All Posts By

sarah norwood

Lola Update!

New Items, Sewing Patterns, updates, Videos March 19, 2017

I’ve been revisiting some of my very first patterns. It’s been a fun exercise! I’ve been flexing my creative muscles to come up with new ways to style some of these basics.

My latest update is to the Lola Panties Pattern.

The Lola fits like a cheeky boy short. It is designed to be sewn with a simple hemmed legline, but can also be trimmed in lace.

The newest variation will walk you through how to sew these with a cut out over the hip.

This pattern walks you through 4 basic variations, but you could combine techniques to truly customize your style! My goal with all of my patterns is to teach you the techniques so that you can create really unique styles. I know that’s what I want when I buy a pattern!

In addition to the updated instruction and style variations, I’ve also graded the pattern up to an XXL.

These look similar to the Claudia Panties, but the fit is quite different. First, it has a two piece back which is quite cheeky. The Claudia has front seams, whereas the Lola has back seams. Lastly, the Lola can be sewn with a simple turned hem, whereas the Claudia needs elastic around the leg.

You can purchase the Lola Pattern HERE or through my Etsy Shop. If you have previously purchased the pattern and would like the update, please contact me with your order number and I’ll provide you with the update!

Annnnd…. If you check out my YouTube Channel, I’ve just posted a pretty in-depth video all about how to sew these cheeky undies!

Valentine’s Sew Along: That’s a Wrap!

Valentine's Day Sew Along February 14, 2017

A big thank you to everyone who sewed along with me! This was fun, and really got me inspired to make more videos.

It’s always exciting to see what you guys make using my patterns. Here are just a few of the photos I was sent. If you’d like to share your make with me, send me a message with your photos and I’ll be happy to share them!

This set is by Nicolle. Can you believe this was her first lingerie set?

I’m loving the floral fabric on this pretty Jasmine by Joanne.

Beth sewed a two piece set using my Jasmine Bra & Claudia Panties. She wrote about it on her blog, 110 Creations.

Here’s a longline Jasmine in simple black lace! You can never have too much black lace, in my opinion! You can see Mary’s make on Instagram (@LookWhatMaryMade)

I love this… Yiling made a ton of Jasmines! I can relate so much to this… I get addicted to making a certain pattern and I tend to make A LOT in a big bunch. I’m absolutely loving the black and red lace one! Follow her on Instagram to see all of her makes (@theyilingcrafts).

I love this one!!

Thanks again everyone! I hope to do another sew along heading into the Summer, but this time I want to make a swimsuit! If you guys have anything specific you’d like to cover, just let me know.

The Celeste Bikini Cut Panties + FREE PDF Sewing Pattern!

New Items, Sewing Patterns, Videos February 14, 2017

Happy Balentine’s Day! Isabel is convinced it is pronounced ‘Balentine’s Day.’ She also thinks today is her birthday for some reason.

I’ve prepared something special for you on this sexiest-day of the year:

a NEW pattern! and it also comes as a FREE version!

The Celeste is a skimpy bikini cut panty that gets sewn out of stretch knits. In the paid version, I show you how to sew the legs with stretch lace trim or elastic stabilized hems. I show you how to finish the waist three ways: fold over elastic, stretch lace trim, or picot elastic. As a BONUS I’ve included a pattern piece so that you can sew them with a scalloped lace back.

The FREE version will walk you through how to sew the panties with lace trim and a fold over elastic waist.

This is a great beginner pattern with lots of flexibility and versatility.

The Celeste Panties can be finished in a similar manner to the Claudia Panties (my favourite!), but have quite a different fit. I’ve made a short video discussing a few of the differences.

You can purchase the FULL Celeste PDF Pattern HERE

Or you can download the FREE version here!

New Pattern! The Romy Bra

Uncategorized February 12, 2017

The Jasmine Bra might have a run for it’s money for the position of “favourite bra pattern.”

The Romy Bra is a step up in complexity from the Jasmine bra. It has a three-piece, lined “cup” and shaped wing. I really love the scooped back.

