Hi All,
It’s been a while since I did a bra news post, and I really miss them. I feel like it’s a great way to connect with everyone in this space, and to keep up with what everyone’s doing, and let you in on what’s happening in my life too!
So – I’m bring back the bra news, but with a twist this time- I’m going to be putting it in my newsletter instead, so that it can be sent right into your inbox 🙂 So if you want to make sure you don’t miss out on future bra news :
In the spirit of sharing again, I feel like I haven’t given anyone an update in a while, and the truth is that it’s been a really difficult few months for me. In the time since Christmas, I helped move my grandparents out of their house to a retirement home, then my grandma got sick quickly after in January and passed away, and a month ago my grandpa followed.
This was taken at their 60th wedding anniversary in 2009
There’s the usual mess of appointments, and running around to take people to the hospital, but beyond the general added busyness, I’ve also just felt distracted when it comes to work. It’s hard to turn everything off and focus on my next pattern, getting some great pictures for instagram or filming a video. I know that I’m very lucky, since my grandparents both lived long and full lives, travelling the world and spending time with their awesome family. But it’s still really hard to let it go and move forward, especially when my business demands so much energy and passion.
I’ve tried really hard to be easier on myself and kinder to myself over the last couple months, when deadlines have slipped further and further, and some things have been left altogether. But I feel ready to start pushing myself a little harder. I feel the warmth and and sun of summer coming, and I need a wave of change to come with it.
I hope that wasn’t all an overshare, but it seem strange in a way to keep everything so private, when you all are such a big part of my life.
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Now, let’s take a look at what happened last month in the bra making world…
This is what I was up to in April:
First was a Dior-Inspired Dress, with a strapless longline bra top, and tulle skirt- it was SO fun to make myself something so special!
I released some new Jordy Kits in Crushed Velvet that I’ve been LIVING in.
And more recently, I just released a Video Tutorial on Sewing My Jordy Bralette Sewing Pattern– which is great for people who learn best from video.
We’ve had some beautiful pattern releases this April including:
The Darcy Bra and Binky Panties from Evie La Luve, with a Blossom Add On for both to make even more variations
A cute little Cosmos bralette from AfternoonPatterns
A FREE pattern, the Hyacinth Bralette from Ohhh Lu Lu, with an Expansion Pack for more views
A sweet stretch lace Bralette Pattern from Alison Smith called Daisy
And a gorgeous lace panties pattern from Studio Costura called Stella
The internet has been full of helpful resources this month including:Â
This Tutorial for Adding Foam to your Hannah Bralette from Studio Costura
A new sewing youtuber Alexis Marie, with a tutorial on Adding a Hook & Eye to the Barrett Bralette
The Breast Life complied a list of Online Bra-Making Supply Shops in Canada & US, and UK & Europe
Madalynne has been busy with: a tutorial about Making Lavender Sachets for your lingerie drawer, a tutorial on Hand-Washing you Intimates – which is a great reminder about taking care of your delicate underthings. And a great post Answering Common Bra-Making Questions that I too get asked all the time
Sarah of Ohhh Lu Lu has been a busy bee this month with: video tutorials on the Hyacinth Bralette including:  how to sew the pattern & alter it for larger cup sizes. She also posted a simple little video on using a Twin Needle. And if you didn’t know, she’s branched into some kids patterns and posted video tutorials on sewing her Belle Girl’s Camisole, and Belle Big Girl Underwear
LizSews also released a video on sewing the Simplicity 8513 Bodysuit, which goes over sewing with stretch knits & applying elastic
Katie of Katie Makes a Dress, posted her Battle of the Bras comparing her versions of the Marlborough from Orange Lingerie and the Classic & Shelley from PUG patterns, which is a fantastic look at the finer points of customizing your bras for your body
A little eye candy- SofÃa Luzón released her new custom-made collection the Ostara *swoon*
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That’s quite a list! It’s amazing how big this bra-making community is getting – did you see any bra news happening this month that I missed? Please share!
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
xo
erin
My deepest sympathy fot the loss of your grandparents
Sincerely, Elke
Thanks Elke <3
Hi Erin,
So sorry for your loss of your grandparents. Hugs.
Thanks so much Lori <3 Hugs
Never commented before, but I love your blog and just wanted to give you my sympathies and my hopes that the sunnier weather makes everything easier to bear. <3
Hi Emma, thanks so much – the sunshine is helping loads <3
Sorry that you have lost your grandparents and hope you can find some consolation in remembering the good times you had with them. My grandparents died when I was quite little and I always felt I was missing something after that when friends of my own age talked about doing things with their grandparents.
On a lighter note, it is decent of you to mention “the opposition’ in your round-up of patterns available.
Hi Patricia, Thanks so much, it’s so nice to hear from so many people about their loss and experiences too- it makes me feel so much more connected and supported 🙂
Also- I’m really happy to share everyone in the round-up 🙂 I don’t consider anyone my opposition, they’re all my friends and are growing the bra-making community and industry alongside me!
I´m sorry for your loss. My grandparents have been very important for me in childhood and on my teenage time and it was devastating losing them. I still miss my grandpa. He lived with me till 3 years ago. As I said, I´m sorry about that.
About this update, I must say your black dress inspired on Dior is so so so pretty. Congrats! I love it!!!
Thank you so much – it’s so nice to know that I’m not alone, and that everyone has these experiences in their life <3
Thanks so much for the compliments too! It was so nice to make something so extravagant for myself- and have a chance to wear it!
Thanks for sharing. My sympathies to you and your family.
thank you <3
hi erin, love reading your blog. i am in the process of making my first bra and am excited to have one that truly fits ME. searched the internet for better bra strap elastic and found it on your site. your site is the only one i was able to find strap elastic without the excessive stretch. Yay! and btw i know how you feel about your g.parents. my family is dealing with this too. it is a struggle. xox
Hi Joyce! So happy that you love the strap elastic 🙂 and thanks so much for this nice comment – family struggles are tough
Hi I’m a big fan of your bra, live in denmark, you’ve made a post where you show changes on a bra, it’s your mother who is model who I find that lookup, kind regards Lis
I think I sent you a link to this by email 🙂