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Sewing Patterns

Maker Style Interview and Mental Health Update

Anxiety, Interviews, Sewing Patterns January 9, 2017

Any other podcast addicts out there?

I was really excited when I heard from Rachel at Maker Style a few weeks ago. Her podcast was new to me, but sounded right up my alley. I am absolutely honoured to be the first interview for her Bra Making Month. If you are into sewing, and particularly lingerie making, this series is going to be a must-listen.

You can listen to my interview HERE.

After doing my interview with Rachel those few weeks back, I realized how much my anxiety has improved. I feel like I’ve got a brand new start, but at the same time have this nagging sense of regret about the things I’ve missed out on because of my anxiety. I was able to speak to Rachel openly, and when we went our separate ways, I didn’t analyze every word I had said, second guessing my wording or phrasing and content. I can’t express to you how good this feels.

I’m still struggling with things – particularly fears about Isabel’s well being and my overall sense of self-worth, most notably being my body image. I think these are going to be things I struggle with forever. But, I’ve really found that saying my fears out loud (to people who are supportive) and being open with all of you here has helped (in addition to medication under the guidance of a supportive family physician, and therapist). The things that have changed the most for me are the fact that I now sleep. I have a sleepless night here or there, but not weeks straight of insomnia. I also can sit and play with Isabel, or sew, or watch tv without my brain spinning off uncontrollably in a million different directions.

I hate calling it anxiety. It sound so… stupid. Everyone has anxiety and it actually serves a helpful purpose. What I have is out of control, spinning, tornado fear-for-my-life catastrophic brain-chaos. I just don’t have a proper word for it. So, for now “anxiety” will have to do.

Free Kitty Sleep Mask Pattern & Last Minute Holiday DIYS

Sewing Patterns December 22, 2016

I have been doing a lot of holiday gift sewing over the last month. I think nearly everyone on my list is getting at least one handmade item!  I’ve really enjoyed doing my gift sewing this year. It gave me an opportunity to branch out a bit from sewing underwear.

This is the first year in a long while I’ve really felt in the holiday spirit. I’m not sure if it’s seeing Isabel’s excitement, or just that I am in a healthier mindset, but I’m really excited for Christmas.

So, I thought I’d share some of the holiday cheer and offer up a FREE Kitty Sleep Mask Sewing Pattern. You can download it from my new pattern shop here: https://www.ohhhlululingerie.com/product/free-kitty-sleep-mask-pdf-sewing-pattern/ . You will be prompted to sign up for an account… don’t worry, it just takes a few seconds, and this way, you will be able to log in and access your pattern, along with any purchases you make from the website at any time.

 

The pattern will walk you through each step of the process, with some tips on using lightweight fabrics like satin and lace overlays. It’s a really quick and easy sew and is perfect for a last minute DIY gift.

Aside from sleep masks, I’ve been making a few other things this holiday season… I’ve become a little addicted to making my FOE sewn NOT tied hair ties, displayed on simple cardstock backings, as well as make-up bags.  I really liked this tutorial from Craftster for making make-up bags. I’ve sewn dozens of these, some for myself, some for sale at Changing of the Garnet, and lots more for gifts!

I’ve made so many things and have a few more gifts left on my to-make list before Sunday. It’s crunch time now!

I hope you enjoy my new FREE pattern and hopefully it will help you with any last minute DIY gifts this Christmas.

New Pattern! The Claudia Panties Pattern

Lingerie, Sewing Patterns, Tutorial December 19, 2016

This is my favourite pattern ever (besides the Jasmine bra). I think I may have actually already made 100 of these, maybe even more!!! I am obsessed.

So, what is it that I love about this pattern, you ask? This pattern has the one thing I strive for in a pattern: versatility. You can achieve so many different looks with this one easy pattern.  Included in the instructions are directions on how to sew them with a pretty lace back with picot elastic around the front OR plain elastic edging, or  sewn entirely out of knit fabric with simple lace trim entirely around the legs. But, you can also edge these in fold over elastic, picot elastic, and while these are drafted for stretch knits, I’ve even made them with a silk charmeuse front!

