of the straps at the back, as I have a lot of tops with cut-away armholes.
Another bralette pattern I like is the Hanna Bralette from Studio Costura. I modified this pattern to make a couple of bikinis; two for myself and one for my niece. They are good enough to swim laps in, or catch a few waves at the beach.
It seems to be getting a bit harder to find fabrics and notions for bar-making in Australia than it was a few years ago. In spite of my extensive stash, I had to order a few bits and pieces to make the bras for my daughter, and I ended up ordering some duoplex and elastics from Nellie Joans in NZ. I know about Booby Traps, but if anyone can give me info on Aussi suppliers for bra-making, it would be appreciated.
Happy Sewing xx
