There are some sewing avenues I don't tend to walk down. I've talked before about why I don't sew exercise gear (which is worth a read just for the comments section) and my first attempt at sewing knickers was an outright disaster. Lots of sewing bloggers seem to be making their own bras and/or jeans at the moment though, which got me thinking…
Let's start with jeans. The trouble with jeans is that I've found my ideal RTW pair and I very much doubt I could get a better fit by making my own. As long as they keep making them, I'll keepstockpiling buying them. If I were to make my own, I would definitely use the Ginger pattern which I already have in my stash. The high waisted version B is the exact same shape as my trusted RTW jeans and virtually every single pair I've seen on other blogs seems to be a great fit.
I think these jeans by Reana Louise are my favourites to date, every time I look at them I can feel myself being dragged nearer to the edge of the cliff! So jeans making almost gets a complete no, but let's just say there's a tiny chink in my armour...
What about making my own bras?
Let's start with jeans. The trouble with jeans is that I've found my ideal RTW pair and I very much doubt I could get a better fit by making my own. As long as they keep making them, I'll keep
I think these jeans by Reana Louise are my favourites to date, every time I look at them I can feel myself being dragged nearer to the edge of the cliff! So jeans making almost gets a complete no, but let's just say there's a tiny chink in my armour...
What about making my own bras?
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Well that's an easy one. No. Way. Ever. The reason? Well, even after a recent trip to the bra bank (yes, such things actually do exist), to deposit 12 unwanted bras, I still own over 30 bras. What can I say? I love buying bras and can't seem to stop doing it! My epiphany came about 10 years ago when I discovered Bravissimo (no, I have no link with them, though I'd make a mighty fine ambassador if they ever came knocking!) Once I was accurately measured, every bra I've bought from there has been a great fit. I can understand why people would have a go at bra making if they've never managed to track down one that fits properly, but in my case, why would I ever want to make my own? I might be able to save a bit of money on materials - although I'm sure all the paraphernalia soon adds up - but I wouldn't be able to achieve the same level of comfort and fit. Bra making looks finicky and precise and my lack of patience would be a definite obstacle. I'd also be terrified of the entire thing falling apart whilst I was wearing it. Can you imagine the horror?! In short, I think I can state categorically, I will never make my own bra!
I buy very few clothes these days (apart from jeans and cardigans), so splashing out on shoes and undies is how I get my retail kicks. I'd like to hang onto that if I can! Are there any bra-making converts amongst you? Or does it all seem more trouble than it's worth? Have a good weekend. x
Hi Jane, I'm with you on the not making my own bras, however I am thinking I might try jeans at some point in the not too distant future. I decided a few years ago that I was a Levis girl, but they don't do my best ever pair any more and the ones I have instead are not perfect and I don't want the angst of trying all the other brands again.
ReplyDeleteI live in fear of my RTW jeans being discontinued. That would be the only good reason I'd have to make my own! x
DeleteI'm very precious about everything I make, I iron it , I wash it, I undo all fastenings , no one is going to ruin my hard work! I'm not sure bras would work because having it ripped off in a fit of passion would go against all of my handmade rules! And jeans wise? I have a small child they are not jeans they are towels, tissues, blankies, paper, and anything thing else he needs them to be!
ReplyDeleteFrankie
X
Agree on both points! x
DeleteAh Jane I am in the exact same position as you on both of these. It would take me forever to make jeans that fit as well as the RTW ones I get and I always buy from the same brand. The thing that's giving me a nudge on this though (and to the Gingers naturally!) is the lack of coloured jeans at the mo. I also really like the jeans style in fabrics like cotton sateen so I'm tempted on that front but not at all for blue denim. And bras? Erm everything you said above. NO!
ReplyDeleteYES! That's what I was thinking too. And for some reason, coloured denim seems to be easier to source than decent quality blue denim. Hmmm you've got me thinking now…! x
DeleteOver 30 bras?! That is amazing! I have 2 bras that I wear everyday, one of which is literally falling apart (it has huge holes in the lace and is held together by god knows what), one strapless/fancy bra, and a sports bra (both of which never get worn!). I can't bring myself to go bra shopping, so learning to sew bras it is.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you on the jeans though. Brand name jeans are so, so well made, and I know it sounds awful but I've never seen handmade jeans that match a good pair of RTW ones. They always look.... Well, handmade!
Yes, my bra habit is getting a bit out of control! Re jeans, if I could find a denim as good as the denim that's used for RTW jeans I'd be tempted, but I haven't come across anything decent so far/ x
DeleteI'm with you on the bra front. Just. No. Interest. Actually tried to make undies for the first time off a pair of old rtw's the other day - hilariously bad outcome. As for jeans, my main concern would be my machine's capabilities but at the moment not a huge driving need. I do love reana's jeans too - they're fab.
