I made this strapless bra to go under the dress I was wearing for my cousin's wedding. As you can probably tell from the photos, that didn't go to plan. 😂 Mistake #1 - Not working out all of the fitting issues. Orange Lingerie patterns work very well for me, and so far, with the exception of the Fenway and Esplanade I've been able to use the same formula to fit them. For this version I used the 36B frame to match my 36 wire, and went down a cup size from a 36A to a 34A. Cup volume on the 34A is pretty good, but I have some gaping in the upper cup. Mistake #2 - Sewing late at night. I came up with the bright idea to split the band to allow me to use smaller closures. I ended up with an extra 1/4" of fabric. 🥴 Frame ended up being too tall for the cups so I ended up cutting it down to fit height of the cups. #esplanadebra #orangelingeriepatterns

#BRAugust2024 hosted by @the_bra_bee Day 7: Most Proud I have 2. They're actually the same pattern, just different fabrics, and they're where it all started. It's both the satin tie-dye-esque and organza spider web Esplanade longline bras. (If you've been following me for any amount of time, you probably knew this) Do they fit anymore? No. Am I still super proud of them? Yes. Will I remake them in my current size? Probably. I actually have more of the satin set aside just for this. I should probably add that it's always Halloween in my head, I didn't make that spiderweb bra specifically for a halloween costume, I just wore it because that romper was not appropriate w/o it. #BRAugust #LingerieSewing #Sewing #Hobbies #MakingStuff #HandmadeLingerie #BraMaking #OrangeLingerie #EsplanadeLonglineBra #EsplanadeBra #AffordableSewing #MakersGonnaMake #DIY #SewYourOwnWardrobe #BraBee24 #HandmadeWardrobe #Handmade #Sewing

Love this #esplanadebra by @orange_lingerie. Alice and Olivia fabric from @moodfabrics . I spent the majority of time picking the perfect pattern placement

Ok, @dcfrocktails! This was such a fun night! A++ would attend again! It was so fun to finally put in person faces to people names I follow on here. My outfit details: Jumpsuit: Intrepid Boiler Suit by @aliceandcopatterns Bustier: Esplanade Bra by @orange_lingerie 📸: @goodredherring . #dcfrocktails2024 #memadewardrobe #handsewn #imadethis #sewistsofinstagram #millenialsewing #handmadewardrobe #slowfashion #esplanadebra #intrepidboilersuit

When the bar doesn’t have a great mirror for selfies but your top is cute so you take one anyway. #esplanadebra #memadeeveryday

Here are some more photos and details of the materials I used to make the Esplanade Longline Bra by @orange_lingerie I started off with the “November” Bra Kit from @bratastic_fabrics as I thought the fabric would work beautifully with this style. But I did use this as my starting point. As I was making a longline bra from a standard bra kit, I knew I’d need to buy some extras. The kit comes with white elastics and findings, so I purchased a separate black elastic and findings kit from @bratastic_fabrics, (as the bra may be used as an evening top), then also bought some black hook and eye tape from @exeterfabriccentre to make a deep enough back closure. I then joined three strips of the “eye” side of the tape, to make an adjustable back closure. I used 2 layers of the lining with the lace to create a dense fabric and had just enough cup channelling to use along the seams as well. Although, do note that I was making a smaller size bra, so I’d say that for most sizes, you would need to allow for an extra amount of channelling. The cups are foam lined, but at the time I could only find white foam lining available in the UK and wanted to make the bra asap. I have now however managed to purchase some light pink foam lining, also from @bratastic_fabrics which is a lovely colour, but will also get some in black as soon as I can find it. 💜 Pattern: Esplanade Bra from @orange_lingerie Bra Kit fabrics: from @bratastic_fabrics #wendypoole_thedressmaker #orangelingerie #orangelingeriepatterns #esplanadebra #orangelingerieesplanade #bratastic_fabrics #bramaking #brasewing #sewinglingerie #dressmaker #handmadebra #bespokebra #bramakersofinstagram #lingeriesewing #memadelingerie #sewyourownlingerie #sewyourownbra #bramaker #lngeriemaker #handmadelingerie #couturesewing #vintageluxe #longlinebra

