Guys, I am so in love. And it’s not just that I’ve been listening to too much Édith Piaf (there’s no such thing, anyway), and yes, maybe it’s with a sewing pattern and not a person, but allow me to introduce my new paramour: the Boylston bra pattern. I may actually never make another bra pattern again (unless it’s more Watsons. You always need more Watsons). Because this bra is so phenomenal, I can’t imagine WANTING to.
Isn’t is pretty?! 🙂 The fabric is some kind of floral polyester (?) print from Lincraft, and yes, you guessed it, it was a remnant (I am going to fall into a remnant bin one day and never be seen again, but damn, it was $2.50!). The rest of the materials (strappings, elastics, lining etc.) were from my stash, with the exception of the foam, as this is the first time I’ve used it; that came from Booby Traps.
I decided to cut a straight 32DD in this one, the same as my starting point size for the Marlborough. I did compare the band pieces, and found the Boylston 32DD band piece to be bigger than the Marlborough one, so I didn’t bother altering it at this point; I wanted to check the out-of-the-box fit, as it were. I’d also heard that the Boylston cups were less shallow and that fellow full-busted ladies had found them much more accommodating, so I left the cups as-is too. I’d never made a fabric strap for a bra before, and I wasn’t sure how I’d like it, but thought I may as well try it too. Pattern printed, fabric and foam cut, and I was ready to be off!
I was a little wary of the foam; although everything I’d read had described it as being fairly straightforward to use, you never really know until you try. But it worked out just fine! I was super grateful for Erin’s recent tutorial on sewing with foam; her satin stitch tip was absolutely brilliant and I loved the result it gave 🙂 I was also glad of her advice for me to go with 2mm foam as opposed to 5mm – 2mm was just right (thanks Erin!). I did have to go over each join twice to make sure I caught everything, but I think this was mostly because my zig-zag stitches are off centre and it was hard to line up. In no time at all, I had me two pro-looking foam cups! The rest of construction proceeded pretty much as usual, following the order indicated in the instructions – which were perfectly detailed and accompanied by clear line drawings. In a mere four hours, I had my very first me-made bra with cut and sew foam!
First things first – the fit is pretty incredible. The cups are spot on, way better for me than the Marlborough. The band is still a smidge tight, so I’ll add a centimetre or two on the next iteration, though this one is still very wearable. Apart from the slight band tightness, the bra is also super comfortable. I’m surprised how much I like the fabric straps too, in terms of feel and look! Finally, I absolutely love the shape. Out of all of the (many) bras I’ve sewn for myself now, this one is definitely the one I like the best, and I really don’t think I could improve upon it; nice and rounded but still not quite the perfectly spherical look of ready-to-wear, which I’m not super keen on – it’s a bit more vintage 🙂
This is one of my favourite bras so far; it fits, it’s comfortable, it has a great shape and it’s stunning to boot! Mum and my sister have also voiced the opinion that they would be beautiful bathers. Well, swimwear IS on the agenda for this summer, and I’m thinking this will be a great base to start from! In any case, I’m already planning a million more versions, including some pretty cool variations which I’m quite excited to try. So look forward to those! And I definitely recommend this pattern to anyone the Marlborough didn’t *quite* work for – you might be pleasantly surprised.
And of course, as always: matching underwear! Another pair of my beloved Grace panties by Ohhh Lulu. I just love how easy it is to colour block with this pattern, and the combination of stretch and woven makes it so easy to pair with bras. It’s basically the same as my last version, a straight XS with elasticated legs, but they’re not quite finished: these will, in fact, be suspender panties – once I get the loops and detachable straps on. I could have made them myself, but when I found a set of four pre-made on eBay for $5, I thought I’d save myself the trouble. I do wear garter belts and proper stockings not infrequently, and I am planning to make my own at some point – but for this set I really like the idea of just having the suspenders on the underwear. So we’ll see how that works out!
Okay, so I said I’m never trying another bra pattern again, and that’s probably going to prove to be a big fat lie – I’d get way too bored! So you’ll have to wait and see what I come up with next 😛 Also, don’t forget, the giveaway is still open until next week so keep on entering.
Until next time,
Miss Maddy x
WOW!! This bra is absolutely stunning!! and the set is just perfect! That’s really great to know about the Boylston pattern! I don’t know if I’ll ever venture from my self-drafted patterns, but it’s good to know that it’s had lots of success and is a great shape! I’m completely with you about the shape- round but not TOO round!
I’m also so happy that you’re working with foam! I find it does a lot to help with the fit and smoothing out the cups! And yay for satin stitching! You MUST submit this bra this week!!
