Blog

#BraMakingWithMadalynne

September 23, 2015 By Chie

Long before I sewed my first bra, I came across Maddie’s blog, Madalynne. As you can see, her blog is very aesthetically pleasing and I decided if I have a chance to go to Philadelphia, I would take her bra making workshop. Thankfully for me, every time Andy and I go to the U.S., we go to NY and Philly. That’s where we went school, met each other and got married, so the place has a sentimental value for us.

I missed her latest workshop, but asked if she can do a private bra making session with me and she agreed.

Here are some of the photos of her studio. You might be already familiar with it if you follow her on instagram…

We decided to work on Merckwaerdigh pattern. Since I’ve only worked with Watson bra pattern by Cloth Habit, this will be my first underwire bra sewing. I bought BHS10 as well as the DIY bra kit. The bra kit does not come with the underwire. Although Merckwaerdigh sells the underwire and channeling, I decided to buy them locally (Japan). I purchased from a site called intimate jimura. I found the selection and pricing are good although the checkout process can be cumbersome for non-Japanese speakers. Jimura does not accept credit card, so you will have to do a direct deposit.

Maddie and I only had an hour to work together, so unfortunately we did not go beyond cutting out the fabric. One great tip I learned was to use a temporary spray adhesive to stick the lining and shell fabric together and cut the pattern pieces using rotary cutter. It made the cutting so much quicker and easier. Here, I am cutting two layers of power net as lining and lace together. Maddie recommended the two layers of power net when I told her I liked having a bit of support for the bra and avoid the sheer look.Beautiful sea foam color lace from Merckwaerdith! Can’t wait to finish it.

今月頭はNYとフィラデルフィアに旅行に行ってきました。
今回の旅行で目玉行事のひとつだった、ブラソーイングのクラスのご報告です♪
フィラデルフィアのMaddieさんというソーイングブロガーさんにプライベートレッスンしていただきました。
通常はワークショップをやっているそうですが、時期が合わなかったので個人レッスンで。

使用した型紙はMerckwaerdigh。
初めてのワイヤー入りブラです。
ワイヤーやワイヤーループは下着専門手芸店intimate jimuraで購入しました。
色々ランジェリーソーイング用品が揃っていて便利ですが、クレジットカード決済ができないのがマイナス点です。

レッスンでは裏地と表地をスプレー糊で一時的にくっ付けて、一緒にロータリーカッターで型紙裁断するなど教えていただきました。
時間がなく裁断のみで終わってしまったので、これから仕上げ頑張ります！

Find me elsewhere:

Botanical & Natural Wedding Dress

September 19, 2015 By Chie

このページを日本語で読む

Remember the post about a botanical flower wedding shoot I did inspired by Once Wed ? The photos are ready now! I’m pleased with how they turned out despite our impromptu leaf arrangement (found them on the street!).

This dress really reflects what I’m going for right now – classical design with a bit of boho style mixed in. Off-the-shoulder was seen everywhere this summer so I wanted to incorporate that in the wedding dress design as well. The dress is made with the beautiful flower motif lace. I added a few flower cut out in the neckline to add some textures. The back has a corset style with a lace up, which means the dress allows a bit of + and -.

This is a sample dress for the photo and also available for rental with a very reasonable fee if you reside in Japan. This is great for a photoshoot in the woods or beach side! If you are interested, contact me.

This can also be made custom, tailoring to fit your size and preferable color!

Photo credit| Photographer: Nobuyuki Nishihara | Model: Mio Shigematsu | Make up and hair: MATILDA | Styling by me.

Tutorial | Watson Bra Racer Back Variation

August 31, 2015 By Chie

Turn Watson Bra into Racer Back Version!

I’m so excited to share the tutorial for this racer back bralette variation of Watson bra! This is my third attempt to make Watson bra by Cloth Habit. You can see my first (black lace) and second bra attempts(apple print). This time, I made it with white stretch lace and changed the back to be racer back without hooks and eyes. It’s a pretty simple modification and a quick sew!

I made the Watson bra regular version (not long line version) but I bet you can make the racer back modification in long line version without problem. Here is what I did:

Make the front version as the pattern instructions state. As I did for my first two bras, I added lining in the bra cups with power net and inserted bra cups so the bra is not sheer.
For the back, instead of using the Cloth Habit pattern, I cut the stretch lace in the same length as the front length. Adjust so that the side seams match. Using french curve, draw a curved line making the center back length a bit shorter than the side seams. I finished the top seam with elastic band and scallop part of the same lace.
For the neck strap, I cut the lace 46cm including 5mm seam allowances. Attach the neck strap to the top of the triangles of the bra cups.
Here is the step-by-step pictures of how I made the straight line down the back. Cut the same stretch lace for 9cm. Cut two.
Fold the lace you cut in step 4 in half, with right sides facing.
Sew the diagonal line shown in the picture. Trim the seam allowances and press them open.
Sew two of what you made in step 6 together.
Add the elastic band in the center using zigzag stitch.
Now you have the pointy hourglass-ish shape, sew it on to the center of the neck strap and the center of the back.
That’s it! Please comment if you have any questions. I’d love to see your version of racer back Watson! Please share it on instagram, twitter or facebook and tag me the pictures:) I made another racer back (sneak peak), and will be sharing the pictures soon.

Sign me up!
Want more inspiration post like this?
Get it in your inbox, once a month. Check out my previous newsletters to see if you would like one.

レーサーバックブラを作りました。
パターンは３度目のCloth Habit Watson Bra Pattern。
後ろはフックではなくスポブラの様なつくりにして、被るタイプに変更。
夏場に背中の空いたお洋服を着るとき便利です。