First photo of my latest make fresh of my sewing machine. This is the Esplanade Bra by @orange_lingerie and the fabric is from a kit by @bratastic_fabrics. The longline bra is fully lined, boned and this one has foam cups. I’ve made it as a prototype and test fit to go in a future evening and will post up more photos and details of exactly what I used in a separate post. 💜 Pattern: Esplanade Bra from @orange_lingerie Bra Kit fabrics: from @bratastic_fabrics #wendypoole_thedressmaker #orangelingerie #orangelingeriepatterns #esplanadebra #orangelingerieesplanade #bratastic_fabrics #bramaking #brasewing #sewinglingerie #dressmaker #handmadebra #bespokebra #bramakersofinstagram #lingeriesewing #memadelingerie #sewyourownlingerie #sewyourownbra #bramaker #lngeriemaker #handmadelingerie #couturesewing #vintageluxe #longlinebra

Here's another one I finished a couple of weeks ago but procrastinated over the photos. A bustier dress for the busty, there's a challenge. I've loved the patterns and makes I've seen of these lately but I knew deep in my heart that I wouldn't get a decent fit unless I used an actual bra pattern for the bodice. So that's what I did. I did a very quick toile of the @orange_lingerie #esplanadebra in calico, which was successful and then it was all very choose your own adventure from there. My original idea was to have a faux shirred back, but that in addition to wires and boning and no give in the front meant that it was very difficult to get into. Plus, the support for a bra (particularly a strapless) comes mostly from the band. It needed to fit very close to enable the whole thing to stay upright. So I added the whole bra band to the back bodice and it works perfectly. There's also a waist stay to keep things where they should be. The fold over elastic along the top of the bodice was added at the very last minute (affecting my neat strap attachment 🫠) but finishes it off really nicely and keeps the upper cup sitting firmly on my bust. There are a bunch of things I should have done differently- it really needs much firmer boning than the plastic cable ties I used and adding the foam made the cup size a smidge smaller. Fabric: @libertylondon silk cotton and lawn lining both from @wearethefabricstore

🎶 “You look like my next mistake” #kickythreads #isewmyclothes #orangelingerie #esplanadebra #custommade #handmadewardrobe #perthfrocktails2023 #whydidichoosethiscombo

Pink ladies 🌸 voor de trouw van Bryan & Maureen ⏩ Swipe to see my self-made bustier #sewingismysuperpower #orangelingerie #esplanadebra #memademay

Making good progress on my long line hack of the #orangelingerie #marlboroughbra. I used the #esplanadebra as a guide for extending the frame and band depth. The exterior fabric is a lovely stretch red lace from #newcrafthouse underlined with skin tone tulle (to counteract the stretch) and lined with a mix of red tulle (for the cups) and rigid nylon dernier (also in red) for the frame. Next step is securing the underarm plush and the casings for the underwires and boning. #handmadebra #bramaking handmadefashion #handmadewardrobe #lingeriemaking #lingeriesewing #bramaking #handmadelingerie #sewingbras #sewingLingerie #Sewcialist #MeMade #SlowFashion #SewOver50 #so50lingerie

32A bustier bra / long line bra #braaweekchallenge2022 #esplanadebra #florallace

Does anyone else love summer days and strapless sundresses? The whimsical flowers on this Esplanade Bra definitely invoke the sunny days of summer. ⁠ ⁠ The Esplanade bra is my perfect strapless bra. The foam cups and boned long line band mean you get great support while the bra stays put! Click the link in my bio to make your own. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #orangelingerie #esplanadebra #bramaking #sewing #isew #handmadewardrobe #sewingpattern #sewinglingerie #sewistsofinstagram #instasew #memade #memadeeveryday #sewcialists⁠

More costumes coming together for @eccballet ! . These are my first costumes using the @orange_lingerie “Esplanade” pattern! I lengthened the bodice to meet the waistline and also reduced the height of the cups to achieve this look. I did not insert underwire, but have them just in case. Let’s see how the dancers feel in these first. . #orangelingerie #esplanadebra #contemporaryballetcostume

Finally finished this “dress” and didn’t make it a dress in the end. The top is an #esplanadebra modified to have a non stretch back and an open ended zipper closure. Also the straps are not adjustable. The skirt is copied from a vogue dress pattern. Green cotton lace was from #wearethefabricstore and it’s backed with silk from my stash (can’t remember the source). #memade #memadeeveryday

