I am a lingerie lover, always have been. Although sewing your own lingerie seems to be a recent sewing trend, I discovered it many years ago. I made my first lacey set when I was seventeen, and I still remember how clever and sophisticated I felt in my black lace crop top and undies!
Fast forward ten years and I was working as a lingerie designer, and fast forward another twenty years (I’m showing my age here!) and the love affair continues. Now I’m buying and making bras for my daughters – I’m so glad I had girls! My husband also still works for the lingerie company where we first met, so our household certainly talks and dreams about underwear (or ‘smalls’ as my husband calls them) a lot!
I felt the time was right to add a lingerie pattern to Daydream Patterns. This design is focused on comfort, but it is still pretty and feminine. The pattern was originally one I had made for a friend of mine who was tired of wearing wired bras. I started to feel the same recently, noticing that I was pulling my bra off by late afternoon, and feeling like my back was sore and tired. I wanted something with a wide back, soft cups and something with a nice stretch that I could breathe in! Many months later the Bella Bralette and cami pattern is about to launch.
The name Bella bralette is named for my teenage daughter. She was named Isabella, but has always been Bella. She is currently obsessed with anything by Victoria’s Secret, but you’ll be pleased to know that she has officially approved the Bella bralette design! I have included a V neckline and a plunge neckline, so the design can suit all ages and sizes. There are 25 sizes included from A to D cups.
The Bella bralette is currently with my testers who are fine tuning my pattern and the tutorial. I have tried to make this bra a really easy sew, and one that doesn’t require a whole lot of complicated hardware. Some of you may be put off by having to find lingerie supplies that aren’t easily available. The Bella bralette only needs the following supplies. Stretch lace – a narrow stretch galloon lace. Stretch lining for the cups and a non stretch reinforcement material for the under bust. Good elastic and shoulder strapping to match back to your lace complete the list. Slides and rings are optional, as you can make the straps the right length to begin with, so there is really no need for adjustable straps.
I am planning a blog post on lingerie supply online shops in the coming week to share with you some of the great suppliers I have found.
So lingerie lovers…stay tuned for some lovely lingerie sewing!
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