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1950's Longline Bra-Unmentionables Through The Decades

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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

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