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Lingerie

Jasmine PRISM Add-On

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns June 6, 2017

A few weeks ago I added a new style to my Lingerie Shop. I talked a bit about why I designed this Jasmine adaptation earlier, but I’ll recap. I had been experimenting with sewing the Jasmine Bra with a cut-out at the front but was experiencing some unsightly gaping and pulling no matter what I did. So I had the idea of adding  a sheer mesh insert to fake it and it worked out amazingly.

So, from there I experimented with adding a scalloped lace insert, which also was a nice detail, and a little different, design-wise. So I decided to release this as an Add-On to the Jasmine Pattern.

Let’s take a peek inside…

With the Jasmine PRISM Add-On, you get two additional pattern pieces which you use instead of using the original Front Cup Piece. I’ve written up a 29 page instructional manual that will show you how to sew the bra with the alternate pattern pieces, as well walk you through how to add a lace longline band, how to use hook and eye tape, and how to add some lace detail to the straps.  Some of these are techniques I have already gone over in my Valentine’s Day Sew Along, but here you will have them all in one place.

The PRISM Add-On is only $2, but it only works in conjunction with the Original Jasmine Pattern – so you need to have both. I hope this helps you get even more wear out of my Jasmine Pattern!

Floral Love

Design Diary, Lingerie June 6, 2017

Did you guys know I love florals?

hehe… sorry, I had to!

Girl Charlee sent me some samples of their new cotton spandex floral fabrics a few weeks ago and I am so excited to show you what I made! I had to laugh when they contacted me to let me know about their new prints, because I had already purchased several meters of the black colourway! However, after seeing the white, I actually think I might like it even more than the black, and I love a dark floral.

The prints I used are their new exclusive Bonny Floral (the white) and Orleans Rose (Black).

Cotton Spandex Jersey is my favourite fabric for day-to-day lingerie. It’s nice and stretchy and forgiving, allows the body to breathe yet the resiliency of the spandex provides enough support to be comfortable. I do like to line my cotton spandex bras in a solid stretch mesh as it gives a bit more support.  The only downside I occasionally find is that it can be on the thicker side, which can cause panty lines, so I tend to pair it with sheer or lace fabrics over the hips and derrière.

For the white colourway, I paired it with peach stretch lace. I used my Celeste Pattern with the lace back variation, and added a longline band to the Jasmine “Prism” bra (I’ll explain more in my next post!).

I kept it simple for the dark floral, using my Claudia Panties with sheer peach mesh across the hips and contrasting black fold over elastic around the waist and legs. I did a sheer mesh insert at the front of my Jasmine Bra.

I’m really happy with how these worked out and was excited to get a sneak preview of them. I love fabric, so I’ll jump on any chance I get to see something new!

I’ve been finishing up a lot of odds and ends over the last few days. We had a really busy weekend and I’m looking forward to having a day off with Isabel tomorrow. We’ve been doing lots around the house and the gardens are keeping me busy (despite all of the rain we’ve been having!). I’ve found my anxiety has been slipping over the last few weeks again. I’ve been trying to maintain my self-care routines, such as exercise and eating well, but I’ve been waking up at night obsessing over things. My doctor and I decided to up my medication, so I am hoping that this is just a little blip! In the mean time, I’m trying to just practice some self-compassion, keep my chin up and know that this too shall pass!  Making pretty things helps though, and so does sharing these things with all of you.

A year in the making, the Kate Camisole Sewing Pattern is Here!

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns, Videos June 5, 2017

I think it was a year ago or so that I first posted a photo on Instagram of this camisole… As I mentioned in my video post a couple of weeks ago, I went back and forth on a bunch of things (darts, fullness, etc.) and toyed with various ways to write up these rather complicated instructions. The pattern itself is very simple – just two pattern pieces! But there are just so many ways you can sew it – dressed up or dressed down!

Anyway… without further adieu, here is the Kate Camisole!

So far, of all of the variations I’ve sewn, I think this one in Cotton + Steel Rifle Paper Co. challis is my favourite. Even Isabel has asked for one in her size! I absolutely love this print and fabric.

The pattern comes with instructions on how to add a ruffle – I give suggestions as to how long to cut your ruffle, but you could even experiment with cutting an extra long ruffle band to turn the top into a flowy, bohemian summer dress.

