Browsing Tag

Ohhh Lulu

New Pattern! The Meadow Bra and Cami.

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A while back, I stumbled upon some really pretty printed lace. First, there was the sunshine yellow daisy print lace… then I found some classic black and pink… and finally the most perfect lace with sprays of wildflowers… And I wanted a pattern that let the lace be the focal point.

The Daisy Bra is available made to order while fabric supplies last!

The yellow daisy bra has been available for a while now in my lingerie shop, and it’s been one of my most popular sets. I decided to build upon that style and turn it into a cami. I went a little outside my comfort zone and used darts instead of princess seams for shaping, but still used the enclosed seam method you’re likely used to using when sewing lingerie. I’m really happy with the results!

Because lace comes in so many different widths, the width of the lace you choose will effect the overall length of the camisole, if you choose to try out that variation. I’ll be posting a video in the coming weeks that discusses more in depth how to cut scalloped lace.

You can find the pattern in my Etsy Shop or Here. As always, I have videos on my YouTube Channel to help you sew the trickier parts.

Bra Maker’s Support Club

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One of the things I love about the sewing & indie lingerie community specifically is just how supportive they are. I remember when I first started selling on Etsy, makers like Hopeless and Knickerocker were so supportive and welcoming towards me. And that really had an impact.

So, while I spent month after month home with my two kiddos with no where to go, I had the idea of the Bra Maker’s Support Club merch line to help support my YouTube channel.

Thread Magic

I wanted to create something that would allow people to show off their love of lingerie… but not in an over the top, lingerie-y way.

I’m really happy with how these turned out. The hoodie especially is so soft. I got together with my bestie this morning and had a little photoshoot down at the river.

I love this little charcoal t-shirt that says “I can make that.” I think any sewist can relate to passing up so much ready to wear clothing because…. you could so easily make that!

Lilith: 3 Years in the making.

New Items, Sewing Patterns

I first posted teasers of this pattern in 2018.

I’m going to share something unflattering about myself… if something doesn’t automatically come easy to me, I tend to give up.

Sleeves are not something I draft much as a lingerie designer, so a shrug was a little outside of my comfort zone (my comfort zone being “things that I am very good at”). I feel kind of ridiculous even saying that since the base of this garment really is quite simple… But I was overwhelmed and uncertain of myself.

The Lilith is shown here layered with Tundra, Jasmine & The Ultimate Lace Panties.

But when I came across pictures of this pattern with fresh eyes, I felt inspired again. I sent it off to a second round of testers, made a few adjustments here and there… and now I think I am finally feeling like I can release this pattern.

Ugh… Pattern release day is so excruciating for me. Of course there’s the thrill of doing something new… but for me, what overwhelms that is the fear that I have made a mistake. I’m not sure why that bothers me so much, I am a PRO at making (and fixing!) mistakes. I have made so many mistakes I could write a book about it..

Anyway, I’m sure you’re tired of me rambling. Let’s talk lingerie!

When I came up with the idea of the Lilith Pattern, I was looking for ways to add layers to lingerie I already owned. The lacy or long sleeve Lilith Shrug shows off a pretty bra or bodysuit while adding complexity to an outfit. It is extremely adjustable, so even though it falls into my standard size range, I am confident it will fit a range of sizes above my Size Red.

In my opinion, I think this pattern would be good for someone who is slightly above a beginner; more intermediate level. Sewing and attaching the straps can be tricky in places. But, I do have a video over on my YouTube channel that walks you through how to sew the lace variation.

If you’d like to give this new pattern a try, you can get a copy Here, or over on Etsy!

Birthday Time

New Items, Personal, Sales

Has it really been another year already?

Tomorrow is the big day… Canada Day and my birthday!

This year feels like a big one. Thirty Five. 35.

Thirty Five is the year that your doctor informs you that your fertility is quickly declining and you are becoming of advanced maternal age. I joke, of course, but I have to admit I’m feeling the pressure of aging despite the fact that I also feel in the best physical health of my life. I’m active, I’m running, I’m feeling pretty good! But I’m also struggling with certain things, like a recent diagnosis of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is causing me to worry about my weight (needlessly, but it is a constant source of anxiety for me) and of course that constant question of whether or not I will (or can) have another baby.

This is a question I never considered. When I finally decided that we would have one child, I thought that would be it. It wasn’t until the last year or so that I really started thinking honestly about having a second. I love my life right now. Isabel is amazing and I can’t imagine life with another one of her running around. I’ve talked a lot about my thoughts on only having one child, but I’ve had some things happen in my personal life lately that have me reconsidering…

Stressing about grown up stuff is no fun… fertility worries, a new car payment, Isabel starting school, plus my usual neuroses has had me all out of sorts.  When I get in these slumps I find it so hard to focus on any specific task. I’ve been in the process of revamping my Grace & Bambi Patterns, two of my very first patterns, but I have had such a hard time just keeping my thought process running in a straight line that it’s taking me much longer than usual. My creativity runs like a fast flowing stream with millions of little tributaries running off in all directions… One thing leads to something else, which leads to another thing, which ends in nothing ever getting done.

So, I’m trying to get back to what I did two years ago, when I was in one of the deepest depths of my depression and anxiety… allowing myself time to do the things I like. Making new things when the inspiration hits. Taking pretty pictures. Eating chocolate cake. Picking wildflowers. Making the time to run or do yoga. And writing.

