Welcome to my first post of 2022! Hopefully your year is going well so far. My first post this year lines up with the Hallmark holiday that I have found most folks either really love or really hate: Valentine’s Day!
Now I’m not much of a believer in the holiday itself, but I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t love fun goodies that come with it, like the glittery cards, cutesy candy and heart shaped ice cream cakes. Who doesn’t want a one-pound heart shapes Reese’s heart candy?!
Because I love a good challenge project that makes me say “why do I do this to myself?!” repeatedly, I decided to dedicate this post to not only make things I’ve never made before (lingerie) but to also use colors I never, ever gravitate towards (so much pink!). Enter the Lawren Bodysuit by Made by Madalynne and the Maris Bralette & Panty by Made by Madalynne. To really drive it home, I decided to make three pieces instead of just testing out my skills and luck with one and see how it goes.
Next up was my fabric choice, which I decided would be seasonally relevant to time of year and I picked this pink lace (this is the one that really doesn’t match me!) and this hot pink stretch mesh during one of the 65% off sales for a killer price. I did source things like my elastics and bra rings/sliders from other sites to be able to get all of the required notions in one spot.
These pieces are very doable, but I would recommend using the YouTube tutorials put out on these pieces rather than the instructions. I had a tough time following the written instructions for these patterns, but found the videos to be really helpful, especially for construction of the Maris bralette.
For this set, I used a few different colors of pinks to try and bring some texture/depth. I used the stretch mesh lace as the base of the panty from and cup lining and comfort of wearing. I called this my Frankenstein set because of all the shades of pink, but I think it gives it a fun whimsy I don’t often personally choose in my undergarments. The black and pink set is a great simple solid set that can be worn over and over.
I think the biggest tip I can give you for sewing lingerie or working with mesh or lace in general, is to get washable spray adhesive to keep all the small, very slippery pieces together. I couldn’t find in my local craft store, so I ordered it on Amazon prime. I made the first bra set without it and immediately ordered it for the second and it made all the difference in not only the quality, but also in keeping me from needing to seam rip these delicate fabrics repeatedly. Oh, and don’t forget your patience. These small seams and delicate materials can be really frustrating! It took a lot of tweaking on tensions and stitch lengths/types to get my settings right to handle these materials.
I also have been on a bodysuit kick lately and wanted to see how I could style this one a few different ways. I know I mentioned earlier I’m not much of a pink person, but I figured if I was going to wear it I wanted to really go for it so I put on a pair of hot pink denim for a monochrome moment and then went for a bright white accent. I like how the black jeans and a black moto jacket on top play off of each other in a sugar/spice, leather/lace way.
All in all, I’m glad I pushed myself to make something that has previously really intimidated me, and I think I will eventually re-make both patterns. I liked that they had a wide range of sizes and that even though there is only one view per pattern, you can completely change the look and feel of the garment by the fabrics you choose. These are very fun and girly with the bright, poppy colors, but you could easily make this bolder and sexier with red or black lace and mesh. The bralette is very comfortable for everyday wear (for me, since I am small chested) and makes me feel a little bit more put together compared to my typical sports bra under my work-from-home casual wear.
This is your sign to go all out and tackle that challenge or aspirational project you’ve had on your mind or on your cut table – you can do it!
Thanks for coming along – see you next time!
Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: LACE & MESH.
You can also shop our selection of Madalynne Intimates Patterns HERE.
Your pieces turned out great. You and your sewing machine are an excellent team. Don’t you just want to dance and sing when your projects and new to you skills blossom into something so fabulous? These pieces look so made to order. Just think how now when you need new under garments you can put them together without the hassle of going out to shop for fit, all you have to do is the fun part of shopping for a fabric you love.
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