… woops, better late than never!
With all my crazy pre-Christmas sewing, followed by the stiflingly hot post-Christmas coma period, I totes forgot to post that I am taking part in Amy’s Bra Sew-along, over at cloth habit….
Join us!
Now, I have made a few bras for myself already but I’m ashamed to say that the most perfunctory of measuring sessions was employed before I decided on same size I’ve been buying for years and years and years and years (“and years”, recurring) since I’ve always felt perfectly comfortable in them…. yes, I know, lame excuse and how lazy, right? So I have a selection of nice and comfy 12A’s (34A) in my drawer…. Well, in the spirit of “gettin’ serious” about mastering the perfect bra I did three separate measuring sessions in each of the following 85b International bra size calculator, the Berlei bra size calculator, and the Victoria’s Secret How to Measure page… that’s nine measuring sessions; and in each case came up with 10A (32A). Hmmm. No wonder my bras were lovely and comfy if they’re all a tad too big!
So for the sew-along, I am going to be brave, and try out the smaller size…
I will be using KwikSew 3300
I'm interested to see how you'll feel about the new size. And I'm excited you've joined in the reading challenge – I added you as a friend on Goodreads 🙂
Funny how the sizes are all so different! Usually different brands, different styles very in size. Hope your new ones will be a tad more exciting than the pattern picture…
That sounds like a great way to work on your fitting! If it was, say, seven months from now, I'd be strongly tempted to join in on this…good luck!
Hi Carolyn, I have been following your blog for a little while now- (via Tessuti), Is it too late to join now? I have done some dressmaking, and once had to make a bra for a job interview. So many tiny pieces, it was a bit wonky by the time I finished! needless to say I didn't get the job! I think I have been put off making bras ever since.
Do you have to have a blog to join?
Hi Nessie; I don't think it is too late to join! we haven't started sewing yet 🙂
Amy is running the sew-along from her blog Cloth Habit, the link to her blog is in my post above… just go there to her Home page, and leave a comment for her registering your interest. She has written a few very informative and helpful posts already, with information on all the materials you will need, and links to sites where you can get patterns and/or bra kits ready to go.
I'm glad your doing this sew along. I've been trying to persuade myself to start making my own bras and purchased the very same pattern. Look forward to seeing your progress
This is why I love to look at your blog! I just knew we were such a similar size. Well, there are so many, many reasons I love to look at your blog, but it helps to see how things look sewn for a similar sized body.
I tried on sigrid's bra, made an adjustment for my broader back and the rest is history – they are comfy too – a little tighter than my old ones (which they needed to be), but I wouldn't go back to buying them now.
Enjoy the sew along I look forward to seeing the results
I've been lurking here for a while. Thanks for posting this, sounds like fun. That pattern is one of my all-time favorites.
Haa…who knew. I have been wearing a 12c in rtw and have just made my first bra and went down to 12b. Turns out that using the bra calculator I am a 12b. That just confirms my suspicions that I have been wearing the wrong size.
After making my first I am hooked, lol, so I am joining the sewalong.
Ooh that's interesting, a new bra size when one's silhouette is the same. Neat! Always so much to learn.
Hi Carolyn, personally, I don't think you look like a 32 band at all! I just have to give my opinion, as un-asked for as it is, since bra-fitting is a topic I'm very passionate about. I see you only used calculators from bra manufacturers, which almost always give a too loose band size. The cause for this is a change in the materials used in bra making, they are much more elastic now than they were back when the sizes we use today were established. If you want to read up on this, there's a lot of blogs on the subject, for example Hourglassy, Invest in Your Chest, Boosaurus and many more. For a list of bra size calculators and commentary on them see http://www.boosaurus.com/2012/03/bra-sizing-calculators.html
Sorry to interrupt 😉
Carduelis: not at all and thank you for the feedback! based on your recommendation I headed over to Boosaurus and tried the Linda calculator too, which seemed to be the favourite amongst the commenters; and got 32D!!! Now I'm wondering if it is worth running up one in that size too, for comparison…
I'm curious as to what band size you think I look like?
I always thought you were similar in size to me, I wear a 30 band. A shop where I got fitted actually recommended a 28 band, but since my ribcage is not very "squishable" that felt too tight. I also have an old bra with a 32 band, which feels alright when I have it on, but it tends to shift around throughout the day while the tighter band doesn't.
However, I am by far not experienced enough to eyeball anyone's brasize via the internet, so when even the non-commercial calculators recommend a 32 band, that's what I would try. Sewing the bra yourself of course has the advantage that you can take it in if it's too big ^^
You are right, although since I'm new at this, adjusting a bra pattern to fit is kinda daunting to me right now! Already, having traced the 32A I am surprised at the differences between this size and the 34A. I think your point about different fabrics having different "stretchiness" is really important too, and one I hadn't considered properly before. Last year I made one bra in a less stretchy fabric, and it is a lot more firm than the others made in the same size with more stretchy fabrics… sorry, I'm probably stating the obvious! but I guess these are the little quirks of sewing a new-to-me thing like lingerie that one has to work out through experience.
Ah, the holy grail of sewing!! I have recently measured myself and discovered that I am a 30D but have been wearing a 34B all along. hmmmm. Of course 30 is impossible to find in a brick and mortar store almost, but I did find one at Dillard's, and for sure they were right – it did fit better! I told Kevin not every husband has his wife increase two cup sizes overnight. Who know, right? I'm not sure I'm ready to sew my own, but now I'm curious how much different "thing" would be with the "correct" size. Will be following your posts with interest!
Ahh – nah, I don't think so. I love seeing other's efforts and how the sweet delicate wisps of lace and silk come together – but I don't think they sell the industrial strength elastic and bindings I need – LOL. I will leave my bra making to the professionals – but will follow along and see what everyone comes up with.
I'm sewing along too – very much curious to see the resultant contraption that comes out of it. A bit like beaJay though, I'm not yet convinced I'll be happy with the end result. Actually, this will be the first time I start out on a new sewing project not confident in my ability to get the outcome I would like (that's based mainly on the types of materials available though). I've come a long way since diving head first into projects not knowing what could possibly trip me up… and I'm wondering if ignorance really is bliss? 😉
I am sewing along as well, so looking forward to making my first bra. 🙂
You are making it harder to resist and the fact that my current bras are in need of replacement I am so trying not to join up.
If only I had the time! I am sure yours will be wonderful your sooo talented in your sewing. I have missed keeping up with reading blogs. Just had to run over and see what you were up to! Or should I say see what you were sewing :O).
Hi Carolyn, just to let you know I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog/Very Inspiring Blog award – details on my blog
Wow! Thanks for showing this. I have wanted to make my own bras for ages so I'm going to sign up.
Carolyn,you are a courageous woman. It will be exciting to see your progress. You make such lovely items. Have fun!
I'm with you, I just didn't bother really thinking about it and I wore a 34A, too. Then a couple years ago I had a really amazing fitter help me out! I actually make a kind of cross between sizes so I get the underwire that's the most comfortable.
It sounds like fun! And all the bras on the sewalong blog are so pretty……
Hi! Am I too late??? I think I´m ready to try this..yeah!