Hi All!

Week 5!! And the day after Valentine’s Day too! (or as I prefer to call it, Single’s Awareness Day/National Cake Bingeing day) But even if you’re not celebrating this Valentine’s Day- who doesn’t love a pink/red bra! I went for the pink/ivory theme!

I LOVE this bra. It’s so pretty and comfortable! And it’s definitely more of a ‘Sweet Valentine’ to last week’s 50 Shades of Grey!

I made this bra with pre-formed foam cups, covered in a very flimsy ivory knit, with pink lace draped over the bottom of the cups.

I used the same stretch lace on the band, lined with white sheer cup lining in the front (a no-stretch sheer knit) and white powernet in the back. I also used a 3X3 hook and eye in the back, and made it a straight top- so the straps are attached to the band on the inside at the back.

For the front band I did a lace ‘gothic arch’ style where it comes up  to a point in the front between the cups. Then of course I had to decorate with these pink bows 🙂 so pretty!

From my inspiration photo!! I love when my sketches come to life!

I have to say that I’ve had a bit of a love/hate relationship when it comes to foam, especially pre-formed cups, because they are ‘generic’ and not a completely natural breast shape. But after wearing this bra for a while I have to admit my love for them.

With fabric bras I find it is always such a delicate balance to get a good fit; between too loose and wrinkling and too tight and compressing. Since I have self-supporting breasts and they don’t really ‘fall’ into a cup or mould to the cup shape very well, you have to fit them perfectly, and even then, if I slouch, or raise my arms my breasts will shift in the cup- which can sometimes mean wrinkles, or pointedness in the cup. To avoid any of that, I would have to make the cup tight enough that I don’t move- compressing the breasts, which is not particularly flattering – and also not particularly comfortable. With foam, I find I can loosen off the band a bit, and let the foam hold the shape instead of my breast- and if I raise my arms, or shift around, then the shape is there waiting for me to sit back into. Now perhaps this is a little more ‘false’ of a look, but in my humble opinion- that is totally acceptable- Victoria is allowed to have her secrets and so will I!!

That being said, I am working on some cut&sew foam bras in the coming weeks, that will have a more ‘Erin specific’ shape than a generic pre-formed cup so maybe that will be a bit better compromise!

Does anyone else have this issue? or find that foam is a better alternative for them?

I just realize that, as pretty as they are, when I go to get dressed in the morning, I never reach for my fabric underwired bras. So in the future, and in the interest of making myself a bra-wardrobe that I will love to wear on an every-day basis, you will be seeing a lot more foam (pre formed and cut&sew)! and bralettes- I’m loving my bralette!

I’m so excited to wear this one! I’m sure I’ll get an order for one from my sister too!

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And here are your lovely submission!!

First we have this gorgeous set from Michelle of Michelle’s Creations

She made this bra from the Pin-Up Girls ‘Shelley’ pattern in beige with this gorgeous lace.

She made two pair of matching panties to go with the set! so smart!!

She also used a little Hotfix to adhere these little gems to the front! how gorgeous is that! Love it! You can check out her post on this set!

Kerri made this super-sexy teddy and matching crotchless panties! Loving the leather-look cup! She got the inspiration from this set, and I think she nailed it!

This definitely meets the 50 Shades of Grey Valentine’s ideal! And it’s really great that Kerri is all about making larger cups and fuller figure sizes- and not just in beige!

Jodi made this sport bra with black duoplex, black powernet and an orangish-red spandex for binding.

The back has a hook and eye closure (I’m sure that makes it a lot more graceful to get on and off lol!) I’m loving this colour combo- it’s very winter workout! Makes me feel like I should get to the gym instead of bingeing on cake and netflix this Valentine’s…

Karin calls this her ’50 Shades of Paisley’ bra! She made it with this gorgeous grey paisley remanent that she found on sale in her local fabric shop- it was fate!

I love how she added the ribbon detail across the top cup- it really brings it all together! Check out her post on her bra for more info!

And don’t forget Karin is writing a ‘Meet the Maker’s’ post on her blog, about everyone contributing this challenge! So if you would like to be a part of that, don’t forget to shoot her an email at

mrsweaver (at) mrsweaversfinest (dot) com

Linda made this bra with pink duplex and pretty pink lace with hearts. I love how it looks like the hearts are falling down the bridge- super cute for Valentine’s day!

How cute is this! I love the design and the fabric! It’s a three piece cup, with a low front and some padding in the cups for shaping to to help with the push-up effect.

This is really gorgeous! Diana did a post about this bra with all the info on her blog, and she also did a pictorial on google plus!

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Next we have a very Valentine’s bra from Mary Gottelmann

Mary made this bold Valentine’s bra with red spandex covered with a 4″ black lace, and red spandex with non-stretch mesh for the back band (which luckily worked out to be not too tight around!) Very lovely for Valentine’s! geomar99(at)gmail(dot)com

This is his ‘Oriane’ lace, front fastening bra with a ‘V’ back elastic. The lace on the back of the bra is inspired by the sea, and the lace on the front cups is inspired by the summer. What a lovely combination for this pretty bra!

dpolrolniczak (at) wp (dot) pl

Joanna has definitely been a busy bee and has gone a little Watson crazy!

I’m loving all the colour combinations and trims! They really make the bra come together!

I can definitely tell that this is a tried-and-true pattern for Joanna! Don’t forget to check out her blog for more info about her bras!

Wow this bodysuit is so sweet it’s giving me a toothache!  She made this with a pink with red-hearts nylon spandex, with ruffles and bows for good measure!

She said that the layers were a little slippery to sew with, but it looks like she did a fantastic job to me! Super duper cute!

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Next we have a very sexy bra from France of Bra-maker’s Supply

France made this beautiful bra with black lace, a fuchsia stretch satin powerbar and back band, and all fuchsia findings! love the colour combo!

France used a basic bra-pattern that I drafted for her, and modified it into this gorgeous style!

It took a bit of work to figure out her draft (she has a larger wire and breast base, with a smaller cup depth) but once we figured out her basic pattern the sky is the limit! Yay for drafting experience!

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And last but not least we have a bra that I fit for a wonderful woman named Lindi

Lindi is a friend of France, who came in for a fitting! After I made several adjustments to her pattern, and France made this first test bra, we were all so happy when it fit perfectly! So perfectly that we attached a bow, and she wore it out of the store!! Yay for fitting success!!

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I am loving all your submissions this week!! And all the Valentine’s themed makes! I hope you’re all having a great Valentine’s Weekend!

As always- don’t forget to check out the Pinterest board, and the Flickr Group if you enjoy those platforms! To grab a challenge button and to send your bra for next week to bra.a.week@gmail.com!!

You can also check out Week 1, Week 2 , Week 3  and Week 4 of this challenge for more amazing bras!

Send your bras any time of the week before the Sunday post (Monday-Saturday) and I will add them into the challenge next week!

Thanks again for all your submissions, you’re all amazing!!

Until next Sunday!!

xo erin