Bramaggeddon (aka Building a better bra)

[Dragonflower]

lemontree said something in one of her recents posts about trying to create a pattern for bras by deconstructing one of her favorite ones. That got me thinking about how I'd love to make my own bras, but how I've never seen a bra pattern. I guess you could adapt a bikini top pattern if you wear soft-cup bras, and maybe that would work. But what if, like me, you're a firm (*snicker*) believer in underwires?
     Has anyone tried making their own bras? If so, what pattern did you use, and what were your results like?

[awfullykaleidoscopic]

I've never tried myself, but I hear there's a lot of hardware incvolved when ti comes to underwire bra kits.  I would try the bikini-like top idea.  It would work for me as long as the bottom is elastic and it fits closely and the straps were short enough (I always have problem with too-long straqps.)

[AriadnesThread]

I have made my own bras.  I used this pattern company:

http://www.sewsassy.com/BraProducts/elanbrapatterns.html

I used underwires.  I found the whole process to be extremely rewarding, and demystifying the bra was something that gave me great happiness.  It was fast, too.  Once you catch on, you can whip up a bra with an underwire in less than an hour.

[ms.cate]

I dont know if its relevant, but these are the big thing in Australia right now:

http://www.fantasylingerie.com.au/sexy-lingerie/adult-lingerie/U-BRA.html?aid=2402&gclid=CJii2o7z9IYCFQ5_UAod-F8YaA

[Dragonflower]

Thank you, Ariadne'sThread! I'm pleased to hear that it's not an impossible dream! Hmmm, that website is reasonably priced and they actually HAVE MY SIZE!!!!!!Yay!

Ms.Cate, I'm a bit confused. I don't see how that kind of bra would hold anything up, unless you were super-perky to start with. (And in that case, why even wear a bra?)

[Dragonflower]

Getting measured isn't the problem, its the fact that when you choose a bra in your size it doesn't necessarily fit any way because of differences in style.

I know what you mean exactly. I can try on the same size bra in three different styles, in the same store, and have them fit completely differently. I don't know how anyone manages to buy bras through a catalog or online; I've never had any luck with that.

anyone know of a UK company that sells bra patterns?

Hmmm, I don't offhand...but I've been looking a bit at bra-making notions companies, etc online...if I run across one, I'll let you know!

[Kaos]

I know a sewing shop in Toronto has a bra making class (which I will be taking eventually)...maybe check your local shop!

[diannab]

Hey Zaftig- If worried about buying overseas I could buy a bra pattern your size and maybe you can buy me something similar shape and size that isn't available here I would be more than glad to oblige!!! I looked but couldn't find any over there! Arrg ;DLemme know

[Saor]

What a good idea. I don't know if my sewing skills are up to that though. I spend a fortune on bras and I hate the way it hard to get cute sexy ones in my size.

[diannab]

Since when did having a large chest commit someone to the lunchroom line? Everytime I have to fork out for bras I become very unhappy...... I have to pay 80 usd for a bra that ::shudders:: looks like the ones that you used to be afraid the lunchroom lady was wearing. And you could just envision that thing busting...... and the hook and eyes flying into the soup LMAO ::shudders:: I dont wanna be the lunchroom lady :*( I wanna be the sexy mama that I know I am.!