I made a Bra--that fits! Simplicity 8711

Oh goodness, I am so excited!  I finally made a bra that actually fits me and is comfortable to wear.

Here's the pattern I used: 

How sweet is this bralette? Simplicity doesn't mince words in their pattern descriptions.  This one simply says, "Misses monowire bra and panties."  

I also order the bra kit from here: https://madalynne.com/  So many fun fabrics and styles!  

The kit arrived in this sweet little pink box with more fabric than I needed.  It also was generous with the elastic amounts.  The only thing that there was only one set of was the o-rings and the sliders, a two-hook-eye combo, and a three-hook-eye combo.  Plus you get one monowire.  

I love that little ruffle at the bottom band.

So, let's chat a bit about sizing.  In the past, I've tried to follow the directions for sizing.  I've made either an enormous bra that wouldn't fit me with great amounts of toilet paper stuffed inside, or one that was too small.  This one, however fits!  I am just giddy about this! 

That little picot edge of the elastic is so cute.  Plus, I love the black lace with the beige lining.  Wouldn't this also be pretty with pink lining?  Actually, any color?

Here's a closer-up of the ruffle.  

And the back, which you can see how the ruffle ends up finishing off.  

And, lastly, a photo of the side seam.  I will be making more bras now!

Thank you Madalynne!

Sue :)

Pin-up girls classic bra!

I completed one of my new year's resolutions--to make a bra!  How fun and so much easier than I had anticipated.  Here is my review for the classic bra pattern.

Pattern Description: There really isn't one on the pattern I purchased, so here is my own.  Full-coverage, unlined bra with partial or full band has cup seams, elastic picot edging, and somewhat wide, comfortable straps.

Sizes: Believe it or not, I purchased a small pattern (despite my full bust).  The pattern I purchased covers sizes 30AAA to 38D.  What a wide range of sizes!

The pattern and Manual to get your started are excellent.  The visuals are great and if you've never made a bra before, I highly recommend purchasing the manual as well.  Since I am a visual learner, the pictures were indispensable for me to construct this bra.  

Did my finished bra look like the pattern?  Well, yes, I do believe it does.

Directions: they are really good, even if you've never made a bra (like me!).  The manual has many photographs and the pattern itself has many line drawings, all of which are very helpful.

I purchased the small kits to go along with everything I needed to construct two bras.  The one I photographed is made with one of those kits.  Kits are available at www.bramakers.com

What did I like/dislike?
Directions are great, really great.  If you follow these directions exactly, you'll end up with a well-fitting bra.  I measured everything very carefully and constructed everything slowly so I didn't have to use the dreaded but helpful seam ripper.
I really wish this bra pattern had more support.  I like bras with a little padding and under wires to accommodate my fuller bust.

Modifications:
None.  This was my first ever bra and I wanted to see what if anything I would need to adapt.  I found the bra to fit well and most importantly feel comfortable.  Did I also mention it is pretty?

Conclusion:
If you have always wanted to tackle making a bra, I believe this is a great pattern to start with.  Just cut carefully and follow the directions carefully, slow slowly and you'll end up with a pretty undergarment.   Construction from beginning to end is relatively fast, a bra can be completed in a short time.

Thanks for reading!
Sue