Remember, ages ago, when I said I was going to try making my own underwear? I didn't forget, I just got distracted by other things. I bought the book, Kwik Sew's Beautiful Lingerie from Trademe a while ago. Some of the patterns in it are questionable and they are all sewn in some pretty dreadful late 80s/early 90s fabrics but I tried to look past that and found some of the patterns are actually quite good.
I had been thinking about drafting a pattern for a pair of high-waisted knickers (I refuse to use the word panties. It makes me shudder.) because almost everything I wear is high-waisted and modern knickers always sit way too low. All the high-waisted knickers you can buy here are granny type ones that are beige and usually made of something synthetic (double shudder).
This pattern from the Kwik Sew book was pretty much the exact shape I had in mind.
I made them from a stripey stretch cotton from the cheap table at the fabric shop. The edges are bound with fold over elastic which was $8 for a bag with 20 metres in it (bargain!). They were so quick and easy to put together. I used Zoe's tutorial for the construction. I've made three pairs and they have fast become my favourite underwear. They are really comfortable and they look cute on.
I wanted a matching bra so the sew-along at A Few Threads Loose was perfect timing. The pattern is the Pauline Bra from Anna's Etsy shop, Mrs Depew Vintage. It's a pdf copy of a bra pattern from the 1940s. I used the same stripey cotton and some black stretch cotton of a similar weight.
I used the unfolded fold over elastic for the straps because it looks similar to the wide ribbon used on my vintage bras. There's no underwire or anything but, let's face it, I don't actually need it.
I'm really happy with the way it turned out. They kind of look like a bikini but a cute one, so I don't mind.
That's pretty awesome! Do you use a serger or just a zig zag?
ReplyDeleteB, they are awesome! I especially love the fun pink contrasting the funky stripes. I too love some high-waistedness to cover my bootay. Love, love, love it. x
ReplyDeleteThanks. I zig zagged the fold over elastic on my machine and sewed the rest on my serger.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, so pretty.
ReplyDeleteUnderwear is rather boring when it is store bought isn't it?
If only I didn't need an underwire....
Reana Louise- Thanks. I only got the pink because it was way cheap but turns out the contrast looks good. Me too. Apparently it is impossible to get cute underwear that also covers your butt where I live.
ReplyDeleteowlinalarkworld- Thanks. It does tend to be boring or else ridiculously expensive for pretty stuff.
ReplyDeleteThey are so cool! I totally love the idea of high waisted knickers but like you said it is so hard to buy nice ones. I refuse to wear granny panties! There are some really nice ones on etsy but they are expensive! I think I may have to investigate making my own.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is fab. I'd love to able to make pants. High waisted ones here are always granny like too. X
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! It's 1am, and I'm still debating on grabbing a few shirts from the "chop-or-toss" pile to work on tonight... you're a bad influence. And the bra is just to die for - if only I didn't need an underwire. What a lovely set you made!
ReplyDeleteKat- Thanks. Same. Granny knickers are gross. Yeah, etsy has some gorgeous lingerie but it is expensive. Go for it. It can be a bit daunting but once you get started it's actually quite easy.
ReplyDeleteLouise- Thanks. They are actually really simple and it's so quick to whip up a few pairs.
Birdie- Thanks. Haha, I don't mind being a bad influence if it's related to getting you to stay up late sewing. I don't think it would be that hard to add underwire to the pattern. There are some lovely patterns for bras with underwire on etsy too.
What a cute and funky set! I made 40s tap knickers but haven't had time to make the matching bra.
ReplyDeleteI wish I didn't need underwire, I'd be making bras like crazy.
Lisette- Thanks. Tap knickers are great. There are some advantages to being flat-chested.
ReplyDeleteOoh, these are so pretty! A Few Threads Loose's sew along has been a real eye opener. I'm going a little off-piste though and planning a flannel cinnamon with a bit of crepe satin thrown into the mix. I didn't know you could get patterns for underwired bras on Etsy, so I'll have to go look see as I definitely need the scaffolding! Your set is really cute though and there is something beautiful about the graphic black and white being offset by the pop of pink!
ReplyDeleteOoh I love them! Great colours! I am really long from waist to hip, and prefer high knickers too. I have a pair of Icebreaker ones that are a perfect fit, and I keep meaning to make a pattern from them - one day!
ReplyDeletevivkikatemakes- Thanks. A flannel/satin crepe cinnamon sounds comfortable and pretty. Merckwaerdigh on etsy has a whole pile of different bra/knickers patterns that have underwire etc. Thanks, the colours were sort of a happy accident.
ReplyDeleteSherry- Thanks. You should definitely make a pattern from your perfect fit pair because it's often so hard to find ones that fit and are pretty and reasonably priced.
Very cute, I've not ventured into the world of undergarments . Mainly because I cannot make bras (DD cup!)and I am a little OCD when it comes to having matching sets, so would never make briefs if they did not match my bra. (i.e same fabric, not just same colour, as I said OCD). I am however contemplating making a swimsuit and/or bikini this season. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteYour set looks really cool! I've never attempted underwear and will most likely never try making my own bra, I would have to be an engineer for that G-cup. But knickers, now that's another story...maybe I'll give it a try one day.
ReplyDeletesuper, super cool!
ReplyDeleteWow, sweetie, I think these turned out just GORGEOUS! Thanks for mentioning my pattern, and as good as the bra looks, the knickers are too fantastic... I want a pair badly now :)
ReplyDelete