I’m also taking vacation for the first time since Isabel was born (she’s almost 4!). We’re going camping, just for two nights, but I’m looking forward to disconnecting and spending a few days in the woods.

And of course I’m running my annual Birthday Sale! Pretty much everything is 20% off. No coupon necessary in my Etsy Shops, but you can use coupon code Birthday20 to purchase patterns directly on my website. Sale ends July 4th!

So much new

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items

Typical me. I’ve refreshed my Lingerie Shop with so many new pieces and I totally forgot to write about them.

I really love this new collection. I love how versatile and comfortable all of the pieces are. I had a lot of fun preparing product descriptions and infusing each piece with a little bit of storytelling and history.

One of the things I’m most excited about is the fact that some of the fabrics I’ve used were designed by me specifically for this collection. I gathered vintage florals and other magical elements to create custom prints that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.  In a previous life time, I worked for a textile design studio, so this was a fun project for me and a bit of a trip down memory lane. It’s definitely something I’d like to do more of and collaborate with other artists on.

I had a lot of fun photographing this collection. I pulled out my old set of runes, pendulum and crystals.  I’m actually a skeptic and don’t believe in divination, but I do believe in the power of the mind! I also made use of a vintage shawl I seem to have acquired from my mom (hope she doesn’t want it back because it’s mine now!), and an antique fringed cardigan.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was really inspired by themes of earthy-magic and witchcraft.  I’ve incorporated traditional Victorian Florals with dark backgrounds and geometric elements.  I really love these prints. They’re a bit of a throwback to my teenage romanti-goth days.

I’ve added a few different harnesses to my shop that can be layered over these basic pieces.  I love these because it’s an easy way to dress up a simple style or add a layer of intrigue to a floral bra.

I’m really happy with how these pieces came together. They are pretty with just a bit of an edge, comfortable, and easy to wear. My perfect lingerie trifecta!

You can shop the Nightshade, Midsummer and Elemental ranges on Etsy.

 

Sample Sale Time

Lingerie

Spring cleaning time! I have been hoarding samples. I make a lot of things when designing new collections and not all of them make the final cut. Sometimes a piece is too labour intensive to make it a feasible item for sale at the prices I like to offer… sometimes I’m just not happy with the outcome. Occasionally I’ll also make a custom bra for a customer in the wrong cut or size (doh!).  I also occasionally sew size runs of garments to keep on hand for different events. I’ve decided to clear a bunch of these things out. I’ve listed them in my Etsy shop at 50% off the retail price. A lot of these are last pieces and one of a kind, so don’t wait if you see something you like! You can shop the SALE HERE!

Such a great weekend…

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This past weekend was Canada Day and my actual birthday.  I had such a great weekend.  On Saturday, we had Dan’s parents over, spent some time gardening, and I got caught up on sewing.  We went out to my parents house for dinner and birthday cake, and spent some time with my cousin.  On Sunday, my actualy birthday, we had breakfast with my parents, then I sewed until about 1:00, then I did something I have’t done in ages… I can’t even remember the last time I’ve done this.  I went outside, laid a towel in the grass, suntanned and read a book for 3 hours.  Three hours of doing pretty much nothing!

It was great…  I’d get hot, and dip my feet in the kiddie pool we got for Oliver, then head back to my towel.  I ate the most gigantic piece of chocolate cake, in my bikini.  It was just awesome.

Yesterday I got four more orders out the door and finally sewed this romper that I’ve had floating around my brain for the last few months.  Isn’t it sweet? I wish I’d had this for my wedding night.  Sadly, and embarrassingly, I totally overlooked preparing any sort of wedding lingerie when we got married.  Our first year anniversary is coming up, so I will make up for it then.

I’m back to work today, and will be filling in while my boss is away the next two weeks, so I may be a little more quite than usual.

Tuesday…

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Today is a sewing day… I am finally starting to feel a little caught up.  I am at least finished all of my orders from  May and am moving onto June orders.  I’m really itching to do some drafting and to sew some new things, as well as something for myself.  We have a wedding to attend in two weeks, and I’d really like to make myself a dress…

I have a pattern idea in mind that I would really like to get working on, but I have a busy few weeks ahead.  There is a wedding in two weeks, like I mentioned, this weekend is Canada Day weekend (and my birthday) so I will need to fit in some celebrating, and I’d really like to clear more orders off my plate.  I really do need two of me, or at least a partner in crime!

Birthday Slip…

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 I made this slip for my friend for her birthday – which we celebrated over the weekend.  The slip is made of bias cut satin, which also has a touch of spandex in it.  The triangle cups are gathered and trimmed in wide lace.  The fabric had quite a bit of give when cut on the bias, so it is quite form fitting. I was even able to put darts in the back for a little more contour.

Birthday Celebrations were great.  I had totally went all out and has two glasses of champagne (I don’t normally drink).  We had the most relaxing pedicures, then walked around downtown and had coffee and scones.  Dinner was amazing – they had so many awesome details, like 3 types of butter, and their special, which Dan had, was Wild Boar and Lobster.  After dinner, we noticed that they were installing new art pieces downtown, so we wandered around, eventually making it back home, and we all went to bed before midnight! It was so awesome, and relaxing…