What's Underneath It All? The Bra and Panty Sewing Pattern Reviews!

After 2 years of sewing-my-wardrobe and dabbling in the random pair of underwear and bralettes through pattern testing, I decided to just DO IT more recently on my own accord. 

Husband also hates my years old Lululemon sports bras - the comfortable bras I discovered after having a hate on with my La Senza wired and non wired bras.  

He DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THIS FEELING:

So not only am I on the search for a comfortable supportive bra, but one I can wear all day and night, and not really care that I have it on.  

Being alluring would be helpful too - then Husband would approve and stop making fun of my undergarments. 

Honestly - they aren't too difficult - just follow each step of the instructions, and each bra and panty you make will just get easier. 

Nora Knickers - Daydream Patterns

I made these from an old stretch cotton work shirt and lace from some random Ebay store. The lining I already had from my stash. 

My fold over elastic is from In the Pink Room - a fabulous notions store from Nova Scotia. 

The panties were quite simple to assemble, and I love the lace detailing. It's also a great scrap buster. 

For wearability, they don't ride up or move throughout the day, I can Yoga in them, and the gusset it the perfect comfortable size for me. 

I would use a super stretchier lace next time as they are about 1/4" tight on my hips (maybe that's just me, as I made them about 6 months ago), but otherwise, the part that matters (down under) is awesome. 

2) Mama Victoria and Bridgette Bralette

I think these were the second Bra and Panties I sewed up - again, with that Ebay random stretch lace. 

Reading the sewing instructions also got me into the habit of sewing my stretch clothes with a proper stretch stitch.  I only  have a sewing machine (no serger or coverstitch machine). 

I blogged about the Mama Victoria (Panties) and Mama Bridgette (Bralettes) in a previous post - you can read up about them there. 

I still have to make these again for the perfect fit - and after my recent experience, I feel I will perfect the bras. 

I'm wearing my Victoria Panties today, and honestly I feel like I'm wearing nothing, and haven't had to adjust. 

For me, that's a winner.  I even plan on practicing my T25 Workout and Yin Yoga later on tonight in them. 

They're just that comfortable. 

I prefer the Full Back Bridgette (comfort), whereas Husband prefers the Cross Back Bridgette (sexier). I also have Tech neck and have worked in front of a computer for the last 16 years, so any strain on my shoulders and neck is annoying.

3) Lovesick Bra - George + Ginger 

  

Ok, I lied.  THIS was my first bra. 

I made it from fun two way stretch cotton lycra (the Gnomes) and super stretchy lightweight cotton lycra (stripes) - both scrap bits and bobs (unsure where I purchased the fabric from). 

It was fairly straight forward to put together, and I was able to adjust the straps so they fit without falling off. 

I did find the fit quite tight along the armpits and the band, despite measuring myself first - so I am pretty sure this one ended up in the "place we don't speak of."  

I will reattempt this pattern again now that I have my lingerie sewing skills on, and likely measure myself more accurately at this point in my sewing game. 

It's a FREE pattern if you join the George + Ginger Group - just look under the Files section. 

4) Primrose Panties - Bella Sunshine Designs

Bella Sunshine Designs was brewing a baby for awhile, but now they are back - and their first pattern release was the Primrose Panties Pattern!  

I blogged about them here. 

After a few months, they are another pair of panties - more generic and less sexy - that I feel nekkid in all day long.  No adjustments required all-day-long!

I made both the hipster and regular versions. 

You can totally scrap bust these two by colour blocking the front or back panels. 

 

5) Lucky Bra - Rad Patterns

I absolutely love the twist in this bra.  This is another early sew for me, so the fit was a bit tight around the band and straps - I will definitely size up and try another round

6) Thondlewear - Stitch Upon a Time Patterns

These were VERY simple to make - with straightforward directions and multiple options for leg and waist bands. 

This was my first attempt with fold over elastic, and I used an old t-shirt and thin hoodie for the fabrics.   

I found my lack of proper stretch sewing with the fold over elastic made this a bit wonky on me, and I do have to adjust them down under for proper comfort.  

But thongs are definitely a personal feel - the wrong fabric or fit, and they are just not happening. 

So these are another pair I'll make again now that I have a vast amount of fabric and sewing skill knowledge vs 2 years ago. 

Lighter stretchier fabric, and maybe even lace for a no-feel thong!

Scrundies - Hipster Style - Stitch Upon A Time

These were my second attempt, with some random Fabricland clearance stretchy rayon fabric and scrap two way stretch Cotton Lycra (Gnomes).

