My First Bra

I have had such a wonderful weekend and I need to tell you all about it.

I had to go to The Netherlands for business, so now whenever I go to The Netherlands I try to meet up with Sigrid an incredibly talented sewer who has a passion for sewing lingerie.  On this latest trip, we planned ahead so that I could extend my trip and stay for the weekend, so of course I had to ask Sigrid to show me how to make a bra.

I had purchased my bra kit in Birmingham at the Creative Stitch and Craft show, however when we sat and unpacked all the goodies, Sigrid didn't like the colours they had put together, or feel some of the notions were right, so very kindly delved into her stash to come up with the things I needed to complete the bra (to meet her high standard).

Originally I bought a Kwik Sew pattern to use, however once I had cut out the pattern and did a sort of tissue fit, Sigrid felt that the shape of the cup on the Kwik Sew pattern wasn't right on me and suggested I try one of her bras to compare.  We found her own tnt pattern by Sewy Rebecca fitted me perfectly in the cup, but I just needed a little length added to the back strap as I have a broader back. 


A few fellow bloggers have posted their recent attempts at making a bra, each of them doing a splendid job, and I am sure that I could have given it a stab and had a go on my own too.  However, I can't tell you how helpful it was to have such an expert sitting there showing me where to take care, tips on placement for the lace etc etc.  Sigrid has given up precious time to create fantastic tutorials on her blog, so please check it out if you are interested in making a bra, they are worth their weight in gold.


So having read all of the above, I bet you want to see the end result, so here it is ta da.....

The cup has three pieces to it, and we split the side band to insert lace into the side too.

Sigrid buys most of her materials for bra making from a shop called Kantjeboord, but as luck would have it,  the shop was closed for their annual 2 week vacation, but Sigrid was able to pick me up some lace and notions to complete another bra at home.  I am sure that if you have looked at what is on offer, you will be, like me, gagging to go back to the Netherlands to visit the shop myself (better have a big bag). 

Sigrid warned me that if I start making bras that it becomes addictive - she is right, I can't wait to buy more materials and start making the best ever lingerie I can (lets hope I can repeat the process alone).


Sunday we drove around 100km to Arnhem to meet up with some more ladies who sew.  Sigrid met these ladies on one of the European PR meetings, and they have since met up outside the PR forum because they are all located in The Netherlands.

So here is a photo of us all - from left to right, Marta, Joana, Sigrid, me and Hilde just before we went to look around the exhibition in church across the road.  We didn't stop chatting about sewing, thrift shop purchases, projects etc - IT WAS WONDERFUL.

Last but not least, I have to extend a HUGE thank you to Sigrid, who gave up time to help me and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed myself, and spending time with her - the next trip can't come soon enough.....................


Catch you later....................