I’ve had this project lurking in my head for quite a while. It finally happened thanks to a $25 gift card I won from So Sew English for Me Made May (thanks to this dress.) I was poking around their DBP stock and found this cute gray “ditsy” floral that immediately brought this Little Black Bra and Mix it Up mash-up idea back to mind.
About the Fabric
2 yards Grey/Pink Ditsy Floral Double Brushed Poly from So Sew English
- 96% POLYESTER / 4% SPANDEX
- Medium weight
- Horizontal stretch: ~100%
- Vertical stretch: minimal
Not only do I love the print and the colors on this fabric, it manages to have a surprising sheen to it that makes it look more satin-like than brushed poly. It’s so beautiful.
About This Make
Top: George and Ginger Little Black Bra (Free pattern with code from YouTube video)
- size 10
- slim band (-3″ circumference)
- strap placement 3″ from side seams
- straps cut at 1.25″ wide
- final strap length ~10″
- +1/4″ knit elastic to straps
Skirt: George and Ginger Mix It Up Dress
- size 4
- full circle skirt
- +1″ length
This make is based heavily on the nighties I made. I used the same exact treatment for the bra with the exception of adding elastic to the straps. I knew I would want a little more reinforcement for something I’d be wearing in public, and double-brushed poly has a bit of a looser recovery than something like an athletic knit and has the potential to grow during the day.
What I Did Differently
- So for the straps, I constructed them as usual and then fed the elastic through them with a safety pin. It took a little wrestling to get the fabric to lay flat over the elastic; with so much stretchiness between the fabric and the elastic, the fabric can get really bunched up.
- I left the skirt unhemmed for now; I may or may not changed my mind about that depending on how it behaves, but I wore it all day today and have no complaints.
- I lined the bra and band.
Notes for Next Time
- I tried understitching the neckline instead of topstitching and it did nothing. The lining was pulling to the front, so I topstitched and removed the understitching.
- I need to get me some bra cups that are more subdued than the push-up ones I currently have. Them’s are a little over the top, so I skipped bra cups.
- Turning the straps right side out was a little tight on my tube turner set. I might decrease the seam allowance on the straps to make that step a little easier
Project Settings
Sewing Machine vs. Serger
| Sewing Machine | Serger |
|---|---|
|
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Sewing Machine Settings
| Presser Foot | Stitch# | Stitch Width | Stitch Length | Needle | Top Thread Tension | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| standard zig-zag (A) | 5 | 1.0 | 4 | blue tip | 4 | seams |
| standard zig-zag (A) | 2 | 3.5 | 3.5 | blue tip | 4 | darts |
| adjustable edge (SE#5) | 5 | 1.0 | 4 | blue tip | 4 | topstitch |
Serger Settings
| Stitch Name | superstretch |
|---|---|
| Needles | R, L |
| Finger | B |
| Threads | 3 |
| Tension Left Needle | 3 |
| Tension Right Needle | 2.5 |
| Tension Upper Looper | — |
| Tension Lower Looper | 0.5 |
| Cut Width | 6 |
| Stitch Length | 2.5 |
| Differential | 1.0 |
| Application | seams |
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