Hi All!
And a very Happy Halloween to everyone! I hope you all had fun last night, whether you celebrate Halloween or not!
This week is going the be a different week for the Bra-A-Week Challenge. We’re in a transition between a month of beautiful corsets back to beautiful bras, and with Halloween and everything else going on in people’s lives, I think everyone needed a bit of a break this week- but I hope to see more beautiful submissions for next week! 🙂
This week we can focus on a fun collaboration project I did with Mrs.Weaver last week when I was in Calgary!
I made a bralette for Mrs.Weaver! Now you might remember way back to Week 3 of this challenge when I made myself a Winter Bralette, well I can tell you that it has hardly left my body since, and is in need of replacement.
But I was talking to Karin over the past two weeks, and she was lamenting about the lack of bralettes in her size range, and how she would like a nice soft bralette for lounging around the house, and being comfortable. And I thought it would be the perfect time to test out my old drafting techniques for bralettes and see how well they do on the larger cup sizes! And we were both pretty smitten with the result!
This is a vertical seamed bralette with a longline band, just like my bralette from before, only a little bit shorter band that can be used with a 3X3 hook&eye in the back. You might remember that my bralette was a pull-over style, but that wouldn’t work for Karin with her full bust and tiny rib cage!
We used this gorgeous soft plaid flannel, with black fold over elastic and black powernet for the back band- the ultimate in soft comfort!
I’m so excited about this and the future for the Emerald Bralette pattern! Braletts can work on larger bust sizes! And who doesn’t want a comfy bralette!
I think it’s similar for everyone, after Halloween all the waistbands need to get a little looser and comfier as we gear up for Christmas pies and rich winter desserts! And I think this one will definitely do the job for Karin!! Now I want one!!
What do you think about bralettes? Are they for you? Do you already make them and love them? Do you have a hard time finding a pattern that fits you well?
Let me know!
And that is it for the Bra-A-Week Challenge this week! I’d love to start a big discussion about Bralettes down in the comments if you’d like to share your thoughts 🙂
I can’t wait for all your submissions next week!
xo
erin
The fit is amazing! I'm like Karin in terms of full busy and small rib cage, so a soft bra never works on me. her soft bra fit is amazing!
Thanks Kathy! It can be really hard to fit bralette when you have that big difference between bust and ribcage I'm so happy that this first test worked! On to more research and development!
It looks great and such fun in a plaid!
Thanks Rosemary! The plaid is so perfect for fall! I need one of my own 🙂
WANT! That looks like the perfect bra to ease me into bra making! Maybe I can even get one made for next weeks bra (be a while before I can make the complex ones in a week like you 😉 ). I like the idea of a comfy fleecy bra, I also reckon they would be amazing all in lace. Any pointers? Where do I get a pattern or some drafting instructions 😀
Thanks Scarlett! Doesn't this just scream to be part of your bra drawer! This is the perfect solution for easing into bra-making, so much less worry about fabric choice and way fewer pieces to pick up. This would be amazing in all lace- The only thing you would have to factor in is the stretch if you were using a stretch lace- that would all depend on the amount of support. There are a few bralette patterns out there right now, none exactly like this though- my highest recommendation for a bralette pattern would be the Watson from Cloth Habit — Until I release my own of course 😉 And other than taking a course from me, I really don't know that there are any places that would teach bralette drafting. I do promise that I'm working on this pattern soon though!!
What a cute bralette!! And the fit is so perfect! The fabric is lovely, there's something about flannel that makes me think about long evenings in a cozy sofa with a big mug of hot chocolate in my hands 🙂
I really love bralettes and wear them a lot in the warmer months (summers are so hot in Barcelona!), but I've never thought about wearing them in winter! The weather isn't too cold yet, but your plaid bralette looks so comfy and warm that makes me want to sew a winter bralette just now 😉
Thanks Sofia!! I'm so in love with this bralette- I'm definitely going to have to make one for my wardrobe! And It makes me think of the exact same situation as you- with a hot chocolate, and maybe some thick leg warmers too!
It's funny- because I made my first bralette in the winter as a quilted long-line style, I really think of them as cozy warm winter wear- but I know that generally they are seen more in the summer. I'll have to get my fill of warm winter bralettes- then next summer move on to the pretty light lace ones!
That looks fantastic! I've never worn a bralette, nor have I thought of making one. But it would be so cozy and comfy without underwires for lounging at home. What about stretch lace? That would make a nice bralette too. I'd love to see the back of Karin's.
Thanks Sandra! I have to say that I love a good bralette- of course they aren't as good as an underwired bra for lifting and supporting, but for at home, feeling snuggly and even for adding that little extra support under your PJs when you're too lazy to fully get dressed first thing in the morning! Stretch lace would be a nice option for bralettes, but I would recommend that for smaller sizes, with larger sizes it's really always better to have non-stretch fabrics for that extra support.
I'll have to get Karin to send me a photo of the back – it's very simple, just 3/4" black strap elastic and a 3X3 hook and eye with black powernet band pieces. 🙂
I love it! I also never made a bralette myself, but I would love to make one as a bikini top!
Oh yes!! They make wonderful bikini tops too! I made two bathing suit tops for myself with this same style pattern in Week 9 and Week 14 of the Bra-A-Week Challenge- I love them!
Oh Erin, the bralette looks fabulous — Lucky, lucky Karin! I'm anxious for you to develop a pattern like this. I'm also in the full bust, small ribcage club and feel so left out when it comes to bralettes.
Thanks Ginny!! 🙂 🙂 I promise I'm working on this pattern right away! 🙂 Hopefully with a size range that will include as many people as I can.