This dress was such a journey I don’t even know where to begin! When Jason and I decided to elope this last year I contemplated making my own dress but I never thought it would turn out the way it did. I’m so thankful for the friends and family that convinced me to just go for it because it just made the day that much more special. This project was way beyond my beginner sewing skills at the time and was a huge learning curve. I took my time sourcing the materials, watching YouTube videos, and thinking up the perfect design. I used the esplanade bar from @orange_lingerie for the bodice and self drafted the sleeves and gathered circle skirt to go with. This powder blue silk chiffon was no walk in the park to work with but just like the rest I managed. After 100+ of work this dress put a whole new meaning to blood sweat and tears but I would absolutely do it again. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself to take on the big projects you might just be surprised by what you’re capable of! 💙💙💙 #esplanadebra #diywedding #weddingdress #handmadedress #madebyme #sewityourself #couture #formaldresses

First time I've worn this out and it definitely is too tight 😂 but I felt cute! #sewing #sewinginspiration #sewingproject #dressmaking #fabric #memade #homemade #fabric #viscose #sewingpattern #vintagepatterns #vintage #vintagedress #stylepatterns #bustierdress #bustier #esplanadebra #gatheredskirt

Work in progress…. Haven’t decided what style for skirt 🤔 #memade #esplanadebra

How gorgeous is this new kit from @brabuilders !!!! It's called 'Elegance', and it truly is elegant! I used the @orange_lingerie #esplanadebra pattern. I did not want to cut through this beautiful embroidery, so I pleated the lace around the base of the cup. I also centered the butterfly motif on the bottom edge to really highlight the pattern. Special thanks to Bra Builders for including me as a featured artist! It's always a treat to bring a new kit to life! #bramaking #braaweekchallenge #isewlingerie #lingeriesewing #bramaker #sewinglingerie #straplessbra #sewistsofinstagram #sewing

Does anyone else love summer days and strapless sundresses? The whimsical flowers on this Esplanade Bra definitely invoke the sunny days of summer. ⁠ ⁠ The Esplanade bra is my perfect strapless bra. The foam cups and boned long line band mean you get great support while the bra stays put! Click the link in my bio to make your own. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #orangelingerie #esplanadebra #bramaking #sewing #isew #handmadewardrobe #sewingpattern #sewinglingerie #sewistsofinstagram #instasew #memade #memadeeveryday #sewcialists⁠

Sometimes deadlines are just the motivation we need to get things done. I've had sewing an underwrite bra on my list for AGES but have never managed to prioritize it. Then on Thursday last week I got asked if I would go to a work dinner next week. I said sure, then when the invite came through, it mentioned it's black tie/formal dress. Um, who has random formal wear waiting around for such an occasion? Not me! And who has formal-wear appropriate underwear after 3 years of covid and barely wearing a bra while WFH? Again, not me... So this weekend (and let's be honest, likely most evenings next week) I have to rectify this situation. First of the blocks, an @orange_lingerie #esplanadebra. Which will be my first me-made underwire bra. Why not? I've got as far as I can while I wait for my elastics and underwires to arrive from @nelliejoans. But the test fit is promising! I didn't realise I was out of black power mesh, so have had to go with a blue remnant that wasn't quite big enough, and had to cut in the wrong direction. I may need to add in an extra panel to account for the reduced stretch, but have left it for now... 😬 Fabric is a cute navy silk (it's also my first time sewing with silk...) that was on sale at @wearethefabricstore and I love it! This wasn't quite what I had intended to use it for, but needs must. #emergencyformalwear #bramaking #straplessbra #sewingonadeadline #sewingproject #sewinglingerie #memadeeveryday #sewersgonnasew #nzsews #sewingismysuperpower #sewnz #wearethefabricstore #sewingsilk

It’s the first time I made the #Esplanadebra and I really enjoyed it 🤍✨🪡 Because I have worked with Orange lingerie patterns before, I already know which size to take and I don't have to adjust much ✂️ I rescued these floral detachable straps from an old bra from my auntie and I just love how they give this bra an extra special touch 🌸 I really like to have the option to go strapless or with straps. What do you think of this new bra? Let me know in the comments below👇🏻  ———————————————— Het is de eerste keer dat ik de Esplanade-bh heb gemaakt en ik heb er echt van genoten 🤍✨🪡 Omdat ik al eerder met Orange lingerie patronen heb gewerkt, weet ik al goed welke maat ik moet nemen en hoef ik niet veel aan te passen ✂️ Ik heb deze afneembare bloemenbandjes van een oude bh van mijn tante gered en ik vind het geweldig hoe ze deze bh een extra speciaal tintje geven 🌸 Ik hou van de mogelijkheid om strapless of met bandjes te gaan. Wat vind jij van deze nieuwe BH? Laat het me weten in de reacties hieronder👇🏻 . . . . . . . . #Orangelingerie #Lingeriesewing #Makinglingerie #Sewinglingerie #Diylingerie #Handmadelingerie #Lingeriemaking #Isewlingerie #Dessousnähen #Sewingunderwear #Memadelingerie #Lingeriemaken #Lingerienaaien #Jefaismesdessous #Jecoudsmalingerie #Lingeriesewingpatterns #Handmadeunderwear #Handmadelingerie #Brasewing #Bramaking #Sewingbras #Bramakers #Handmadebra #DIYbra #Sewingforspring #Springsewing #Sewingforsummer #Summersewing #Summersew