ReplyDeleteAren't they just?! Yes, my one and only attempt at undies was a joke too! x
DeleteI wear jeans most days from October - April. I don't always sew to get the best fit; most of the time it's just for the joy of sewing. Jeans take a while to make so it accomplishes two things: allows me to sew, gives me my favorite thing to wear.
ReplyDeleteGood point Ann, sometimes it's nice to take on a longer project. And I think jeans would end up being quite a long project if I made them! x
DeleteNo interest in bras. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Too delicate. Too finicky. Too many small pieces. Too much no. Lol!
ReplyDeleteJeans? Yes! I get a really good fit from Old Navy and those are cheap!! I still reach for my single (thus far) pair of handmade jeans. I love them so much!!
I'm not sold on the Gingers but loved my Style Arc jeans and want to try the Named Jamie for a casual jean.
Yes, to everything you've said about bras! I've seen some lovely versions of the Jamie jeans too. x
DeleteI'm very interested to know what brand your fav RTW jeans are. I am yet to find 'the one' and I'm 42.
ReplyDeleteI'm a long way off sewing my own and I always like my jeans with a little distress in them as the rtw. There are lots of other prettier things to make first.
As for bras I would never make my own. I have discovered my perfect bra. It's a Freya Rio one, first picked up at Bravissimo. I've heard Freya are discontinuing it so I recently picked up 3 of them!
Yep, I have one of those Freya bras too! My jeans are from Gap - high rise skinnies. x
DeleteI would certainly like to try to make my own bras as the right one for me doesn't seem to be out there, but all I've found so far in materials is bulk purchases. Is there a website you would recommend? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteCloth habit recently posted some links for bra supplies
DeleteThank you, Crystal!
DeleteThese suppliers were recommended on Tilly's blog recently:
Deletehttp://elisepatterns.com/bra-supplies/
http://www.bramaker.co.uk/catalog/
Hope that helps! x
I feel the same way! I'm considering the Gingers because they look exactly like a pair from Madewell that I love, but don't get me started on bras! There are way too many things to make on my to do list for me to spend time making those. I really like this series of posts, seeing how everyone on the blogosphere seems to be skilled at making any type of clothing, it's refreshing to read your thoughts on what you are not interested in making. We can't do it all!
ReplyDeleteNo, we certainly can't! x
Deletethought I was the only one :) bras, no way. Jeans why bother? I think buying jeans is fantastic. no need to source the denim, worry about fit etc. although I do always need to hem them. So keep sewing what you like!
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth! Yes, I always have to hem jeans too. x
DeleteI would love to sew both jeans and underthings, but my sewing list is growing by the minute with all the lovly inspiration everywhere! I hope to live to a hundred and ten. :P
ReplyDeleteToo much inspiration, too little time! x
DeleteI agree, if I can get a good fit on something in RTW, I probably won't spend time making it unless I just really want a custom-looking one for some reason (say I can never find it in a fabric I like). For that reason, I probably won't sew bras or workout clothes, but I will make my own jeans.
ReplyDeleteThat's the great thing about sewing, you can custom-make your own versions of things! x
DeleteGreat post! I have no desire to make neither bras or jeans. I don't buy RTW so I like to treat myself to new underpinnings once in while. And I don't wear jeans. Never found them comfortable. I do have yardage to make some wide leg, high waist denim trousers. But without the topstitching and studs.
ReplyDeleteThe top stitching and studs are two of the things that put me off jeans making. Wide legged, high waisted denim trousers sound lovely. x
DeleteI'm so on the fence about this. Like you, I keep seeing so many pretty ones that I can't help wanting to have some for myself. But looking at the long and intimidating list of supplies, and knowing just how fiddly all of it is, definitely tries my patience. I might try to make some Watson-style bras for lounging around in, but don't know that I'll ever go the full-underwire route. Time will tell!
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't have the patience for bra making! x
DeleteWhen I see pretty bras on blogs I want to make my own but I don’t think I ever will. I just love lingerie shopping. And I really have no desire to make my own jeans!
ReplyDeleteYes, I wouldn't want to give up the pleasure of lingerie shopping! x
DeleteLike others here, I am on the fence. I love Bravissimo too (even though I have to get them shipped to the U.S.) and really doubt I'd be able to make something with that level of fanciness and support without investing a LOT more time and effort than I have available. But I can never find jeans that fit me really properly at a decent price, so am definitely feeling some internal pressure to make a go at jeans... we'll see!
