OK, so I couldn’t resist downloading Madalynne’s free bralette pattern the Sierra and giving it a go! Plus I made the usual two pairs of matching knickers to go with it. These are both the Watson knickers, by Cloth Habit.
Fabrics; pink bamboo knit and pink, slightly glittery, lace from Fabulous Fabrics, all elastics and other findings from Homecraft Textiles
I made this set for Cassie. I bought materials to make a Sierra and Watson set for me too, but mine is quite different in style.
The Sierra bra is a really cute and interesting design for smaller chested ladies, and is something a bit different in a bra design, which I like. Well, we all love a bit of variety, yes? It looks kinda complex on, but it’s really a fairly straightforward, wraparound bra; and for a simple soft bra with no shaping or obvious support, does feel nicely secure and snug when worn. And did I mention; it’s freeeeeeeeee!
Cassie chose the fabrics, including that pink lace. That lace! Looks so pretty and girlishly innocent and totes adorbs, right?!
Well, so did that kid in the Exorcist, just saying… and unpicking fine-grade slinky stretchy bamboo knit away from delicate lace; tendril by freaking tendril is NOT the joyous meditative pastime to sake and soothe your soul like you want your hobbies to be.
Initially I intended to have the two fabrics entirely overlaid for the whole set, like the bra, and the bra went together really well. Then I made a pair of knickers with the two overlaid like that. The lace then showed itself to be completely wrong for knickers. It was such an ordeal and they looked so hideous that I was just too depressed to even bother salvaging any of it… that got emotionally binned, and I had to walk out to eat chocolate and sulk in front of the TV for an evening.
Went back to it the next morning with renewed vigour. Did think about not having any lace on the knickers at all. But she wanted it to be a nice cohesive set, so some lace had appear somewhere, and it’s all worked out, I think. I like the knickers to match the bra but still be different to it, like this.
There’s nowhere to put a little decorative bow on the bra, part from just below the shoulder straps like this, and I actually love it! my favourite bit of the bra. It’s also a nice way to hide the stitching of bra cup-to-ring. I sewed the bra shoulder straps as two regular ones rather than halter; but she’s thinking about that. If she decides she wants the halter I’m gonna change it, because I think the halter is a lot easier to put on in this design. Update; yep, changed it to halter…
I think the set did eventually turn out very nice and the bra looks really cute on. Cassie is happy so I’m happy. Well, I’m happy now it’s finished.
Happiness factor; well the memory of those failed knickers hasn’t faded away completely, so I’m awarding this project 5/10 overall. It’s gone up since yesterday, believe me!
Bra; the Sierra by Madalynne, free to download here
Knickers; the Watson by Cloth Habit
love how these turned out, you should totally rate it more than 5/10 🙂 i have a plan to make sierra in black lace, just need to buy rings and sliders first
I love everything about this for a young pretty woman! Forget about the failed knickers and enjoy Cassie's beautiful set! I am curious what you will make for yourself! What about the watson bra you had made, does it ride up without the wires? Have a nice spring day, we have got beautiful late summer-autumn days. 🙂
Thank you so much for these! I’ve been saving rings and bra goodies for ages..and now I know why. Awesome find..especially with my (circa mid 80s) stockpile. =]
Beautiful set.
Not only do you make beautiful things, but I love the way that you write!! Love your sense of humour! "tendril by freaking tendril"; "NOT the joyous meditative pastime" etc…
That lace is just lovely! Have just discovered your wonderful blog via the lingerie posts and am just getting into the bra-making thing – it's so addictive! Love your liberty lawn bra so much I'm trying to recreate one of my own. Susan x
thank you very much Susan! 🙂
Beautiful bra. Sorry to hear the knickers were so frustrating.
Thanks for the story. I would like to make one for my daughter too. Her bra straps are always showing (I keep waiting for that trend to change) so might as well make it pretty!
What a nice and unusual bra design! I've gone and downloaded the pattern, I may just have to try it out myself (even though I usually draft all my own lingerie patterns)
Very pretty – the bra pattern is very interesting and stylish. Very sweet in the pink lace. Looking forward to seeing the version you made for you! And ugh to finicky fabrics – a good way to make a project un-fun, but at least it turned out great.
Loving your tale of two bras and many knickers! I have my daughter waiting for a lacy version and I will be having the more discrete, 40 something alternative!
so, so lovely! I think you did an amazing job in difficult circumstances.
Great blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any ideas? Thanks a lot!|
Muy bonito deseo aprender esto
would you be able to send me the pattern?
http://madalynne.com/sierra-free-pattern-sew-along-and-giveaway/