Happy Monday, everyone! Let me help you kick-start your afternoon with some underwear photos π
I made these Marlborough bras a couple of months ago. Nope, I haven’t branched out to new bra patterns yet; this particular pattern suits me just fine! I love the way it fits and I’m happy with the shape it gives me under my clothes. I prefer this soft cloth bra over a foam-cup bra (although I do like those, too!), even if it does mean that people can totally tell when I’m cold. Whatever. I’m always cold and we all have nipples and I’ve just learned to deal with it.
Can I just say – I’m so happy that making my own bras has given me the options to choose what sort of underwear I get to wear. Those big non-seamed foam cup bras that everyone is pushing right now – you know, the kind that make your boobs look like half of a grapefruit – just don’t fit me right. I don’t have the breast shape to fill them out properly and it always drove me nuts when I had to wear them. I do much better with a seamed cup – and I’m even happier when I have no foam, or very very thin foam – it just fits better and looks nicer. I am accentuating my own breasts, instead of covering them up to create new ones. Plus, I have the option to make my bras out of anyyyyy fabric I choose – which, if you’re any size that is outside the very small “standard” size range (like, basically 34B / 34C), you know how hard it is to find pretty bras that come in more than 3 colors. My underwear drawer makes me so happy now! π haha!
Since I’ve already made these pattern multiple times (seriously, just look at my Marlborough tag), I’m not going to talk much about sizing and fitting. I’ve definitely already covered that! This is a size 30D with some minor adjustments to the band and upper cup, to fit my body better. I love this pattern and it was the first underwired bra I sewed, so yes, it’s a good pattern for a first-time bra maker. Might as well start big! For more tips on bra making, check out this post I wrote.
First Marlborough is this one with glittery black stars!! If the fabric looks familiar – it’s cos I’ve already made a bra with it! I loved that little soft bra so much, and I had so much of this sparkly mesh left over, that I figured I’d made an underwired bra with it as well π The mesh was originally given to me by my friend Carolina, who bought it for me a couple of years ago in the Garment District. It’s a sheer mesh with a 2 way stretch and sparkly glitter stars. Whenever I wear this bra, I end up covered with glitter haha.
The entire bra (minus the band) is lined with black sheer cup lining, and all the elastics and channeling are from the depths of my stash. The hook and eye, bra straps, and gunmetal rings and sliders are from Tailor Made Shop, which is my favorite online resource for bra making supplies (especially her kits!). I will note that I finally figured out a way to completely encase all the seams with lining so you don’t see any serged seams – if you leave the seam that connects the bridge to the frame (right under the cup) so that it’s not encased, it will eventually be covered with elastic and underwire channeling. That way, you can encase the frame to band seam and not have to serge it (I hope this makes sense). It does require making your sewing steps slightly out of order, but I think it’s worth it!
Sorry in advance for all the photos, as well as the cat hair that is included. I am very proud of how this bra turned out!
My second Marlborough is a bit more practical – a soft pink that almost exactly matches my skin, which means it works great as a nude bra. I wear a lot of shirts that border on sheer in the summer, so this is a definite need in my wardrobe. Sewing (and wearing) nude bras is so boring, so I’m happy to have one that’s actually really pretty π
The blush lace is from Mood Fabrics; it isΒ a very soft and sheer lace with pretty scalloped edges that have “eyelashes.” $20 a yard isn’t cheap for lace, but it is when you only need 1/2 a yard to make a bra (honestly, you only need like 1/4 yard… but Mood Fabrics only sells in half yard increments online, wah. At any rate, this is a good nude color for me so I can make more when I wear this one out!). In my experience with this pattern, most any fabric works as long as it has a very small amount (like 10%) mechanical stretch in one direction. Like, the same amount of stretch you’d get from cutting something on the bias. Once I line the fabric with sheer cup lining, it has the perfect amount of stability and stretch and almost guarantees a good fit. I really stressed a lot about finding the right fabric when I first started making bras, but this discovery has made things soooo much easier!
