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The unintentional muslin

Just as I share my sewing triumphs here, I think it’s good to share my failures.

Behold my lovely but completely useless undies. These had me so frustrated, I literally screamed and rent my fabric. But then I took a deep breath, calmed down, and decided to consider these a muslin. Suddenly, my failure didn’t seem so bad. Better yet, I’m ready to move on to the next one.

I really wanted to make some pretty, comfy, jersey bralettes. I used to think bralettes (that is, soft cup bras without underwire and usually with less support) were only for small cup sizes. I bemoaned the fact that all the pretty soft cup bras that I love wouldn’t work for my body.

But then I realized something. It’s true that they aren’t supportive enough for day-to-day use, but they are perfect for lounging around the house. I can’t really go braless comfortably, but wearing regular bras all the time isn’t comfortable either. Bralettes are the happy medium!

I drafted this one based on a bralette I already own and love. Everything went well. I was able to use only fabric and findings I already had. The fit was great, it looked adorable, and I even made two pairs of matching panties.

I really like that it has a bridge between the cups. It helps avoid the uni-boob look you get with, say, a sports bra. I added a tiny little vintage button.

And yet, just as I was finishing up the bra, I found a hole in the back, right in the fabic! Argh! I couldn’t even tell how it got there, it seemed completely random, just a hole right in the middle. Saddened, I patched it as best I could and decided to finish up anyway.

A few minutes later, I was examining a seam on one of the panties and found another hole. I tugged the fabric a little and the entire crotch seam ripped apart. When I tugged other seams, the same thing happened. The fabric just tore!

So, yeah. I spent hours on this set and I won’t even be able to wear it.

I’m still not sure what happened. I used a ballpoint needle, but perhaps my needle was too big? Or perhaps the fabric was just too cheap? I have no idea what the fabric is since I just pulled it from my stash, but I think it might be a cheap jersey I originally bought for a muslin for something.

So, lesson learned: next time, I will test my seams before sewing an entire garment with a thin knit fabric!

On the positive side, I love how it came out and I’m totally ready to do it again once I get some better fabric. So perhaps “failure” is the wrong word. I’ll call it a learning experience.

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

Kim

August 14, 2012 #

It is so annoying when you realise that all went well BUT the fabric choice! Still you made something though and learnt from it. :) I had a similar issue attempting to make a wearable muslin for my first shirts pattern. I did not realise though how much new territory I was exploring and they just ended up being a muslin but led to nice comfy and sort of well constructed first pair of shorts. :)
Your last sentence is so true! And thats how you have to see things and just get on with it! Nothing is ever wasted! :)

Sewing Sveta

August 14, 2012 #

So nice set! I can imagine your frustration!

Amanda

August 14, 2012 #

Gah! It is so heartbreaking when you invest time and effort into making a lovely garment and then something goes hideously and tragically wrong ala a 50s sci-fi movie. On the plus side you have an idea on how to approach your next set! Silver linings can generally help make things better. And if that does’t work it’s time for a gin!

Sarah

August 14, 2012 #

Thank you for sharing! It does get intimidating to garment sewing newbies when everyone shows perfect finishes each time :D

Bella

August 14, 2012 #

What a bummer. They look so pretty. But at least your next pair will be easier?

I have many unintentional muslins in my sewing room right now. But I’ve learned that unsewing & resewing (and unknitting & reknitting) or using the first version to improve the 2nd makes me happier–and I enjoy wearing the stuff that took longer but looks better. Even though no one notices my mistakes, they really bug me & make wearing the item an unpleasant experience.

Weird about the cheap fabric, huh?

Lizzy

August 14, 2012 #

Funnily enough I wrote a post yesterday which was about getting perspective about our achievements, not everything needs to be perfect or couture to rate as a positive on the stitching radar. I also commented that we can all be a bit intimidated by the sewing rock stars but then they must have their own personal sewing nemesis.
It was so lovely to see this post and know that you too Sarai have those moments of ranting and frustration. But you have put it into perspective and shown that we ALL have our moments, good and bad, and it’s just part of the journey x

Maddie Flanigan

August 14, 2012 #

Beautiful way to put it – a learning experience. I’m sorry to say that this happened but at least you worked out all the kinks on this bra/panty so the next one will be even better. I love the button detail. It’s so much better than a bow!