The instructions walk you through how to line the bra, how to sew it with a scalloped lace neckline or a elastic-trimmed neckline. I’ve even included a bonus tutorial on how to add a strappy neckline! I kind of thought I was tired of the strappy-bra thing, but when I put this one on, I think I changed my mind.

I’m really happy with the finish on this bra. It’s still relatively simple as far as bras go, but I think it has even more versatility than the Jasmine. You know me, I love a pattern that can be sewn lots of ways.

If you’re looking to sew one of these for yourself, check out my step by step video on YouTube!

Mix & Match Wardrobe

Lingerie, New Items February 11, 2017

I design lingerie that I want to wear. My design philosophy is as simple as that! And, one of the things I like to be able to do with my wardrobe, whether it be a lingerie piece, or a cozy cardigan, is the ability to mix and match pieces.

I’ve create a few simple images to see how you can create a variety of looks out of a few pieces of lingerie. If you’re building a lingerie wardrobe, I always recommend starting with a couple of sold, neutral bras that you can pair with a variety of pairs of undies. I don’t know what it is, but knowing I’ve got on really nice lingerie always makes me feel great. For me, lingerie isn’t about impressing anyone, it’s just about feeling great in your own skin. That, and I just like pretty things. Pretty things make me feel good.

I tend to focus on a specific palette of colours for each “collection” that I design, and I always try to incorporate a number of prints and textures. I find that in doing this, I end up with lots of pieces that can stand on their own, and be mixed with other pieces.

Here’s a little inspiration to end the week out with.

Black & Peach

Pastel & Grey

Feminine Mix

Valentine’s Sew Along: A Garter Belt Two Ways

Tutorial, Valentine's Day Sew Along February 10, 2017

This post is going to wrap up the construction of our three-piece set. I’m going to go through some tips on both the Mina and Cora garter belts. The Mina is my favourite garter belt pattern. It’s got simple, classic lines. The Cora is available as a free tutorial, and is very quick to put together. There is also a paid version which comes with a few different variations.

Which ever belt you choose, you’ll need to start by making 4 adjustable garter straps.

I’ve got a handy video on my youtube channel that will walk you through how to assemble these. It is basically the same as assembling a bra strap, except you use a garter clip instead of a ring.

For my Mina Garter Belt, I used satin strap elastic along the waist band in stead of band elastic. Because there is 1/2″ seam allowance included on the waistline, I began by trimming that back by 1/2″

From there, I used a twin needle to attach the elastic directly to the right side of the garment. You could also use a tight zig-zag stitch. I like the way this turned out – it really coordinated it with the rest of the set.

I have a video on YouTube about sewing band elastic. While the video is about bras, the same techniques can be applied to the garterbelt.

The assembly and finishing of this garter belt is quite easy. The lower curved edges get finished with fold over elastic. Don’t pull the elastic too tight here – it should basically just act as a binding.

The back closes with a standard hook and eye closure.

Attaching the garter straps is quite easy. Place the strap against the strap extension with the right sides together. Stitch in place using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Be sure to backtack since this is a point of stress.  Fold the seam allowance under, and top stitch using a tight zig-zag stitch, again being sure to back tack.

I find the Mina Garter Belt to be more flattering on my shape. I’m quite soft through the waist and hips, so this belt maintains a smoother line on me than the Cora does.

I’m not going to go into too much depth on the Cora Variation, since the tutorial for this style is available for Free Download.

There is no scientific method to determine how big the lace insert should be. Simply place the garter belt over the lace and see what works best!

My lace triangles ended up being about 3.5″ long/high. This length was too long to work on the back because of how close the closure/adjustable portion is to the centre back, so I only did the lace on the front. However, if you were to make these smaller and/or sew the belt without the adjustable back, you could do the lace detail on both the front and the back.

That’s it! Our three piece sets are complete!

If you’d like to share your make with me, please send me an email (sarah @ ohhhlulu.com) with your photos and any links, and I’ll share them in a round-up post!

Thanks for sewing a long with me.

 

Pattern Update: The Ava High Waist Panties

Design Diary, New Items, Sewing Patterns, updates, Videos February 9, 2017

I’ve been so inspired lately, there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything I done that I want to do!