As with the black glitter star bra, this whole bra (minus the band) is lined with sheer cup lining in white. The scalloped edge of the upper cup is stabilized with a strip of selvedge from the Power Mesh, which I’ve learned I like better than using clear elastic. All the elastics are from my stash; I tried to stick with nudes to complement the blush. The hook and eye, strapping, and rose gold rings and sliders are from Tailor Made Shop – the strapping in particular is pretty cool, it’s not like regular elastic strapping… it’s almost like a stretch petersham ribbon. It looks really beautiful and delicate with this bra, and the color match is spot on. Oh, and the bows are actually pulled of an old bra that I wore out and tore up – I think it was originally a Betsey Johnson bra. It makes this one look extra frilly and girly, which I love!
Here, you can see the eyelash edge. It’s very soft and pretty, and makes for a really smooth line under tshirts.
Just a few more things – upcoming workshop and class related!
I am getting ready to head up to New England for a sewing retreat next weekend, in Exeter, NH! I will be running a 4 day open sewing workshop at Pintuck & Purl, which I am super excited about! I’ve heard that Exeter is gorgeous (I mean, can you really beat New England in the fall?!) and I am so pumped to spend 4 days sewing with my amazing students – on Bernina sewing machines, no less! There are still a couple of spots left if you’ve been considering and are on the fence – you can sign up here! Seriously, it’s gonna be so much fun! This is an open-sewing concept, which means you get to work on whateveerrrrrr you want! I’ve been emailing my students and they are already all planning some great projects.
Then the following week, I’m heading out to Camp Workroom Social to assist Amy in her bra making class! I just got my hands on the pattern we will be using, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Camp is already sold out for this year – are you coming? Raise your hands if you’re attending the bra making class!
I’ll be back in NYC the first weekend of November to teach two back-to-back workshops at Workroom Social – the Jeans Making Intensive (which has already sold out!) and the ever-popular Pants Making Intensive (I think there are still a couple spots left for that one, but it also tends to sell out so I’d suggest snapping it up if you’re considering!). It’s been a few months since I’ve been to the city, and I’m excited to go back! I’m actually staying an extra day so I can visit the Science Museum + blow my wad(of ca$h) in the Garment District π YAY.
One last thing – I have a new class series at Craft South! I am bringing the open-sewing workshop to Nashville – Yay! Tailor Night (I can’t take credit for that name, my co-workers suggested it haha) is select Thursday evenings at Craft South from 6-9PM. It is similar to a regular class – except YOU get to pick the project that you want to work on! As you know, I’ve pretty much covered it all when it comes to garments – so I can help you with whatever your little heart desires π Jeans, coats, tshirts, first-time pattern users, general fitting, seam finishes – I got you! Or you can just use our big cutting tables and awesome Janome sewing machines, and socialize with other people while you sew. There are always snacks and drinks and I definitely encourage some wine to tag along as well π The best part is that you don’t have to commit to a whole weekend – or a big expense. The classes are 3 hours in the evening (which you don’t have to stay for the whole time if you don’t want to – remember, it’s *your* open sewing sesh), and they cost $35 a pop. If you’re visiting Nashville and want to get crafty for a couple of hours, this is a great way to spend a Thursday evening π And if you’re local – well, this is also a great way to spend a Thursday evening, and get to know other sewists in the area! If you’re interested, you can sign up here on the Craft South website and choose which date you prefer.
All right, I’m out! Here’s a picture of me and my dad, taken a couple of days ago. As silly as this sounds, I was pretty upset that I didn’t have a recent picture with him – so as soon as he felt up to it, I made him take one with me! Love my daddy so much β₯ He’s doing great and my mom is by his side 24/7! Already getting lots of PT and OT, eating solid foods, and we are hoping he can go home as early as this week!
So pleased your dad is on the mend! And love the part about accentuating your own boobs rather than trying to create new ones. Yes to that!
Amen!
Beautiful bras, Lauren! I’m making my first Marlborough bra right now. My muslin fit with just a few tweaks. I’m excited about finishing it. What a great pattern!
Oh, that is awesome! I agree, it’s a fantastic pattern π
yeah! So glad about your dad! What a great smoke he has:). And you have his eyes, I think.