ReplyDeleteIt took me years to find well fitting jeans, which is why I'm clinging on to them for dear life! And I could NEVER make a bra to the same level as a Bravissimo one! x
DeleteI have absolutely no interest in making my own bras. As we all know time is precious and bras is not something I want to spend my sewing time on. I made my own pair of jeans once and they didn't hold up as well as my RTW jeans. So no more jean making for me in the future since I have no problems finding RTW that fit well and are well made.
ReplyDeleteI doubt whether any jeans I made would hold up as well as my RTW ones either! x
DeleteI can't see myself making bras or jeans. Like you, Bravissimo was a revelation for me and I can't get the same fit from other cheaper brands that claim to be the same size. Stretchy, fiddly bits are not my kind of sewing. Jeans, well, those seams are so bulky and all that very visible top stitching - no, I'll stick to RTW, although I haven't found the perfect fit yet. I suspect I may need a bigger budget for that but I have children and chickens so I'm not prepared to fork out more. I like sewing with cottons and will be sticking to tops, dresses and skirts for a while. I am branching out with my knitting though, with cardigans for myself, which I didn't used to have the patience for. Age has it's advantages!
ReplyDeleteSadly, my patience doesn't seem to get greater as I get older! x
DeleteYou're right to group jeans and bras as a step too far on the sewing front if you can buy something high quality that fits. But....... I too am getting seduced by 'Ginger' fever. The ones I've seen are so impressive. And if you can crack the perfect pair of jeans, well, you've made it!
ReplyDeleteThat's part of the problem - all the lovely versions are luring me in! I especially like Karen from Did you make that's coloured jeans and the pairs made by What Katie Sews. x
DeleteTo me, jeans and bras are the pinnacle of the sewing world. So I might have a go one day just to show I can but not for any other reason!
ReplyDeleteThey both seem to require a lot of time and effort, I'd always think of other things that would be a higher priority! x
DeleteI can make a bra in under 2 hours with a pair of matching knickers ... Once you get a pattern that fits they can be whipped up quickly in zillions of styles I love making them :) they only bra I don't make as I have tried and not succeeded... Is a sports bra for running.
DeleteTotally with you - having been measured properly I now have the perfect bra in lots of colours and am perfectly happy. Ditto jeans, if I ever find I can't get my favourites I might tackle them but just have no need as things stand. I do understand the appeal of a challenge but there are loads of techniques I've never tried - I'll save my efforts for things I can't easily buy 😄
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm with you on all those points! x
DeleteI completely understand all of that! I don't think I'm ever likely to make jeans for me because I actually don't like wearing them. I am happiest in skirts but my ultimate trousers get some wear too. I never feel comfortable or me in jeans. Bras though, I really never thought I would and I still don't think I would make proper bras because of the finikity stuff but I have just bought the Watson pattern with a view to making a bikini. I can't find exactly the one I want so I have decided to make one, I still may end up regretting this though!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, hope it turns out well! Actually I should have included swimming costumes in this category too, For a while I was tempted to make a Bombshell swimsuit which was ridiculous as it's virtually identical in style to my shop bought costume which I love! x
DeleteOh man, I really don't want to sew bras! I can buy bras that fit me just fine, so I'm happy to keep doing that. I'm also not that into sewing jeans, although I probably shouldn't admit that! I'm very, very hard on jeans and the denim that I've used for handmade jeans just doesn't have quite the same recovery as my Levis, so I don't want to spend all that time making something that I'll have to wash and dry after every wear to shrink them back into shape! But what I really never want to sew is bags- yuck! No way, dude!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think getting a good enough denim for making your own jeans is the tricky part. I make so many bags for customers and/or craft fairs I couldn't face making any for myself, except for the occasional shopping bag! x
DeleteI am an unusual bra size - 42C which is too big in the back for most bra ranges and too small in the cup for most plus-size ranges. I find it very hard to buy nice bras. Mostly the ones in my size are either structural engineering or sexysexysexy cutaway black ace. Neither of which is really my style.
ReplyDeleteSo, yes, I do want to learn to make good, well-fitting pretty bras to wear. I have all the kit. I just need to take the plunge (pun wholly intended). But first, I'm working on my swimsuit...
