Component Parts

You know how I went back to Figleaves to repurchase my fave bra so that I could dissect an older (pre-owned) version that's nearing the end of its lifespan? Well, though that bra's been regular stock for years, the new one I purchased was too big (even though the size was "right") and when I sent it back for the size down, I was advised that there are no more to be had and it won't be available going forward.

What?!@??

That is really hard to take - even though it was equally hard to take cutting up a bra under any circumstances. Thank goodness the risk mitigator in me refused to allow the unstitching of the current bra till the new one arrived safe and sound. Can you imagine how horrible that would have been?

I'm about to make a new bra from a new bra pattern - one I haven't tried before. Who knows if it will be as unsuccessful, fitwise, as the other 2 patterns I've used, but I figure I owe this pattern a fighting chance before I try to source another repurchased version of a bra I already own and rip that one up. I'm a little gun shy...

Fortunately, I have some beautiful new supplies from Bra Components to use in this endeavour. My contact, Jen, and the owner / head dyer Craig, kindly gifted these to me as samples so that I can tell y'all about the experience of ordering and (eventually) using the supplies.

Turns out that Craig started this small, but growing, concern after 20 years of dye experience in the fashion industry. He's dyed product for lingerie companies such as Wacoal and Victoria's Secret.

What prompted me to try Bra Components, aside from curiosity and the desire to expand my network, is that I was limited - when ordering elsewhere - from getting components in colours that matched my fabric. (Components include: closures, rings/slides, strapping, chanelling (the thing that holds the wire), elastics and more.)

See, even though I'm crazy enough to make bras, I absolutely draw the line at dying fabric. I mean, it's messy! Having made 7 bras in either black or pink, I want to expand the options. Next bra, as it happens, will be indigo. Yes, it looks practically black but it's not. And, quite honestly, with someone to manage the dying, the bra-making world has become my oyster.

My newly dyed components are an excellent match to my fabric swatch (which I sent to Jen for matching, as is one's prerogative). You can also choose from a massive pantone drop-down list (if you know the pantone of your fabric, for example, or if you've got a good eye and can determine the pantone visually from your fabric.) I can also say that the service is prompt and affordable - the shipping rate is reasonable even to Canada!

I will let you know how I enjoy the straps, elastic, rings/slides and channeling as I apply them to my next project.

Now all I've got to do is master the fit and I'll be unstoppable :-)

PS: The CreativFestival, coming to the Toronto Convention Centre October 22-24, will include a couple of bra-making courses taught by Beverly Johnson of Bra-Makers Supply. If any of you are close-by, and looking to develop a new sewing skill, it might be useful to register. There are zillions of other courses to try out also, so check it out. I really hope I'll have a chance to go...

The Stash

This arrived in the mail for me yesterday:

It's my latest batch of lingerie loot from Bra-Maker's Supply and ELingeriA (that's where the pattern is from). Note: I ordered one more bra pattern from ELingeriA, on back order, and the Kwik Sew 2100 undies pattern.

You can only assume I'm a total idiot for having spent a hideous amount of money - and, trust me, it was hideous, on supplies to make a garment which I've tried (and failed) at twice. At this rate, it would be cheaper to go and buy a Freya set and call it a day.

But I will not be daunted.

Nothing like having adequate supplies and patterns to give it another go when the inspiration strikes.

PS: Note that I have set myself a "no frittering challenge" which started Jan. 1 and will end April 1. The ban, such as it is, does not include sewing supplies, natch, or I would have had to break it 63 times so far. Truthfully, I don't really see the need to start clothing shopping even after April. I mean, I have as many clothes as I can bring myself to make - which is quite a few. Sewing goddess willing, pretty soon I'll be liberated even from the need to purchase sexy, structural bras and undies.

I spend as much as or (frankly, probably) more on fabric, patterns and notions as I ever did on RTW items. Of course, as I improve at sewing and figure out how to minimize the costs, the price of sewing will decrease substantively. Not the labour, mind you, but the cost of fixed variables. The day you go out and buy $150.00 on fabric(?!) (i.e. clothing before it becomes clothing) is really a trip. It's an extremely hopeful action.

Or crazy. :-)