I’ve not been able to comment here for ages – I have no idea what happened, but I can’t log in – in fact I’ve been following you on instagram and commenting there sometimes, especially about your dad. Today I finally tried clicking on the fb icon and it worked….
These are gorgeous, totally with you on hating foam pre-shapes ewwww… tried a few soft ones but not enough support… and hate so called nude bras, pastellish ones work just as well and are far cuter. The black is so pretty – the pink is luscious….. those trims are Darking:)…
I thought the Boylston was your favourite pattern – or is the fact that it can be made out of woven fabric why you like it? I’m dying to take the plunge as I find it really hard to get the right fit…
Um. I meant great smile. And darling trims. Fuckin auto correct…
We do have the same eyes – the whole Taylor side of the family has those eyes. Man, I HATED being told I looked like my dad when I was a kid (I thought people were telling me I looked like a dude haha), but I like it now π
That’s weird that my blog hasn’t let you comment! Ugh wordpress is just pissing me off a lot these days, tbh. I feel like the whole site is just being awful.
I do love the Boylston, too! I guess I love Boylston and Marlborough equally, depending on my mood π Both of the patterns fit really well, give a great shape, and can be made out of most any woven fabric.
Ha! I used to be told I looked like his mother – so I thought I looked like a little old woman:). Till I was in my teens and saw a photo of her in her teens – a mirror. And she didn’t look old, but was pretty. Yeah! Anyway, they’re nice eyes to have:). And I love the hattitude.
Sweetie, I’ve lost count of the comments I’ve made and lost here… this WordPress kind of sucks.
Cool! I didn’t realise both could be made with wovens.
Here’s hoping your dad is released this week:).
Dear bra making muse, thanks to you I have bought the Marlborough pattern plus assorted supplies. I will get over my fear of underwires like I got over my irrational buttonhole fear. Thanks for the inspiration!
So glad to hear your dad is on the mend! If he’s anything like my dad, he doesn’t really take this shit lying down.
I’m in for the pants making class in NYC, whooo, way excited!
Pretty much! I always say, that man is like a blade of grass – you knock him down and he bounces right back up, over and over and over again π
Woohoo!! Excited to make pants with you! π
That blush bra is gorgeous! Glad your dad is on the mend. I want to go to your NH workshop really bad. It’s maybe 25 minutes from my house, but it’s just sooo expensive! I want to figure out how to do a FBA to start making clothes that actually fit me. Oh well, have fun! The leaves are starting to turn and it should be looking wonderful here in NH π
Oh yeah, that is one downside to the out of town workshops – they are a bit more expensive because they have to cover all the costs associated with getting me up there! Honestly, though, you can totally swing an FBA without my help π I figured it out with the help of googling and the Fit for Real People book. It’s really not that difficult; once you do the first once, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is!
Man, I have got to get off my ass and get on the bra making train. These are beautiful! I have all the stuff to make a couple Marlboroughs and just haven’t done it.
Yeah you do! Once you make one, you’ll want to make them aaaaall! haha!:)
Love them both so much, but I have got to say the pink is my favourite. You did such a beautiful job as usual, I am so jealous of your talents…amazing!! Cheers, Michele
Thank you so much! I really love that pink one – it’s so practical and also beautiful!
Your bras are lovely! Can you please post a link to the ‘sheer cup lining’ that you use for lining, as I’m having trouble figuring it out what exactly this is. I’m in the UK and can’t find anything for sale with exactly that name – is it fusible, does it stretch? Thanks!
It’s not fusible and it only has a slight mechanical stretch. I’m not sure if it goes by any other name in other countries, but I get it from Tailor Made Shop – here is a link to the listing. Hope that helps!
Hey, I’m in the UK too. I think “nylon tricot mesh” is what it’s usually sold as here. I haven’t yet jumped into bra-making though, so I could be wrong!
That’s a great pattern , the shape is great with that vertical panel at the outer cup , much better than all that foam !
Lovely to see a pic of you and your dad !
Thank you!
I understand what you mean about bra cup shapes, Lauren — at least most (if not all) of us managed to dodge the bullet bra era :-). Both your bras are gorgeous. The Betsy Johnson touches on the blush one just add to the gorgeousness of it all.