I experimented sewing these tops out of linen, chiffon, double gauze, gauze, challis and silk charmeuse. I think my favourite fabric to work with for this style is rayon challis. It is just so light and drapey. Silk charmeuse is a close second.

The Kate pattern is an excellent pair for with any of my woven bottoms, like the Jane or Miyu panties. But remember, you can also use a woven fabric for the front of my Claudia Panties too! It works great in silk.

You can purchase the Kate Camisole pattern directly from my website HERE or on Etsy!

To view a video-tutorial outlining the basic construction methods, hop on over to my Youtube Channel!

 

New! The Anouk Bodysuit

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns, swimwear June 5, 2017

You’ll see a few short, but picture-heavy posts coming through today! I’ve been working hard finishing up a couple of patterns that I have been pouring over for months… But, I think my effort was well worth it!

The first new pattern I’ll show you today is my Anouk Bodysuit. The pattern will walk you through how to sew it with snaps at the crotch so you can wear it as lounge/lingerie/casual wear, but you can easily make this into a swimsuit. In fact, I’m going to do a tutorial in the coming weeks to show you how to make that very simple alteration.

This pattern comes with two neckline variations: a simple v-neck and a ballet-inspired faux wrap front. The v-neckline on this bodysuit is a little different form my Abigail Swimsuit, which has a true triangle cut cup. I find the Anouk is more comfortable and flattering on my body type, which has a fuller bust.

The instructions will show you how to line the cups and add supportive underbust elastic.

I really love the shape of the back – it was a spin off from my Romy Bra.

Also with this pattern I will show you how to do a lace overlay. I wanted to show you how to place the lace so that you can change things up and experiment with your own lace overlays. Adding an overlay is so easy once you know how to do it.

I’m really excited to see how you guys interpret this pattern! I am totally loving it, and can’t wait to make a swimsuit out of it.

You can purchase my new Bodysuit Pattern directly from my website HERE or on Etsy!

Ohhh Lulu + Mint For You Boudoir Give Away

Giveaway, Lingerie, New Items May 19, 2017

I’m pretty excited about this collaboration. Jennie from Mint For You Boudoir Photography contacted me ages ago and I’ve finally got my act in gear to collaborate on a photoshoot! I love seeing how different photographers style my items, and I absolutely love the model she worked with, Carmina. She just looks so effortlessly confident and beautiful! And my favourite thing is that they are both based out of Toronto – I love to work with fellow Canadian artists. I really love Jennie’s modern, clean aesthetic. It’s obvous to see she puts a lot of love into what she does.

Jennie and I have teamed up to offer a Give Away that is currently happening on Instagram. We are each giving away a $100 gift certificate – so you’ll get $100 towards any Ohhh Lulu purchase and a $100 voucher towards Mint For You photography services! To enter the giveaway, just visit me on Instagram!

I’m in love with this backdrop!

I really love these photos and kind of want to book my own session with Jennie now!

Mother’s Day Sale

Lingerie, Sewing Patterns May 11, 2017

I’m having a little sale over the Mother’s Day weekend.

Take 15% off Made to Order Lingerie and 20% off Lingerie Sewing Patterns with the coupon code YouDeserveIt.  This sale includes my sample sale items!

Shop Lingerie HERE

Shop Sewing Patterns on Etsy or HERE

Offer Expires Monday, May 15th at midnight! Offer excludes custom orders. Current turn around on Made to Order lingerie is 8 weeks plus delivery due to the amount of orders in queue!

Happy Mother’s Day!

It’s gonna be May

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Personal May 8, 2017

What the heck happened to April? And where is May going to so quickly?!

I have so many fun things on my to do list right now, but I’m currently procrastinating. It’s tax season and I’m already a little late (as usual). I don’t do my own taxes, but I do need to prepare my expenses and income, etc, which is always far more complicated than it needs to be… and I really just hate doing paper work like that. It’s not my forte.

Today I’ve managed to make a vet appointment for Oliver, grocery shop, run 5k, have a nice coffee with my cousin, put away my groceries (that is a feat!), clean some old food out of the fridge… and now I’m blogging instead of working on my taxes. Because procrastination, that’s why.

Last week I released a few new items. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve given up on seasonal collections… while my pieces may still have a seasonal feel, I’m concentrating on just creating things I like, when the inspiration hits! I am finding this to be so therapeutic for me. Constant creation keeps my mood up, keeps me inspired, and excited about what I do.

