Evie La Luve Inspiration and Art Gallery Fabric
I saw this Art Gallery fabric (Pandalicious Yinghua Cherrylight) in one of Hannah's tutorials and decided I must have some. I found it on an a number of websites but used Minerva Crafts as I get a 10% discount on all purchases as a member of their Craft Club.
As the Esme pattern is my go to pattern I made this version first. The fit is fabulous and the cross over lace looks gorgeous whatever you make it in. Just as I bought the fabric Hannah launched her Frankie pattern so the other two in the Art Gallery fabric are versions 1 and 3. The Frankie's are a mid rise fit perfect for every day wear. There are over 40 combinations using variations of wide stretch lace, narrow stretch lace, fabric and elastics and all with beautiful colour instructions it really is a must have pattern. I have since made a lace overlay version but have yet to make the dip and strap back version, although I have bought the rose gold findings for when I find the right fabric.
The bra is my own design using foam cups from BWear based on a technique I picked up from Beverly Johnson's Craftsy Class - Sewing Bras: Foam, Lace & Beyond. You place a piece of the fabric on the cup and work it around the perimeter so it is smooth and without puckers or creases. If I am using FOE for the front edge I then zigzag all around from the inside and cut back the fabric to the cup. The fabric is really stretchy so I lined the frame and bridge with sheer nylon. For extra support and to enclose the seams I lined the back band with a microfibre tricot stretch fabric which is really soft against the skin.
As I have seen so many good reviews I thought I would also try the Watson bra from Cloth Habit. The instructions are so good with an explanation of stretch fabrics and guidance as to the stitch length and width to use. I used a tricot lining for the cradle and lined the cups and band with what I consider a light powernet. The size guide was pretty accurate for me but next time I make this bra I would probably make the longline version for that extra bit of support.
To complete the set I used the rest of the mint lace to make the free pattern from So Sew Easy. There is more of the Art Gallery fabric but that is for another day!