Quick and Easy Directions for a Woven-Fabric Front.

If you want to use a woven fabric on the front I suggest using a light weight woven with a good bias stretch. Silk Charmeuse is ideal, but you could experiment with other fabrics too. I’d imagine a light flannel or lightweight cotton would work as well. Whatever you choose, the hip/back portion has to be sewn out of either stretch lace or stretch knit fabric.

All I do is fold my fabric at a 45 degree angle. This way you can place the “cut on fold” piece against the bias-fold. This is a quick and easy way to cut small bias cut pieces, without tracing the patter piece out mirrored.

You can purchase the Claudia Panties Here, or through my Etsy shop.

New Pattern! The Ultimate Lace Thong & Panties Pattern

Sewing Patterns December 18, 2016

Yesterday, I launched two new patterns! You’ve likely already seen these as part of my Made-to-Order Lingerie Line. I love these patterns… I’ve personally made myself several of these and have purchased yards and yards of lace to make even more! I am obsessed!

The Ultimate Lace Panties are designed specifically for scalloped stretch lace. They can be sewn in two ways: a Thong or comfy hipster style. The finishing on these is so easy and they are quick to put together!

Now that I’ve updated my Jasmine Pattern to include instructions on how to use stretch lace, these panties make the perfect pairing for with a lacy Jasmine bra. Seriously, my lingerie drawer is filled with these sets!

You can purchase the Ultimate Lace Panties Pattern Here, or on Etsy. I’ll be adding it to Kollabora and Craftsy soon!

Tips and Tricks for Sewing Scalloped Lace

Lingerie, Sewing Patterns, Tutorial December 15, 2016

Lately I’ve become obsessed with scalloped lace. I’ve used a lot of it in my latest collection, and have a ton more lace on the way! I just love how pretty and delicate it is, while still being comfortable.

It can be tricky to find wide enough lace for panties or larger size bras. Here I’m going to outline a couple of tricks that I’ve learned along the way to make the most of what you’ve got on hand!

The first thing to be aware of is when you cut your scalloped lace, make sure you lay your lace out so that the scallops are evenly matched up. You want both sides of your panties or bra to be an exact mirror image of one another. When you sew your seams, the most important thing is to make sure that your scallops match up evenly. This may sometimes mean that your waist edge might be off a bit. Don’t worry – just focus on lining up the scalloped edge of your seam.

If your lace is a little too narrow for your panties pattern, you can easily piece the lace together to make up for the lack of width. Start by cutting out your pattern piece.

Grab a scrap piece of lace with a bit of scalloped edge. Layer it overtop of the too-short part so that the scallops overlap, kind of like a puzzle piece.

Use a zig-zag stitch to top stitch in place, then straighten out your edges.

Alternatively, you can use too-narrow lace as a design feature! You can create interesting “cut outs” by just working with the width of lace you have. Here, I’ve just left the scalloped edge of the lace in place, then extended my waist elastic overtop to create a “peekaboo” back.

Finding trimming lace to match can sometimes be a challenge, even for myself who has access to wholesale lace suppliers. If you need some trimming lace in the same colour as the lace for the body of your panties, just cut off some of the scalloped edge of your lace, and use it exactly as you would use a trim. Just zig-zag it on, and cut off any excess that extends beyond your zig-zag stitching. I’ve done that with this pretty purple thong.

If you are having trouble finding stretch lace at your local fabric stores, I highly recommend looking online. Below are a few of my favourite resources:

Tailor Made Shoppe

Lace Heaven

Bra Makers Supply 

 

 

Little Red Riding Hood

Baby, Personal, Sewing Patterns November 1, 2016

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Halloween costumes really came down to the wire this year… last year, I had a spooky dress whipped up by the beginning of the month. This year, Isabel’s first year trick-or-treating, I didn’t even know what costume to make until the weekend leading up to Halloween! I nearly broke down and bought her something ready made (sacrilege!).