I’ve been playing a lot with my Celeste, Jasmine, Claudia, Ultimate Lace and Ava patterns. They seem to be my “go-to” patterns. They are such a great base for experimentation, and in my opinion, extremely comfortable. Note to self: I should make a pattern bundle for these!

One of the (many) things on my to do list is to create some add-ons for my Jasmine Bra Pattern.  I’ve really loved the look of those bralettes with a cutout at the centre front, but I found with a larger bust it created some awkward gaping and pulling. So, I altered my jasmine pattern so that it has a mesh-insert at the front to mimics that look while still achieving stability between the bust. I’m so, so, so happy with how it turned out. I’ve got some thinking to do as to how I will adapt it as an add-on, but it is on my to do list!

‘Prism‘

 

Look who crashed my photoshoot!

My obsession with lace, especially two-tone lace continues. The black and silver lace I used for my Effie set was actually a bit of an accident. I bought 20yards online thinking it was a solid black. I was surprised when I opened the package… but not upset!

‘Cumulus‘

‘Mimi’

The last thing I want to mention is that I am planning a SWIMSUIT SEW ALONG! I just purchased my fabric this morning (pink flamingo print!). It will take me a couple weeks to get everything in order, but I plan on using either my Cindy Pattern or Jasmine and Ava… I haven’t quite decided yet, but I’m leaning towards Cindy. I made myself a Cindy bikini last year that I wore SO MUCH, and it’s a relatively easy and forgiving sew for an underwire garment. So, if you want to start scouting out some swimwear fabric, now is a great time. Spoonflower‘s Sport Lycra is my current go-to for swim fabric.

On a personal note, life has been so busy lately. My best friend Abbey’s wedding was two weeks ago and it was absolutely beautiful and perfect. Where I live has been experiencing some flooding due to non-stop rain so we’ve been diligently monitoring our basement (we flooded last year). I have a bunch of projects planned around the house (painting the exterior, new soffit and fascia…), gardening to get to, mom-duties, and I’ve got a goal of running 10k by the end of the summer (I’m already up to 9k!).  But I’ve got lots of Ohhh Lulu stuff I want to fit in there too… I’m honestly picking up my Camisole Pattern again that I shared on Instagram MONTHS ago. It will be ready soon… and I have a really wonderful bodysuit pattern that is also almost ready to drop (and actually would also make a great swimsuit now that I think of it…).

But for now… I’ve just gotta focus on my damn taxes!!!

Sample Sale Time

Lingerie April 7, 2017

Spring cleaning time! I have been hoarding samples. I make a lot of things when designing new collections and not all of them make the final cut. Sometimes a piece is too labour intensive to make it a feasible item for sale at the prices I like to offer… sometimes I’m just not happy with the outcome. Occasionally I’ll also make a custom bra for a customer in the wrong cut or size (doh!).  I also occasionally sew size runs of garments to keep on hand for different events. I’ve decided to clear a bunch of these things out. I’ve listed them in my Etsy shop at 50% off the retail price. A lot of these are last pieces and one of a kind, so don’t wait if you see something you like! You can shop the SALE HERE!

Something Fun!

Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns March 22, 2017

I’ve been busy!

I just finished updating the Jane & Lola patterns, and in the process (on a sick day I might add) I came up with an adorable idea…

Undies with animal ears!

I’m not the first person to have this amazing idea. Knickerocker has been making the most adorable animal undies for a while now.  I don’t plan on making these to order (ok, maybe I will by special request), so definitely check out Knickerocker if you’re in the market for a cute pair of cat-ear undies.

The thing I love most about this pattern is that the possibilities are pretty much endless… after I had made my first sample, Sonja from Ginger Makes gave me the idea of sewing Pug Undies. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it myself!

So… I’ll be periodically providing free add-ons for this pattern. I’ll be posting the Pug Add-On soon, and a Peter Pan Collar Add On as well. If you have any ideas, please feel free to leave me a comment and I’ll see if I can make your wishes come true! Here’s a quick sneak peek of the Add-On’s that I almost have ready…

You can purchase the Miyu Pattern, which comes with instructions for the Kitty and Bunny Ears HERE, or on my Etsy Shop.

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