I experienced this problem a lot when I was in tech design – seam slippage – especially with chiffons, linens, or any other lightweight fabrics. The fabric would just slip out of the seams! Not cool one bit! Especially if a customer was suppose to pay $60 for a t-shirt.

Dana

August 14, 2012 #

Oh so lovely, I am sorry that it didn’t end up as perfect as it looks in the photos. I am yet to make a bralette, although I love the idea and have been hunting down a woven fabric 60’s bikini pattern to make my own version. At least you know you have the fit perfect for next time (a small consolation).

Michelle

August 14, 2012 #

Unhelpfully, I must say I now want pretty bralettes for around the house wear.

colleen

August 14, 2012 #

Me, too. I want bralettes. It never occurred to me that there’s a happy medium to going braless around the house. I, too, am endowed a certain way and my bras feel like boa constrictors most of the time. So pretty! Onward to the next one!

ParisGrrl

August 14, 2012 #

That’s not a You fail, that’s a Fabric fail. If it fits the way you wanted then it’s a successful muslin…but feel free to yell BAD FABRIC!! at it and kick it around some more before treating yourself to some fabulous new fabric for the real set.

didyoumakethat

August 14, 2012 #

Ah, the infamous learning curve! I’m sorry you had such a frustrating experience, but I feel very reassured that you have these, too. The set does look so sweet.

Amanda

August 14, 2012 #

I’m right there with you on needing a ‘medium’ between bra and no bra for home time – and I’ve worn sports bras but I HATE uniboob!! This is a wonderful solution, and I love the pretty details! :) I’m with the others – I’d love to see a pattern for this!

I have some soft knit cotton RTW items that get mysterious holes in them after one wash and upon doing some research, have learned that cheaper fabric does do this. I’m sorry to hear about your disappointment but it’s not your fault; the set looks lovely! ^__^

Lauren

August 14, 2012 #

Oh, no! I’ve definitely experienced the woes of cheap jersey knit and it is soo frustrating because it’s usually something you discover while you are putting the garment on – like, when it’s completely finished! It’s obnoxious!! Such a bummer you can’t wear that set, it is SUPER cute.

I never thought about wearing bralettes around for lounging. What a great idea – and a great reason to put the Nutmeg pattern on my wishlist hehe :)

gabrielratchet

August 14, 2012 #

at least his one was from your stash….and not cash out of pocket. i’d love a post on choosing fabric for lingerie, and some links to good sources for those of us out in far and away from everywhere.

Rachel

August 14, 2012 #

For more support, try creating a longline bralette like the Fortnight bras we carry at Lille! They are super supportive and go up to an E cup. <3

Grace

August 14, 2012 #

I’ve been wanting to sew some bralettes too! I always want to take my bra off as soon as I get home, but the girls need some sort of support. I’m glad you are persevering in this project. I would love to see a pattern developed too!

wundermary

August 14, 2012 #

How is it that each wants what the other has? I am a very small busted girl and have trouble finding A) bras that fit me, and B) that don’t have an underwire. Gah!
I’ve been contemplating making my own and I am so happy to get to peek in on your progress with this particular pursuit. Sorry this one ended so badly. But, it does look lovely; lovely enough for me to want to give this a try! The bridge looks very comfy.

MadeByMeg

August 14, 2012 #

Cheap fabric or not, this bra looks substantial enough for a girl like me. I would totally buy this pattern (*hint*hint*).

Cathie

August 14, 2012 #

At least this will teach me to be very, very careful about testing fabrics before completing a project! And good for you for looking at the positive side of things. ♥

I love your patterns! ^_^

Kelly

August 14, 2012 #

The set is really cute! I have had that happen before with the fabric. We used to do screen printing in my shop and when we closed it we used some leftover shirts for refashioning. It turns out knit can actually get rotten! It just rips with the slightest tug. Now everytime I work with old knits I tug on them first to see how dry they’ve gotten and if they still have any stretch left. At least you know the fit is good and you will make a sweet little set!

Lucy

August 14, 2012 #

Sarai, Just wanted to let you know my husband purchased The Colette sewing handbook for me as a birthday gift and I LOVE it! It is one of THE best sewing books EVER! I feel as though it will be my favorite in my collection. My mother taught me to sew exactly as you do in your book and the importance of ironing and washing fabrics etc. My mother is no longer with us so having your book close by to reference makes me feel like she is still here…giving me the same sewing advise. Even though I have been sewing for years and most of your information is not new to me, it is a wonderful reference book. Thanks for such an informative sewing book.

wendy

August 14, 2012 #

Now you have an excuse to buy some beautiful silk jersey for your lingere, since you have your pattern working. I too would love to buy this pattern. I enjoy making lingere and this bralette looks comfy.