Gosh, it must be really tricky finding bras to fit you. I think in your case I might be tempted to try and make my own. Best of luck with your swimsuit! x
DeleteI love that you're not afraid to try new things and in the process have learned what you love to make and are OK with sticking with those things :) Sewing is a time consuming process (at least for me LOL) and like you, it's hard for me not to want to make ALL THE THINGS, but the reality is that time (and my skill level) does not always match my dreams and desires. I am definitely much more inspired to sew things I cannot find to my fit or taste in shops: trousers, blouses, dresses... anything fitted basically. Knits, workout gear, undies & bras... I'm open to trying new things but if I can buy them easily enough, why waste precious time and fabric making (probably shoddier) versions of the same thing? ^__^
ReplyDeleteI think you've hit the nail on the head, it comes down to time and skill level, however tempted I am to sew EVERYTHING! x
DeleteAs for my two cents... once apon a time, I sewed my own Calvin Klein velveteen jeans, made a fake fur jacket with 4 inch pile, hand-tailored wool jackets, and loved the challenge of a million tiny pin-tucks in a silk blouse or nightgown and sewed nearly everything I wore, EXCEPT bras and panties. Now I buy cheap jeans at Walmart, enjoy sewing easy knit tops, and love the challenge of custom-fitting and sewing bras to fit my size 32H... even though I finally found RTW to fit, albeit at $100-$180 each. And yes, I do have a zillion of them (well, not quite)... both RTW and home sewn. Never in a million years would one of my sewn bras come apart... RTW is far more vulnerable to that. Sewing a bra doesn't take much more time than finding one to fit correctly, and it's not that hard and costs FAR less! I enjoy the fitting/problem-solving aspects and I like creating something unique and pretty AND comfortable. And yes, I admit, I am addicted :)
ReplyDeleteReally interesting to hear your take on this. I admire you hugely for sewing your own bras (although I still maintain that any sewn by me would fall apart!), I can imagine that once you've cracked it, it must become very addictive! x
DeleteBras are hard.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to be a lingerie designer many moons ago (which is where my blog name comes about) but I just wasn't good at it. I tried ready-made patterns, making my own patterns, rubbing off old bras and just attempting to throw one together - and it just never happened. I am not a bra maker, I've come to realise.
Jeans I don't wear in general because I love the 50's styled ones (much like Freddie's of Pinewood) but my awkward waist to hip ratio (there's a 15" difference and my hips are GIGANTIC) means I can't find a single pair out there that will ever fit me. My only option would be to make them - but I quite honestly can't be bothered.
But I think there must be such an amazing thrill to have made and to wear handmade lingerie and jeans that looks good - I have to hand it to the people who do make them!
Absolutely! And what I should also have said in my post was that declaring never to sew my own bras doesn't stop me wanting to read about others who make them. I have huge admiration for those who manage it, I just know I never could! I'm still fascinated by bra making though and have a few books about lingerie making which I love reading! x
DeleteTotally on board with you re the bras (and pants). I am singularly fussy about my bras and struggle to find bras that I like and that fit, but even so, sewing time is tight, and I'd far rather spend it making clothes. I think I am leaning towards the Ginger jeans though. I thought I'd found the perfect RTW jeans but when I bought a second pair recently, the fit was quite different. Plus I have yet to find a pair of RTW high waisted jeans that fit, and I really fancy high waisted for a change.
ReplyDeleteIt's the high waisted design of the Ginger jeans (view B) that particularly entices me! x
DeleteAll the jeans exposure in the blog sewing world does tempt me to take that leap of faith. And T
ReplyDeletethe Gingers look like they'll fit my shape well. But like so many others like you Jane, bras are a hell no! I Live in Australia and I shop Bravissimo! LOVE them... postage and currency exchange rate still make the cheaper than buying same size bras over here. Awsome price, fit and variety that I just don't think I could ever replicate by sewing my own.
Good to know I'm not the only one. The truly dangerous thing is that there's a Bravissimo shop right near where I live....! x
Deleteok- I'm a kindred spirit here- jeans? Nope. I'm not a fan- so heavy and blech- a solid color is not for me- sewingwise! Bras? More fun to buy then make. Give me fluffy tops and tunics to sew, please!
