Skip to main content

1950's Longline Bra-Unmentionables Through The Decades

YouTube video associated with this blog post

Like I said last time, I thought I would go for a very sassy look for this project. Black gives quite a sophisticated look, doesn't it?


This project gave me a bit of trouble, I won't lie. For the projects featured on the blog this week and last, I used PDF patterns by Mrs. Depew on Etsy. They are reprints of pattern in old French sewing magazines. While I love them, the lack of well-written detailed instructions might make it difficult for a beginner sewist. There was a Sew-along for both these projects in 2012. I might have bought the patterns way back then. It was hosted by Anna Depew of http://afewthreadsloose.blogspot.com/ and Sarah of http://www.ohhhlulu.com/.They called it the “Ooh La La Pin-Up Sew-Along”. So cute. I found these posts to be very helpful in completing these two items.


For the body of the bra, I sewed it the same manner as the garter belt. I basted the fashion fabric and the lining fabric together, and then sewed them wrong sides together. Then, those seams were ironed flat, and covered with a satin ribbon. The bra cups, however, were an unmitigated disaster. The cups are two pieces and each is sewn separately. Then, they are sewn together at the center seam. Finally, that is sewn to the lower part of the bra.


I must have sewn them in and taken them out again 3 times. The darts marked on the pattern are too wide (and therefore use too much fabric). The cups were much narrower side-to-side then the lower half. So I made a smaller dart. But it STILL didn't fit. So I unpicked it again and made the dart even smaller. Finally the side edges matched and the edges were even.


This was the first time I had used hook and eye tape. It took a minute to orient the hooks correctly so they would hook into the eyes. But it wasn't too bad. And I didn't break any needles by sewing over metal! Winning. The binding was first sewn by machine, and then finished by hand. You get so much more control that way, though it takes a lot longer. I just love how it covers everything so neatly. No raw edges anyway on this bra or the garter belt. I sewed on some black ribbon from my stash for straps. And the bra was done!


There is no boning. In hindsight, I wish I had used some in a few places. The side seams and center. front (lower part) would have benefited from its use. The wrinkling isn't too bad though, and I can live with it. Next time I make this, I'll use it.


I just love these two pieces. They look so classically 1950's. I will be making a cream or peach set of this garter belt and longline bra, since black shows through light clothes. But it may not be til next year. My project calendar is already full for 2020!

Thanks for reading!

Yours in hard work, creativity, and a dash of pixie dust,
Sarah

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reconstructing History RH017

This is review of RH017, 14th Century Kirtle or  Cotehardie. (Link to buy this patten at the end) I ordered it to make a new dress for the 2015 Medieval Fair of Norman. I had been playing a princess for many years, but decided on changing it up this year. I wanted to be a Bard, a poet/singer/general performer. Naturally, I could not wear the Princess gowns of years past.  It came in a timely fashion. I knew it had a booklet of historical notes, I didn't know it was going to come with a textbook! Seriously, this booklet is 15 pages long (including historical notes, bibliography, actual construction, and a section on period stiches) and is in an easy to digest format. The pattern is on regular paper, not the usual tissue paper, which I appreciated. I had trouble with setting the sleeves, but it was my own fault. I made it oversized purposefully to adjust down to my exact size, and didn't quite adjust the sleeves to match correctly the first time. My own fault. I will pos...
Post a Comment
Read more

1900's Set of Drawers-Unmentionables Through The Decades Project 4

Link to my associated YouTube video The first item I sewed for my 1900's project was a pair of drawers. To be precise, French Drawers. This is made from the Edwardian Undergarments pattern from Truly Victorian. I made the shaped hem version, and that worked well. Essentially, it is two wide, flared legs attached to a waistband. It swishes and flows quite nicely on the body, especially when made in a soft cotton. This year, I am trying to make due with what I have in my stash as much as possible. Since I have no experience in sewing for the Edwardian period and no event to wear such costumes, I didn't buy new fabric. White, very fine linen would have been more historically accurate, but I like colors! And I happened to have a soft green bed sheet set. Parts of it have seen better days, hence it being in the stash and not on the bed. But there was still plenty of good fabric left. There should be enough for the whole set of undergarments. As of this writing, I have fini...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pirate Belle, part 2

YouTube video associated with this blog The base pieces for this costume are not complicated. I used Simplicity 3677 for the blouse and the pants. The fabric I bought at Joann Fabrics and was exactly what I was hoping to find. It's a light and airy cotton gauze-type fabric. Also, I am in love with the delicate lace I found at Hobby Lobby that I used to trim the wrists. The blouse has elastic bands at the cuffs and a drawstring neckline. It is incredibly over sized, but the fabric gathers under corsets and pants nicely because it was so soft and light. The pants are a tan corduroy and also have elastic in the cuffs. (Did I mention Historical Accuracy TM was not a priority for this costume?) I still think it's beautiful. And now, for a few accessories. These make or break a costume, especially for a pirate. So many little things must be present for the costume to really say “Pirate”. This little hat was such a blast to create. I used a Yaya Han pattern, McCall's 7643. It ha...
Post a Comment
Read more