Love it!
Thanks!
Erin, I LOVE this! It's gorgeous. I think part of what makes it so incredible is the lack of anything on the market like this. A few who have responded have all echoed the same thing – this just doesn't happen in RTW or in patterns for us busty/small rib caged gals. I will definitely want this pattern!
Michelle
Thanks Michelle! I've definitely had all of you ladies in mind when I offered to draft this bralette for Karin- I just love bralettes so much myself, and I feel like every lady deserves a beautiful bralette! I will be working on this pattern first and foremost- as soon as I get my studio open!! Post coming soon about that!
LOVE the style of the bralette! I can't wait until the pattern's finished so I can try it 🙂 it looks so cool in the tartan too. I love my Watsons, but it would be great to try a style with non-stretch cups too. All the bralette love!
Thanks Maddy! It seems like there's so much interest for this pattern 🙂 I'm so excited to work on it and start with the fit testing! I'm all about the no-stretch cups- so much more support and shape! Bralette love forever 🙂
I love it! I would definitely enjoy making several of these!
Thanks Shirley! I'll be working as fast as I can on this pattern 🙂
The bralette is very nice!
Does Watson bra count as a bralette? I´ve made 8 Watsons so far… 😛 The first Watson felt so comfortable!
Before Watsons, I´ve only worn underwired bras. My size is 28F, so standard S/M/L -bralettes wouldn´t have worked anyway. It´s very nice to be able to make them by myself! 🙂
Thanks!! I would consider the Watson a bralette, since it doesn't have underwires- but I think everyone might have a different definition. 🙂 It seems like the larger cups and small ribcage is one of the hardest to fit for bralettes, hopefully I can change that 🙂 – does anybody really fit into the S/M/L?? lol
Once or twice I bought an L-sized bralette and altered it myself. It just feels stupid to buy something that doesn´t fit. Now I don´t have to an more 🙂
Wow! I didn't think a bralette could fit so well on a larger bust! I want one!
I know isn't it gorgeous on Karin!! I want one too!
Sew cute Erin! I too would love to wear a bralette! At least at home! You go girl!
Thanks Linda!! 🙂 🙂 I don't think there is a woman who would turn down a comfy bralette!
Here's another vote for a pattern for a comfy bralette to wear at home!! My body type is very similar to Karin's, and I'm very impressed with the wonderful fit of this. Thanks!!!!
Thanks Tina! I'm really thrilled with this! 🙂 So happy to have you on board too!
Wow, I'm absolutely following this, in great anticipation of your pattern! I've never worn anything like this due to my shape/size, and would love to see if something like this would work for me. Great job!
YAY! Thanks Judy! I'm so happy that everyone is as excited for bralettes as I am!
What a really great bralette! I have never been one who ever wanted to make a bra, "too much work"! Now I find myself looking at this one and thinking, OMG this looks so comfortable! OK I'm convinced now and I'm off to find a Craftsy class for myself! With any luck, I'll be able to design one of these lovely bralette's for myself soon. Thanks so much for the wonderful post!
Thanks Myra!! you know after you make one bra, you can never stop, just to give you a fair warning 😉
At someone with a small ribcage and large bust who can't wear underwire this would be an instant buy for me if you made it into a pattern. I get very tired of the few options that exist for someone who can't wear underwire. Plaid flannel sounds like the softest most wonderful Fall and Winter option ever and the one you made is so cute.
Thank you so much for your comment Heather! I'm so happy to hear that this is right up your alley- and plaid flannel is really the best fabric ever. 🙂 I promise that this pattern is my first priority! 🙂 (after my studio launch!)
Love it! Definitely can't wait to try it out…when you launch the pattern of course! 😀
🙂 🙂 Thanks Julie 🙂 🙂
I really hope you release a pattern for this! As a 30DDD there's never a decent pattern for something like this. Love it!
I will be releasing a pattern for this in the future- I just have some work to do to get there! But I promise it's going on the high priority list!! 🙂
thats so nice, do you happen to sell these? i would love to buy one as i am not up to sewing it 😉
Thanks! I don't sell these online but I could make them custom. I have a studio in Belleville Ontario, (The Emerald Studio) where I do make custom orders if you're interested!
I'm highly interested in this pattern! I'm a 38G and it is hard to find bralettes that don't either sag/stretch or confine too much. I'm just getting into bramaking for myself and would LOVE to give this a try.
Good to know there's lot of interest, I'm slowly working away on this pattern 🙂
I love the look of this bralette! So cozy in flannel!
I wondered if you made this as a pattern available for sale?
Being a 65E/F I can’t buy much and I’d love to make my own
Thanks Hilde! I haven’t made it into a pattern yet, but when I do, i hope to make more inclusive sizing 🙂
Hi! Were you able to complete this pattern?
Not yet!
oh dear… this is exactly what I’m looking for… It looks like it’s been “in the works” a while? I suppose on the back burner?
yup, this is quite an old project, I don’t know that I will get back to it now.
hi Erin! I know it’s been a hot minute since you made this post.
but!
it’s new for me! I’m a large bust small ribcage woman suffering for want of a bralette pattern that fits!
(bralettes are wonderful for breastfeeding, you see)
i know it’s been on the backburner and much more exciting things have been happening, but if you ever get round to making the pattern, (even if it’s in 5 years) please let me know. 🙂
This bralette looks amazing! Will a pattern be released soon?
this pattern has been put on the back burner, lots of other patterns ahead in line I’m afraid
Is this pattern still available. it looks like exactly what I have been looking for for a LONG time.
No, sorry this project never really happened, I got busy with other projects 🙂