ReplyDeleteIn my case I imagine that bras are definitely more fun to buy than to make! x
DeleteVery interesting topic! Jeans and bras also are my two sewing hang-ups. I've been tempted to make jeans when Heather released her Ginger Jeans pattern, but then I gave up the idea because I was afraid that it would be time-consuming and very hard on my sewing maching (she doesn't like bulky seams). On the other hand, I would like to be completely seft-sufficient on my garnment needs and I hate the fact that people working for Gap and other big brands are exploited. As for the bras, I'm only afraid of failure. So, I might soon overcome my fear and at least give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI suppose there's no way of knowing if it will be a success or failure until you give it a try. I know that for me (at least where bras are concerned) it really would be a failure, I'm just not good at that kind of sewing! x
DeleteI have never been tempted by either of these projects. Too fiddly for bras; and they make such good ones nowadays. Jeans are a dime a dozen too; so I think one should be able to find something as I usually do.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm lucky being able to find bras AND jeans from shops that fit! x
DeleteBras no, jeans yes. I used a burda pattern and conquered my short waist and sway back problem perfectly. They are my second best jeans to my fat face ones and nobody knows they are made by me what with studs and all. See them here http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/make-your-own-jeans.html
ReplyDeletehappy making. Jo x
Wow, well done with your jeans Jo, they're fabulous and so professional looking! x
DeleteI too am a Bravissimo gal and I would never contemplate making my own, just finding the right fit is a science in its self!! Jeans on the other hand I couldn't rule out at some point in the future when I have lost my L plates
ReplyDeleteYes, I think for me too it's a case of 'never say never' with jeans! x
DeleteI am completely chuffed that my lil' ol' jeans have nearly converted someone into sewing their own! I definitely 'pick my battles' when sewing (and living sustainably) because I'm not at a stage that I can do everything. I'm considering tackling bra making because I haven't had your luck yet! So jealous of your stash! xx
ReplyDeleteYes, I can't make everything so there's no point even trying! I do realise I'm very lucky finding bras that fit well, which is part of the reason why I have so many! If somebody could guarantee my own handmade jeans would look as good on me as yours look on you, I'd make a pair tomorrow! x
DeleteHi Jane, I too have seen a lot of online sewing people making their own jeans and bras and have been feeling the pull myself. I wear jeans pretty much everyday, which means that I don't wear head-to-toe handmade every day! I started sewing stretchy tops as I noticed that I was most often wearing something made of jersey from the high street, rather than all my carefully made woven tops. For the same reason, I hope to try jeans at some point, but I don't have time for a big project like this until Autumn. Bras - I feel exactly the same as you. I enjoy buying them and it looks very fiddly. On top of that, I only have three bras and I wear them to death, so I am actually not sure I would trust the quality of my sewing compared with the industrially manufactured ones. I enjoy seeing everyone else's adventures in lingerie though! Rosie xx
ReplyDeleteHi Rosie! I've also been thinking that if I DID ever have a go at jeans, they'd be a good project for autumn. I'll check in with you come sept/Oct and see if either of us has been tempted! I also enjoy reading about other people's bra making escapades, I find it fascinating.....when other people are doing it! x
DeleteJeans and bras were the two things I wasn't going to make but I've just completed my first pair of jeans and I love them. I followed the Craftsy Jeanius course and copied my demi curve straight leg Levis. It was great learning experience as I'd never sewn a fly zip before but I'm already thinking about the next pair. Making my own pattern following the course made sure they were the fit I wanted with minimal adjustments after the toile.
ReplyDeleteBut bras as still a no I think.
Ooh that course sounds interesting. Making bras is a definite never, but jeans I might possibly make one day - if I do I'd probably buy that course beforehand as it sounds really helpful, thanks! x
DeleteI've nailed bras and knickers and can make a set in just under 2 hours. They are much nicer and fit better than the ones from the shops...but it did take lots of attempts and a bra making class until I was happy with the process and product.
ReplyDeletejeans are my next task as I have none and can't find any in the shops that git at a price I am willing to pay ( not that I have looked that hard mind you!!)
Bras and knickers are surprisingly quick and easy once you have the hang of them :)
Wow, you really have nailed making undies haven't you?! A set in two hours is VERY impressive, I'm in awe! x
DeleteOh, never say never with jeans. I was the same as you, perfectly happy with my TnT Gaps, til I made my own - now I can't go back...
ReplyDeleteTrying to weigh up the courage to try bras, unlike you I hate hate hate shopping for them so I'd love to make my own!
I am actually never saying never with jeans, maybe one day!! I can't believe you hate shopping for bras though - like Mrs Smiling from Cold Comfort Farm, bra shopping is one of my favourite things to do! x
DeleteI am SO with you on this! I'm totally envious of all the ladies who make their own perfectly-fitted bras and perfectly-fitted jeans but I'm absolutely terrified of them. the fabrics needed for them alone makes me shudder and worry fitfully about my 10+ year old sewing machine. I plan to force myself to take the plunge but it won't be anytime soon!
ReplyDeleteExactly! I have lots of easier things I'd rather be sewing in the meantime! x
DeleteI have made both but will I give up on rtw for either....I don't think so! Finding nice fabrics is always a challenge and fitting everything in time wise can be an issue as well.
ReplyDeleteI think finding the right fabric is key and if I can't find it (especially for jeans) I'd rather not bother! x
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