And the picture of you and your dad is off the charts — what a treasure!
It is a treasure! I’m so glad I got a good photo with him (even though, arguably, it’s a better photo of him than of me π haha!)
A great photo! Glad to hear he’s on the mend. And great sewing. I really like your hair color now. Happy travels.
great looking bras! I love the look of bras for the support, but I wear sweaters and knits and the seams show thru.
Do you wear these bras with sweaters or knit tops?
Do the seams show thru and does it bother you?
The seams do show through on very fitted and/or thin knit tops, but, it doesn’t bother me. I would rather have a well-fitting bra that gives me a natural shape I like and deal with seams, rather than have a seamless bra that doesn’t fit right or gives me a weird shape π
Thank you! I have a really awesome stylist, all credit goes to her π haha
Amazing bras, they look awesome and don’t look handmade they look so professional, the finishes are perfect. You are one clever chick!! I’m still too scared to attempt bras. I wish I could come to your classes but the Arctic Ocean is in the way :). Super pic of you and you dad, he’s a fighter!
I wish you could come too! Maybe someday you can come here on an epic trip and take a class along the way π
Glad to hear that your Dad is feeling better. Also your bras are gorgeous.Those seamless moulded cups don’t fit me either but since I managed to find a style I liked I just bought it in multiple colours. Good bras are hard to find so it’s brilliant you can make your own!
That’s what I did when I found a RTW bra I liked – just bought a bunch in multiple colors! I’m glad I can make them now, though, cos the selection was a little limited (but definitely better than nothing at al!)
Lovely picture of your Dad. So happy to hear he is doing better.
Me too! β₯
Holy family resemblance batman! Now we know how you got to be such a bad ass.
What can I say – I learned from the best π
It is so wonderful to hear about your daddy! Love both bras.
Thank you!
Those bras are just so beautiful and the workmanship is superb. So happy to see your dad is so much better…what a touching photo.
Thank you! I am really happy that I got a nice photo with him π
So happy for you and family that Dad is on the mend. I get the black and star love, I would even tolerate the chronic craft infection glitter is. The eyelash lace so lovely, and cute rosettes and bows!
Yep, the chronic craft infection is worth it for a lil’ bit of sparkle! π
Lovely bras and what a great photo of you and your Dad. He looks great hope he is home soon.
He got to go home on Tuesday! β₯ I am going to see him tomorrow π
Great pic Lauren – so happy for you and your family π
Thank you!
So glad to hear about your dad! Just wanted to let you know that your sewing and blogging has been an inspiration to me. I’ve just started my own sewing blog (pretty late to the party, as usual), and wanted to thank you for your (unintentional) encouragement! http://mdhouseofwhite.blogspot.com/
Oh, this makes me so happy! Yay!! Welcome to the world of blogging π β₯
They look so beautiful- what an amazing job… you may have even persuaded me to have a go… xx
I hope so!!! π
They’re both lovely, but that pink one is GORGEOUS!!
Thank you!! I’m super happy with how that one turned out π Practical AND pretty! π
Glad to hear that your dad is doing better! π Both bras are super pretty (hello fellow pink skinned person! π ) but the black one is really intriguiging, I have some similar fabric (or at least it sounds similar), and I’ve considered making a bra with it, but was worried the glitter would snag on my shirt. Have you experienced that? Or is your glitter less scratchy than mine?
I don’t find the glitter on this fabric very scratchy at all! It does flake off (as glitter tends to do), but it hasn’t snagged or scratched anything yet that I’m aware of π
Hi Lauren, lovely bras!! Any chance you could suggest a resource for bra fitting? (Eg, if you see wrinkles here, adjust this pattern piece like so…) That would be so helpful!! Thank you π
I found Norma’s book Demystifying Bra Fitting and Construction very helpful, although I also have some assistance and advice from Norma when I met her a couple of years ago. A lot of it, though, honestly, it just trial and error!
Thanks! I’ll check out Norma’s book π
Wow these are so well made Lauren! I really need to get on and try a bra…I think getting together all the supplies is what’s holding me back. Where do you get your cup lining from?