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Then I came across Twig & Tale’s Traveller Cape pattern (with the Wild Things add-on). I immediately thought “Little Red Riding Hood.” It was perfect because I had a piece of red velvet I had bought two Christmas’ ago, so all I had to buy was a bit of fabric for her dress. I used my current favourite, Heidi & Finn’s Pumpkin Spice dress. I added puffed sleeves and an attached stiff cotton petticoat to help the skirt flare out. I also sewed a self-drafted apron with little pockets (everything must have pockets right now) and a pretty applique on the front.

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I used the add on from the Cape pattern to make myself a Big Bad Wolf’s hat out of fun fur with a cotton lining. Dan dressed as the Huntsman, which was easy since he already has a bushy beard and plaid shirt.

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It was such a fun evening. It is so funny because I never “got” kids.  But seeing Isabel do all of these things for the first time is just so fun! She was very brave and knocked on people’s door, said her “please” and “thank you’s” and wished everyone a “Happy Halloweee.” Never in my life did I think I’d ever say this, but… toddlers are the best!

I’m already planning out a few more of these capes… they were quick and easy to make, and I absolutely love all of Twig & Tale’s suggestions to make them into fun dress-up costumes.

Introducing the Amber Halter Bra

Lingerie, Sewing Patterns July 13, 2016

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The Amber Bra Pattern has quickly become my new go-to bra pattern. It is really quick to cut – literally only 2 pieces – and takes just a small amount of fabric. But the best thing about it is how versatile it is. It makes the perfect base for a swim or yoga top (which you will see soon!)

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The Amber Pattern comes with instructions detailing how to sew the bra with a low neckline or high neckline, with scalloped lace detail. It features a long wrap band, inspired by the Kestos Bras of the 1920’s and ’30’s.
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This is a fairly easy sew, with an easy fit. There are bust seams that can be easily taken in or let out for more generous figure. Stay tune for some pattern hack’s for this one!

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Purchases it HERE or on Etsy!

Introducing… The Ultimate Sleep Mask Pattern

Sewing Patterns, Uncategorized June 6, 2016

 

Sleep masks are something that I added to my Lingerie Shop a couple years ago. Over the years, I like to think I’ve perfected my technique and learned a thing or two about how to put a nice mask together. Sleep Masks are something that I have a lot of fun sewing. I like taking a basic pattern and figuring out small changes I can make to turn it into something really unique.
You might remember me talking (or ranting on twitter) about my battles with some pretty hardcore insomnia over the years. Whenever I feel a bout of sleeplessness coming on, I thrown on my favourite sleep mask. Something about the ritual of putting it on helps put me in the mindset for sleep. Well, that and Sleep With Me Podcast (a serious life saver). So, I can truly say that these are personally tried and tested (and loved).

 

I wanted to add a few patterns to my Pattern Shop that would be more suitable for people who are just learning how to sew. The Ultimate Sleep Mask Pattern does require you to have some basic sewing skills, like how to use a sewing pattern, how to cut fabric, and the basics of how to sew a seam, but other than that, it is a great starting point!

 

My Sleep Mask Pattern makes use of materials and supplies you can find at almost any sewing shop. You may even be able to get everything you need at your local craft store! It just takes a small amount of fabric, (a fat quarter will do!), some cotton for lining, cotton quilt batting, and a strip of any type of elastic (though I like to use Fold Over Elastic). One of my pattern testers even suggested using long ribbons for ties. I’ve done something similar on one of my Silk Sleep Masks.

 

The Ultimate Sleep Mask Pattern allows you to make a basic mask, with tips on using lightweight fabrics like satin, a mask with sleep-eye embroidery, or cute little animal masks in the shape of a kitty, bear, fox, and bunny. I already have plans on a quick and easy tutorial on how to make a Panda mask! I’ve even had the idea of cutting little eye holes to make fun costume masks for kids.

 

 

I’ve spent a lot of time and attention on providing some extra in-depth photos for this latest collection of patterns. I have tried to make my instruction manuals both useful and beautiful! I really hope you enjoy sewing this pattern. I think it’s something a little different (and also makes a great handmade gift! I’m currently in the process of making a batch out of some heirloom fabric for a friend).

 

 

Sweet Dreams!