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Thanks Erin! Fair enough, if I could draft patterns as well as you I probably wound’t bother with anything else either 😛 But yes I’m super happy to have a pattern that works so well for me now, and I am 100% sold on the foam, I think it really makes it! And don’t worry, I’m about to send through the submission now 😉
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Absolutely wonderful! A great set of undies.
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Thank you 🙂
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Wow this looks stunning! Seeing you bra makes me want to try lingerie making myself! I love that it has foam cups and the flower fabric is beautiful.
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Thanks so much! Definitely give it a go, it’s so much fun 🙂
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Gorgeous set. The fabric is beautiful.
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Thank you! As soon as I saw this fabric, I *knew* I had to make it into a bra 🙂
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Wow, this looks amazing. When I first saw the photo I thought you has entered your swimwear adventure……..so I certainly agree with your mum and sister!
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Thanks! Haha yeah, I’m pretty excited to get stuck into it…not long till summer now 🙂
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Really beautiful!!!
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Thanks Michelle!
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Beautiful set and such a great review for the Boylston bra.
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Thank you 🙂 I really enjoyed sewing this pattern!
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Another gorgeous set, Maddy! Oh, I wish I had a magical remnant bin like you 😉 I’m completely in love with that print!
I love working with foam too, it helps with the fit and it’s super fun to sew! And the panties look so pretty, the suspenders will be a great addition! I don’t wear garters belts and stockings frequently, but I own some just because… I love how sophisticated they make me feel! 😉
PS: I’ve just remembered that I drafted a garter belt pattern some time ago, if you like to try it I can email it to you 🙂
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Thanks Sofia! Remnant hunting just seems to be a talent of mine 😉 Haha, yes I know what you mean – that sophisticated feeling! I would absolutely love to try the pattern if you’re happy to send it, I haven’t gotten one yet 😀
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Sure! I couldn’t find your email address on the blog, so email me at silverliningatelier@gmail.com and I’ll send you the pattern 😉
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Wow, Maddy, gorgeous set!! I especially love the print. (I, too, can frequently be found remnant-lurking.)
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Thanks Lindy 🙂 It’s certainly a favourite past-time of mine haha
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Wow it looks incredible:)) Now I want to make a bra as well, but it seems so hard… Maybe I give it a chance one day 😀 Have a lovely day, Sophia
http://www.littlesewingmachine.blogspot.de
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Thank you! It really isn’t as hard as it looks, I definitely encourage you to give it a go!
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It’s just beautiful. Good for you!
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Thanks! 🙂
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I think it will make a great swim suit top base too, and strapless. Working on perfecting the regular bra first and making about 3…
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Yesss I was thinking maybe strapless too! That’s a project which is definitely on the list.
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so lovely!! i’m a brafitter who’s just gotten interested in making bras and i’m kind of dismayed by the patterns that are available to home sewers. the marlborough construction and two-piece diagonal construction (like pinup girls) are not really going to fit most people over a D …. and most people are over a D but don’t know it. And then they’re much too much bra for anyone under a D. I agree that foam is really great and i like this seaming a lot better than most others i’ve seen. For your next you may want to experiment with making the apex higher (so the bottom pieces are taller) and the top cup piece shorter. You don’t show the fit and I believe you that it’s excellent but just my 2 cents.
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I agree with you about a lot of other bra patterns! This is certainly the first underwired pattern I’ve made which has been a good fit straight off. The apex actually hits me in the right spot on this one (again, unlike some others I’ve made!) so I don’t think it really needs adjustment (although I did have to alter that on the Marlborough). Thanks so much for your kind words, and good luck for your bra-making journey, I’m sure your fitting expertise will stand you in good stead 🙂
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Love this! I bought the Boylston a little while ago, and seeing everyone’s versions popping up on the internet recently is really making me eager to make my own.
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Same here! Seeing so many lovely versions is what got me to finally get around to mine 🙂
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Gorgeous! I have a boylston half-done on my sewing table. I’m anxious to get it done and check the fit. I love the shape, though…this looks soooo good!
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Yesss! I can’t wait to see it! 🙂
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SO gorgeous. I have been touching around the edges of sewing lingerie for ages now, but this particular pattern is the one that really makes me want to do it. Of course, it will be a long time until I can wear normal bras again (SOB!) but when I can – it’ll be this one. LOVE your fabric choice for this – the big bold floral is divine. A great make!
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Thank you so much! I love the print too – one of my favourite things about lingerie is getting to use up beautiful little scraps like this one 🙂
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