A couple of weeks ago I posted about my first attempt at homemade underwear. They were not a roaring success. (Apparently they leave something to be desired on the comfort front.)

My favourite indie designer, Tasia of Sewaholic Patterns, has been on a lingerie kick lately and has piqued my interest in this whole area. I was determined to try again.

One of the most popular lingerie pattern designers, Merckwaerdigh, is based in Rotterdam, about half an hour away. And she teaches classes! I’m going to sign up for one but I’d like to first get some experience in basic lingerie sewing so I can get the most out of a class.

Tasia tried out a pattern from another lingerie designer, Ohhh Lulu. Her patterns are a little more beginner-friendly. Martina and I browsed her ebay shop together and she picked out the Anna Cross Over Bralette.

Today I assembled the pattern and gave it a test run with an old t-shirt of Sandor’s and some silver fold over elastic from my stash.

I made a few modifications. I didn’t want to buy anything (hooks, straps, rings, elastic) so I used the fold over elastic for everything, made the shoulder straps a fixed length and sewed up the back strap to make it a slip-on.

Aside from the ratty old fabric, Martina likes it and says it passes the comfort test. She’s a good sport. I’m not sure how I would have felt about this at the age of 13.

* Quick message to my mother: Mom, thank you for 1) never making me bras out of Dad’s old undershirts, and 2) not posting pictures of my underthings for the world to see.

Cost of this Thing: €6.72 (pattern)
Cost of all Things to date: €169.84