Nicole

August 14, 2012 #

Oh No! what a shame after all your hard work, I guess on the upside at least you now know the style and fit are good and you will triple check the seams after making next one lol

EasilyAmewsed

August 14, 2012 #

I prefer the term ” experiment” myself. The bralette looks comfy, and can the hardware be salvaged?
I’m on the verge of trying making just panties because packaged RTW seems to have no concept of acknowledging fabric grain lines and I did find a KWiK Sew lingerie book in perfect condition at the Goodwill not long ago..
Do have a good elastic to recommend for panties?

Kat

August 14, 2012 #

Great post, thank you. Although I wouldn’t say *you* failed, more like the fabric let you down…I’ve had my fair share of projects ruined by cheap fabric (or unknown), so lesson learned. Thanks for the bralette idea – I’ve never thought of that being an alternative for weekend wear! Glad you’re soldiering on too….the first one is always the messiest, but you’ll have an even nicer set the second time. So congratuations!!

Heather

August 14, 2012 #

How disappointing but they look great. Would you consider posting a tutorial and pattern? I would love to sew a set for myself.

Nyssa Jayne

August 14, 2012 #

I’ve had a very similar experience with fabric — i was using some pretty old curtains given to me to make an amazing and frothy races dress when i noticed the seams fraying. i raced back to look at the rest of the dress and sure enough, the fabric was rotting before my eyes. i always count myself lucky i caught it BEFORE i wore it to the races, otherwise i could just imagine the dress falling off me much like the car fell apart at the end of ‘the blues brothers’ movie.

and i have to agree with some good folk above me — i would pay for a bralette pattern, it looks so cute!

Shirley

August 15, 2012 #

Wow, those turned out so cute despite the difficulties.

Teje

August 15, 2012 #

Hi and nice to meet you and your lovely blog! I came here from Kerry.
That is so beautiful set and I wish I could make one, too, because I feel the same using the normal bra at home. I hope you make an other one – do you think the problem was the needle? I wouldn’t have thought that. Great lesson! Wishes from Greece!

nothy lane

August 15, 2012 #

The set looks nice and I bet the next ones will be even nicer. Sometimes sewing is so frustrating!

Amy

August 15, 2012 #

That’s so frustrating, I totally feel your pain! I get annoyed by the waste when that happens, the wasted fabric, the wasted time, the wasted money. I know you should look on these problems as a learning experience but sometimes that’s so hard when you’ve worked for hours on a project only for it to be useless. But, you’re totally right, it’s never a waste or never useless if you learn something from it!

angela

August 15, 2012 #

Looks like you were on the way to a really cool looking set, that’s too bad, but your attitude of upward and onward is the stuff of successful designs. Sounds to me like the fabric was just old and brittle. It will be lovely in the new fabric of choice and you have so many choices.

Liz

August 16, 2012 #

This happened with this overpriced black swiss dot fabric I had in my stash when I made my first Sorbetto top. I was so angry!!! I feel your pain, but at least you were able to determine that your patterns worked out!

Mrs M

August 17, 2012 #

I love these designs. Please do add them to the range! I think they would be quite popular in the UK, particularly amongst the increasing cohort of us who regularly work from home!

Bella

August 19, 2012 #

Speaking of uniboob & sports bras, I decided to wear a swim top under my t-shirt today for a long bike ride. I knew we’d be having lunch at the 1/2way point & didn’t want the sports bra look under my t-shirt in the restaurant. I wouldn’t say it was a success…even though we have quite good bike trails here in DC, it was way too bumpy and I did a lot more jiggling than I wanted to! Even though it was good to look like I had a figure at lunch, I wish my sports bras (which allow very little jiggling, if any) didn’t make me look so squished.

Sarai

August 20, 2012 #

Maybe you already know this, but there are different types of sports bras, some of which squish more than others. Compression bras really squish down your chest. Encapsulation bras have separate cups and support the breasts individually, which I’ve read is much better.

My favorite sports bras are combo encapsulation/compression, though. So I still look a bit squished. :)

Maryann

August 21, 2012 #

Love that you think of a mistake as a learning experience. I always taught my children that. I also asked them if they ” had fun” when they lost a game. Have fun or learn something…most important in life.