Honestly, the stretch in these fabrics together is perfect!  

The fit is spot on and the instructions are very easy to follow - even for a beginner.  

I now realize why I prefer bands over fold over elastic:

- it's easier to sew on

- More forgiving for stretch

- Doesn't accentuate any muffin top or leave marks on my skin after a long day. 

- Doesn't dig into crevices

- Great scrap buster 

7) Greta Thong and Lana Bra - Made for Mermaids

Sorry for baring my behind, lumps, and bumps. But I'm a real woman. And no longer a size 0 (as I was 20 years ago).

As soon as I saw the recent sew-a-long for this set, I bit the bullet and found a few bits and bobs for lingerie sewing from Libelle Sewing, Trimmings & Supplies, and a store going out of business on Etsy. 

My lovely soft double brushed polyester fabric is from Water Tower Textiles - and  is SOOOOO soft - definitely the perfect fabric choice for this mid waisted Greta Thong. 

I used stretch lace that I had already for the bindings on both the Lana bra and the Greta. 

With this combo, the panties sewed up quickly and easily. And I barely notice they are there when on - bam!  I finally perfected sizing and fabric types to use with panties!  

I did sew up the higher waisted Greta, and although comfortable, I think the double brushed polyester is MUCH more comfortable in the nether regions than Cotton Lycra is. I also prefer where the mid height thong hits my hips - it's more flattering.

For the Lana bra, I did have to cut a good inch off either side of the back, and the front is wonky underneath the bust (it has a big bubble of fabric)....BUT apparently after the Lana's February release, they already had a MAJOR update to the pattern with dozens of sizing combos, and an entire blog indicating how to choose your proper sizing. 

I have one cut up on my table waiting to be made, so I'll use my newly printed pattern pieces to see if I can reuse that fabric, or will just have a wonky bra before I have the perfect bra. 

I can wear it all day and evening while relaxing, can work out in it (foam padding - from an old repurposed bra), and I don't adjust it all day long.  Honestly, the most comfortable non-sports bra I have ever worn. 

I will NEVER go store bought again!  

8) Mary Ribbon Cinch Hipster Panties from Oooh Lulu Patterns AND Havana Bralette from Evie La Luve 

I fell in love with both of these patterns when I saw them. I believe they both had a sale at the same time - and I was trying to expand my lingerie as per Husband's request. 

He even offered to buy me more feminine undergarments....but for $40-$60 for something that I like and looks nice...I can make quite a few pieces for the price of one ill-fitting store bought version. 

In comes the Havana and Cinch Hipsters!

 

The bralette doesn't have padding (I'm sure you could add it), but the seams lie in such a place that it isn't necessary. Nothing pokes out where it shouldn't. 

I used a nice piece of lycra spandex for the top, along with lace and a LOT of lingerie straps from Libelle Sewing. 

I just LOVE the way this bra feels while on - and I adore the multi straps - it's so different, sexy, and because the straps are adjustable - no squishing of skin because of tightness.

And oops - I was SO excited with the panties that I didn't realize the sizing was too small for my 44" hips. *sigh* 

So, as it goes up to 42", I just guessed at the size increase on the pattern, and cut it out a size larger.  And they fit like a nice glove now. 

I LOVE the cinching and ribbon touches. 

And Husband was quite excited with my not-store-bought attire. 

BAM.

So sew up some new lingerie that ACTUALLY fits and makes you feel good no matter what, and tell me how you did, what your favourite part was, and if you flaunted your stuff to someone you love (your dog, cat, parrot, husband) - someone who appreciates and loves you. 

***I sew for the passion, fun, and confidence it gives me. Affiliate links have been used, but I only promote what I believe in and adore *** 

Barbie's Wardrobe is Growing! McCalls 1970's Doll Clothes Patterns Come Alive!

So I'm getting the hang of Barbie clothes making again. 

I do recall trying to make some as a kid. But maybe two outfits as they were so small. 

For me, I have organized clear shoe boxes full of scrap fabrics screaming to be made into something. 

I have nieces with outdated Barbie clothes for their dolls.

And I have a sewing machine & Imagination. 

I took the chance and ordered to McCalls Barbie Doll clothes Pattern #869 from a random Etsy seller - Gail's Vintage Doll E-Patterns 

The pattern pieces print out on normal 8.5" x 11" paper, and are labelled well, thus no confusion as to what pattern pieces are for which outfit. 

There are a total of 12 outfits, and I made most of the pieces. 