This has been on my To-Do list for a while now: a re-vamp of the Ava Panties Pattern (Grace, Bambi & Lola are next on my re-vamp list). I’ve added an additional size and more indepth instructions, including multiple variations!

With the Updated Ava Pattern, I’ll walk you through how to finis the waist and legs in fold over elastic, how to add an optional scalloped lace overlay, and how to sew the panties with cutouts and adjustable strap waist.

I just uploaded a video to my YouTube Channel, walking through how to sew a basic pair of Ava Panties.

I also have released these items in my Made to Order collection. I have a very limited amount of this fabric, so don’t want if you want it! You can find this set in my Etsy Shop by clicking HERE.

You can purchase the Ava pattern on my website, or Etsy. If you have already purchased the pattern and would like an updated copy, please send me an email or message me on Etsy.

Valentine’s Sew Along: Bra Straps & Closure

Tutorial, Valentine's Day Sew Along, Videos January 31, 2017

Now that the bra is basically assembled, it’s a great opportunity to “try it on”. Pull it on around you, like you normally would. It should fit snug with a small gap at the centre back where the closure will get applied. If you find you have some overlapping fabric, trim it back a bit.

Make sure that both sides of your Centre Back are the same length. Cut a strip of hook and eye tape about the same length as your Centre Back edge. Cut it so that you have some space between the cut edge and the first and last hook/eye.

With the tape left open, baste the hook side of the tape onto the inside of the righthand side of the bra. The hooks should be facing towards the inside of the garment. You might want to use a zipper foot here. I find that my regular foot is sufficient. I just move my needle into the right-most position.

Once that is basted on, fold the tape so that it is encasing the raw Center Back Edge, and top stitch down.

You do a very similar process on the other side with the “eye” side of the tape. Baste it on to the lefthand side of the bra so that the “eyes” are facing up. Then, fold the tape back down to bind that Centre Back Edge and top stitch in place. I use a tight, narrow zig-zag stitch to “seal” the upper and lower edge of the tape.

There are instructions in the pattern on how to assemble bra straps, but if you’re having any trouble, here is a step by step video:

Here is how I attach my bra straps:

I pin the strap so that the plush side of the strap is facing the inside of the bra. The strap is facing down. I do a row of stitching to anchor the strap in place.

I then fold the strap up, and to another row of stitching, with lots of back tacking to anchor it securely in place. This method hides the raw edge nicely so the strap area is not scratchy. I have sensitive skin, so if there is any slightly scratchy bit, I end up with a nasty rash. I’ve found this is the best way for me to finish the front strap.

On the back, I do a tight row of zig-zag stitching PLUS a row of straight stitching as close to the upper edge of the lace as possible, then trim back any excess strap elastic. I make sure to stitch the strap onto the elastic edging as that is the most stable part.

That’s it! That’s the Jasmine Bra, sewn in lace with a sheer lining and long-line band. Was there any step that you had trouble with that you need any more clarification on?

The next steps are going to be the Garter Belt portion. Just a reminder that I’ll be showing you two different garter belts. There’s the FREE Cora garter belt pattern, or the Mina Pattern (my personal fav!).

Valentine’s Sew Along: Adding a Longline Band to the Jasmine Bra

Tutorial, Valentine's Day Sew Along, Videos January 28, 2017

Now that we have assembled the body of our Jasmine Bra, we can add the longline lace band, and band elastic.

To do this, simply cut a length of lace just slightly less long than your bra. I then cut my lace so that it was only about 2-3″ high.

With the right sides together, sew the new lace band to the lower edge of the bra. I use a zig-zag stitch so the garment retains it’s stretch.

I’m using a 3/4″ band elastic here, but you can use any width you prefer.

Place the band elastic so the plush side is facing up and the decorative edge is running along side your stitching line. Use a zig-zag stitch to apply the elastic along the seam allowance of the bra band. Gently pull on the elastic as you stitch it in place. This creates a snug fit under the bust.

Trim back any excess fabric that extends beyond your stitching line.

Fold your band elastic up so that it is covering the seam allowance. Use a multi-step zig-zag stitch to top stitch in place. You’ll be stitching through your elastic, as well as the lined portion of the bra.

For those of you who prefer to follow along with a video, this one is for you!