Browsing Tag

Lingerie

Free Pattern Alert!

Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns September 29, 2023

I shared my ultimate cottagecore lingerie set on my YouTube channel back in August and really enjoyed getting back to sewing lingerie with woven fabric. That’s kind of where I got my start!

I love historical clothing. I used to make all kinds of Victorian costumes and corsets in fashion school. All of the details and the drama are just so fun… and I’ve always been particularly drawn to what people used to wear under their clothes. I’m not sure it’s something most people think about!

When we think of underwear and lingerie we usually think of light, stretchy fabrics. But elastic is a pretty new technology! At one time, not that long ago, most lingerie and even a lot of swimwear was made out of woven fabrics. If you’re a collector of vintage or antique clothes or sewing patterns, you’ll be well aware of this!

A lovely lady in 1940s beach wear courtesy of Vintage Everyday

One of the sewing patterns in my personal collection is for an original 1940’s bra top. I believe it was originally meant for beachwear, but I thought it lent itself well to lingerie. I used the basic style line as my inspiration for the August Bra, but added elasticized edges, ruffles, and tie on straps.

I decided to release this pattern in two formats. You can get the pattern for FREE. Yep, free! The free version doesn’t have a full set of written instructions, but I do have an indepth video on YouTube walking you through the steps. If you prefer a more traditional format, you can purchase an ad-free version that includes the pattern and written instructions with full colour photos in my traditional PDF format.

Fabric selection is important for this bra. Look for fabrics that are lightweight and with a good drape. If you are online shopping, search for fabrics that include rayon, viscose or bamboo, as they are all really drapable fibres. Weaves like challis, charmeuse, and gauze all have a looser weave that are perfectly suited for this pattern! Really tightly woven fabric like poplin could result in a slightly smaller fit. So, if you have a really tightly woven fabric, I’d suggest sizing up.

I’m excited to see what you come up with using my pattern. Tag me on the socials, @ohhhlulu everywhere. I’ll also be releasing a bottom to go with it in the next few days!

A simple fix for too-narrow lace

Tutorial, Videos November 29, 2022

Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a small commission from applicable purchases made through the links in this post. This helps keep my website running! Thank you so much.

I’m working on a new sewing pattern that is specifically for stretch lace. I know sometimes it can be a real struggle to find stretch lace in the right width. Sometimes you find that just-right shade but it’s an inch or two too narrow. I’ve posted a photo tutorial on how to remedy this problem, but with my new lace pattern coming out, I thought I’d re-visit it in video form.

Can you spot where I fixed my too-narrow lace?

This tutorial is really simple. There’s no measuring. No adapting patterns… just some simple applique. I demonstrate my technique using the Claudia Pattern, but this works for pretty much any sewing pattern that requires a scalloped stretch lace. If you’re looking for stretch lace, Mint Frog on Etsy has a great selection!

I’ve really been enjoying uploading to YouTube and my blog more often. As easy as Instagram and Tiktok are for quick posts, it’s nice to spend a little time and hash things out in a longer format.

I was feeling really good last month. I was productive and things seemed to be getting back to “normal,” with my kids in school and daycare regularly…. no threats of further shut downs. But then having Oliver pass… then Lila in the hospital… then Isabel & I with the flu… and daycare went on vacation… and now Dan is sick… I feel like I’m starting over again. It always seems like once I lose that momentum, it’s so hard to pick it back up again.

On the bright side, business is busy again. I’m hoping I can pace myself in such a way that I still have time for posting more on YouTube, just because I really enjoy it!

Introducing Tundra

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns September 14, 2018

Warning… sultriness ahead! This pattern is not for the faint of heart.

I’ve had a few requests for a few “sexier” pieces, and I think this is the jackpot.  They are layerable, adjustable, and just plain fun to wear and experiment with.

Shown here layered under my Lilith Shrug, pattern is coming soon!

Continue Reading

The Hyacinth Bralette Expansion Pack

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns April 17, 2018

I’m happy to see lots of Hyacinth Bralettes popping up on Instagram and in the facebook group!

One of my favourite things to do with a pattern is figure out all of the different ways I can style it. The Hyacinth has such simple style lines that it really adapts well to many different variations!

Today, I’ve released an Expansion Pack for the Hyacinthe Bralette Pattern. This Pack includes lace overlay pieces, several back variations, as well as in depth instructions, including how to finish the neckline with fold over elastic instead of lace.

One of my surprise favourites is this keyhole cut out variation. I felt ho-hum about it when I was finishing up my first sample, but when I put it on, it just felt amazing to wear! It’s funny how designs can change based on how you feel in them. I paired this variation with my Justine Panties. I often forget how much I love this pattern. The minute I put this set on I felt like a million bucks.