Here are the outfits:

A) Ruffled Mermaid Dress - Ankle Length

 

I used some sparkly spandex (pretty sure all the patterns request woven, but I used what I felt fit modern Barbie), tulle, and light complimentary knit fabric. 

For the top hem, I used pink Bias tape. 

 






The pattern asks for snaps at the back, however, as I used stretch spandex, I sized down slightly at the sides, and it just goes on and off without snaps, but stays in place due to the curves.

I like the bottom ruffles-  they're fun & flirty!

2) Knee length dress with Bow

 

The next dress is made from woven suiting fabric.  

I used stretch ribbon for the "strap," and regular ribbon for the bow. 

I'm awful at tying bows, but this one isn't bad. 

 


I did use snaps for this dress as per instructions, and the dress doesn't fit too bad for a first woven attempt!

There's a few darts, a few snaps, and a lot of pretty!

C) Short Ruffle Dress

  

This is the short version of Dress A - I used another stretch spandex for the main portion, and black tulle for the ruffles. 

I also used rick rack for the straps (which tie into bows), which are okay, but not my favourite look - next time I'll go with normal ribbon. 

Just like with Dress A, I sized down a bit due to the spandex, and the fit is decent.  Not perfect, but it still looks cute!

This was an easy sew with darts - and it fits Barbie's curves!

D) Two Piece Dress - Peplum Top & Separate Skirt 

 


The next outfit is a two piece - a Peplum Top & Skirt.

I used woven cotton fabric, and it really pops with the bias tape on the top edge!

The Peplum is two pieces sewn together with some gathering, and the skirt has an elastic waistband, so easily goes on and off of Barbie. 

This was quick, easy, and still stylish these days!

E) Wrap Dress

 



The wrap dress entails a few pieces that are easily sewn together. 

I used a light crepe type fabric for this pattern, finished off with a simple ribbon belt.

There are snaps at the waist the keep the dress from peeping open and the best to finish off the look.

 



The lighter the fabric, the more this dress will drape.

Remember that the iron is your friend - especially when it comes to circled hems. Press, then sew in order to alleviate hem creases. 

I also finish the edges before hemming with a zig zag stitch to prevent future fabric freying, as the hem is only one fold.

The shoulders poof out a bit, but other than that, it's a cute dress for Barbies of any decade!


F) Camisole Set & G) Robe

I used a barely stretch knit fabric and lace for the housecoat. 

It was a simple sew, and finished off with a ribbon sash. 

The fit is on par, and Barbie seems to like it too.

But what Housecoat is complete without something underneath it?  Unless you're in X-rated Barbie land! 

Underneath the robe, Barbie sports a two piece camisole set.

It's made from cotton John Deere Fabric, Lace, and a few snaps at the back of the top to keep it together.

The instructions state materials in yardage - even for ribbon lengths, so all the ribbon I just guesstimated at, and didn't cut until I was finished sewing with it.

For the straps, I put the top against Barbie, and guessed the length - 3" seemed to be a good length for each strap without showing her cleavage.

I kind of want this outfit for myself!

H) Thigh length Coat and K) Slanted Top, and Shorts

The next outfits I opted to make were the short coat, which has a sewn in (attached) scarf and one button at the top.

I forgot the belt, hence the really large appearance.

This is the same coat pattern as the robe, but without the lace trim.

I paired it with the Shorts from patterns J & K, and the edgy top from pattern K.

The top has short sleeves, snaps on the back, and an angled appearance.

I made this from some sweater knit, and it looks pretty neat!

I made two pairs of shorts, as we tend to make more tops vs bottoms, and Barbie needs some bottoms.


If she were human, there is some bunching in the crotch area, so albheit not perfect, they seem to fit her well!

I opted to not make the long sleeved top version, as I have some other tops I'd rather sew up. 

And I failed at the bra top for pattern J (I was really tired), so went, "Meh," and decided it was too racy for my nieces anyhow.

J) Leggings

I found the leggings although simple to sew up, just didn't fit right - if Barbie were human, she'd have major camel toe here. 

I did use spandex...but the fit shouldn't be that bulky.  

But they look ok under a skirt. 

I think I'll cut the feet off like real leggings, and just have her wear them like that to take away some of the bulk. 
Overall, the outfits were simple to print out and make, the instructions were basic and easy to follow, and by following the 1/4" guide on my sewing machine, I was able to make the proper sized seams. 

I finished the edges of the woven fabric with zig zag stitches, and was happy to use up a bunch of scrappy fabrics and ribbons for this particular wardrobe. 

If you like these patterns, you can purchase them here. 

It was a whopping $3.41 Canadian for all 12 outfit patterns!