Bra Making - Chapter Two

Tah dah - my first bra!  It looks quite pretty doesn't it?  I am very happy with how it turned out - I'd be ecstatic even .,.... if it fit!

Why doesn't this fit?  Probably because I didn't do enough research before making this bra.  My muslin (I thought) fit pretty well, it was a little short in the back, but I made adjustments for that.  The fabric I used for the muslin has more stretch than the fabrics I used for this one, so that accounts for a very small part of the fit.  The main problem is that I THOUGHT the muslin fit correctly - it doesn't! 

Once you spend a little time researching the correct fit of your bra, the more you realise (well most of us - that's the 80% of women who are wearing an ill-fitting bra) that the old fav bra you think is comfortable and fits - doesn't!  Are you still comfortable in that bra at the end of the day?  Do you start fiddling with the straps, shoving things around or feel constrained?  Its because that bra you've got on doesn't fit.  After way too many years to count, I've discovered that I need a bigger cup size.  (Not happy with all the "professional" bra fittings I've had!).  I wear a 14D (36D).  I think I should probably be wearing a 12DD (34DD).

The main fitting issues are:

• the underwires do not allow my breasts to "fill" the cups.  This means the cups do not sit right up under my breast, there is a gap of about 1cm.  A wider cup should allow my breasts to sit into the cup correctly.
• the bridge is too wide and doesn't sit flat on my chest - so this needs to be altered
• back is a little too snug - I need to add a little more to this area.

This bra is wearable - but I'm not going to torture my poor misunderstood breasts any longer!  So it is back to the drawing board for me.  I think the adjustments required are only quite minor - so stay tuned for Part 3 of what is looking like a long story!

I just have to sing out to the world how wonderful Amy is from Cloth Habit is. I emailled her with a few photos and questions and she has been extremely generous with her time and advice - thanks so much Amy - you have given me the enthusiasm to keep trying!

Details

Pattern: Kwik Sew 3594

Fabric:  Tricot for lining, Stretch lace & some sort of jersey knit for band etc

Notions:  underwires, purchased straps, 2 hook bra closure

Cost:  $20 approx.  (that seems a lot, but I have heaps of the fabric left)