 

I also really love the simplicity of the plain racerback variation. It’s reminiscent of my Josephine Pattern, but with the plain front. I really like how this style of back feels. For me, its super comfortable and conforms to the curves and angles of my back. I paired this version with a simple pair of Claudia’s.

The Celeste Panties make a great pairing with the Hyacinth Bralette. They are my go-to for everyday undies.

Without a doubt, though, this variation is my favourite. It’s the most forgiving and gives a great fit due to the adjustable nature of the strapping.

I decided to pair it with my Ava Panties, and sewed both pieces out of a mini-fish net. The inner goth in me loves it so much!

Get the Expansion Pack Here! Friendly reminder that you will also need to download the Free Hyacinth Bralette Pattern.

Valentine’s Sew Along: Cutting Your Fabric

Tutorial, Valentine's Day Sew Along January 16, 2017

Now that we’ve gathered supplies, and prepared our patterns we can go ahead and cut into all of that pretty lace and sequin fabric.

Cut the sequin fabric is exactly the same as you would cut any other fabric. Fold it in half, and place your new upper front piece on the fold and cut 1. Be sure to use sharp scissors and be prepared to have sequins everywhere. You may not want to use your best fabric scissors to cut the sequin fabric, as the sequins can dull your scissors, but you still want to use a good, sharp pair. Remember to also cut your new upper front piece out of stretch mesh.

The ‘new’ lower-front piece gets cut out of the same lace you are using on the back of the panties. I folded my lace in half lengthways and cut 1 that way. Don’t forget to also use your Gusset Lining pattern piece with the additional 1/2″ seam allowance added to the upper edge to cut your lining – any cotton jersey will do.

The Claudia Panties Back get cut out exactly as indicated in in the pattern instructions, so that the straight lower edge is running along the scalloped edge.

In total, for the panties you should have the following pieces:

  1. Upper Front – Sequins
  2. Upper Front – Mesh
  3. Lower Front – Lace
  4. Gusset Lining – Cotton Jersey
  5. Panties Back – Lace

I’ve made a video showing you exactly how I cut out my stretch lace, so if you need a little more info, this is for you!

The Jasmine Bra gets cut the same as in the pattern instructions. We’ll be adding the longline band in a later step, so don’t worry about that part quite yet.

Here is a “how-to” video on how to place your Jasmine Pattern on scalloped lace.

Don’t forget to also cut the Jasmine Front and Side Front out of stretch mesh for lining.

The most important thing to remember when using scalloped lace is to make sure the motif is mirrored on either side. Take some extra time to make sure that when you fold your lace in order to cut 2 of each piece, that the scallops and motif of the lace all line up.

If you find that your lace is a little too short for the Panties Back, I’ve got some tips on how to make-do in a separate post, Tips & Tricks for Sewing Scalloped Lace.

Now it’s on to the fun stuff!

Plaid Evolution

Design Diary, Lingerie January 13, 2017

I wonder if I’ll ever get tired of buffalo plaid?

When I first started making lingerie, the first thing I made that made me really say “wow! I’ve done something awesome” was my first pair of red and black flannel undies. They had a satin ruffle around the leg, a large off-set bow, and ruffles on the bum. They weren’t the most practical undies, but they were cute!

From there, I moved onto a modern french knicker with black lace edging. I still really like this cut. You might recognize it! It’s the Bryony pattern.

One of my many incarnations of Buffalo Plaid Undies.

The next incarnation of the buffalo plaid set was a simple flannel bra and hipster panties. I paired the flannel with black lace…

So, I’ve been doing the plaid undies thing for a while now… I was so excited when I realized I was now able to get buffalo plaid in a cotton knit!

I think these new plaid sets are the best so far… they aren’t flannel, but they are so comfortable. I absolutely love the low-rise undies most.

 

Old vs. New

Design Diary, Lingerie January 10, 2017

Do you ever re-visit fabrics?

I bought this doe printed french terry before Isabel was born (I remember this because I made her a newborn dress out of it!), and really fell in love with it. I loved it so much, I ordered several more yards.

Two years ago, I released a lingerie set using the Doe Fabric. I paired it with champagne scalloped lace and did my classic hipster and longline bralette.

I was going through my fabric stash a couple of months ago and re-discovered it. I decided it was time for a revamp.

This time I paired it with simple beige mesh on the bottom and a small lace applique on the top. I think I prefer this new incarnation of the ‘Doe’ Set.

I like reinventing old styles. I find it to be a fun design challenge. I often draw so much of my inspiration from the fabrics themselves, that I like to find interesting ways to coordinate or display a print or colour.

The Doe Bra and Panties are available individually or as a set in my Etsy Shop.

Valentine’s Day Sew Along: It’s on!

Valentine's Day Sew Along January 8, 2017

OK!!! I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and I’m finally getting around to it; A Valentine’s Day Sew Along!

This sew along will go over three pieces, with some basic pattern alterations.

First we’re going to sew a Jasmine Bra. I’m sewing a scalloped lace version, and I’ll show you how to add a longline band.

Secondly, we’re going to sew a pair of Claudia Panties, with one pattern adjustment: adding a lined sequin panel on the front, with fully encased seams. This is a little tricky and does require some pattern-hacking, but I’m confident we can all rock our way through this!

Last, we’re going to sew one of two garter belts: The Mina Garterbelt (which, if you ask me, is the perfect garter belt), or my new FREE! Cora Garter Belt.

Version 1

I’ve created two different pattern bundles. Version 1 contains the Jasmine Bra, Claudia Panties, and Mina Garter Belt Pattern. These are basically all of my favourite patterns. You can purchase this bundle Here, or through my Etsy Shop.

Version 2

Version 2 contains the Jasmine Bra, Claudia Panties, and the FREE Cora Tutorial. You can purchase this bundle directly here, or through my Etsy shop.

I’ll be posting soon about the supplies we will need. I know some of you will need to order supplies on line, which will lead to some delay, but I’m going to start posting as soon as possible, since we have a lot to cover before Valentine’s day!

In the meantime, you can take 15% off all of my sewing patterns Here or through my Etsy Shop by using the coupon code BeMine. Offer expires January 16, 2017, so you have 1 week to purchase your patterns!

From the bottom of my heart…

Lingerie, Personal October 25, 2016

I mentioned in an earlier post about how I’ve been dealing with some disappointment this past year. I’ve had lots of good personal things: a new house, new adventures with Isabel… Work has been chugging along steady. I briefly mentioned I had the opportunity to work on a book, which did not get picked up. It was a huge disappointment which I thought I took well and realized months later that it was a bit of a knock to the self-esteem. I also was spending way too much time comparing myself against others. Social Media can be an evil bitch. I kept noticing people who I felt were piggy backing on my aesthetic… as a designer, your “look” is like your baby. Something you created with your mind and hands. When someone knocks it off it physically hurts, and my anxiety riddled brain catastrophizes it (and everything else) and the next think you know I’m filled with thoughts of my business failing, my family leaving me, the whole world falling apart.

birchbra1

So… I stopped for a bit. I took stock. I said a big, “F*&# You!” (I love to swear, did you know that?). And I started to just do what I want. Again.

Then, I started to sew a bunch of lingerie for myself. I thought, if nothing else, I’ll have a nicely re-stocked wardrobe.

tnred2

One piece led to the next, which led to the next. I re-tooled  the way I sew my bras, adding a mesh lining, and reworked my longline style. I developed two new underwear patterns. I created a bunch of pieces that I love to wear… Things that are comfortable, fun, and make me feel like a million bucks.

graphiteset2

One thing I like to do is create items that can mix and match. I’ve released several solid coloured bras in mesh and lace that can pair with a variety of bottoms. Honestly, putting on my underwear in the morning is one of the highlights of my day…

champagnemix2

I’m not going to lie. I’ve really been struggling over the last few months. My worries and anxieties snowball and make it really hard for me to move forward. They affect my self confidence and and whittle me down to nothing. They make me feel scared and unworthy. I’ve really been trying to reclaim myself. Accept that this is something that I have to deal with and that often my thoughts are out to get me! Sometimes my view of the world is skewed by my over-reactive brain. It’s a difficult thing to wrap your mind around.

highwaist1

Anyway, I feel like I’ve “found” lingerie again. I felt like I was doing a lot of things I “should” do, and by the end of the day I wasn’t making time for what I wanted to do: experiment with new designs, play with fabrics, take pretty pictures… I’m definitely going to make more time for this from now on.

equinox1

I’m going to post a bit more in a separate post when I have some more time, but for now you can view my entire collection on Etsy.

Sample Sale Time!

Uncategorized April 18, 2015
My sample bags overfloweth.
I make a lot of stuff over the year… when I’m desigining for a new collection I get so many ideas, and not all of them make it into my collection. I’ve added quite a few one of a kind items to this year’s sample sale! I also have old ready-made stock that I’m trying to clear out…

Photography : Mlle Chèvre (https://www.facebook.com/mllechevre)
Model : Ms White Willard (https://www.facebook.com/mswhitewillard)
Make Up : Audrey Lavigne Makeup Artist (https://www.facebook.com/audreylamua)