Finished my bustier dress over the weekend 🥰 if I was to make it again I wouldn't use such thick fabric. The gathering for the skirt was a chore 😂 I modified a @orange_lingerie pattern for the esplanade bra and added a skirt #sewing #sewinginspiration #sewingproject #dressmaking #fabric #memade #homemade #fabric #viscose #sewingpattern #vintagepatterns #vintage #vintagedress #stylepatterns #bustierdress #bustier #esplanadebra #gatheredskirt

Anyone else dreaming of summer days and strapless sundresses? The whimsical flowers on this Esplanade Bra definitely invoke the sunny days of summer. ⁠ ⁠ The Esplanade bra is my perfect strapless bra. The foam cups and boned long line band mean you get great support while the bra stays put! Click the link in my bio to make your own. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #orangelingerie #esplanadebra #bramaking #sewing #isew #handmadewardrobe #sewingpattern #sewinglingerie #sewistsofinstagram #instasew #memade #memadeeveryday #sewcialists⁠

Anddd onto the next challenge. I’m excited and a little terrified to see where I end up with this project 😳 The goal is to make a top out of the #esplanadebra pattern by @orange_lingerie. I plan to make these adjustments: switch out the stretch fabric for a non stretch one in the back, add length to the bottom, replace the bra clasps in the back with a zipper, and add straps. I’m not going for a picture perfect fit, I just want it to be wearable and comfortable. Send luck…I will surely need it 🤞🏼😬

Weekend Wear: This week in the amazingly modelled #esplanadebra from @orange_lingerie and the #chloethong by @evielaluve . . . . #isew #instasewing #instasewing✂️✏️📐 #bramaking #brasewing #lingerie #lingeriesewing #sewinglingerie #weekendunderwear #laceythings #laceythongs

Monday Make: This week is a full album of all makes as I have made the bottoms in this lace before, the top however, well, that is new. The #esplanadebra from @orange_lingerie paired with the #verapanties and #chloethong from @studiocosturashop and @evielaluve respectively. The lace is Black Heart from @nelliejoans and I am rather fond of it. . . This is the first Esplanade that I have made that fit perfectly out of the box - well, pattern. Anyway super happy with the results and now looking forward to more colours rather than black sets 😊 . Had to dye the hook and eye for this too which is always a learning experience . . . #brasewing #bramaking #sewing #lingerie #lingeriesewing #lingeriemaking #isew #instasewing #thongsewing #lacylingerie #guyswhosew

Anyone else dreaming of spring days and strapless sundresses? The whimsical flowers on this Esplanade Bra definitely invoke the romantic days of spring. ⁠ ⁠ The Esplanade bra is my perfect strapless bra. The foam cups and boned long line band mean you get great support while the bra stays put! Click the link in my bio to make your own. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #orangelingerie #esplanadebra #bramaking #sewing #isew #handmadewardrobe #sewingpattern #sewinglingerie #sewistsofinstagram #instasew #memade #memadeeveryday #sewcialists⁠

Esplanade Bra made with Kasja Kit by Bwear So pretty my daudghter wants to wear it as a top #bwear #orangelingerie #esplanadebra #diylingerie #diybra #sewing #homemade

This is what it looks like outside today! All snow, all the time. I always think of this Esplanade bra whenever we have a snow storm! ❄️⁠ .⁠ .⁠ This version features white lace over a light beige foam for the cups and we added detachable straps (full tutorial is on the blog).

Costumes for a new contemporary ballet in the works…I’m definitely excited to see this one come together… . @eccballet . (Amateur photographer here, so I don’t know how to filter out those weird lines! The fabric is solid beige 🤷‍♀️) . #contemporaryballet #esplanadebra #makeitwork

#makenine2024 This year I AM going to make things I need. And things I keep meaning to make but either forget about, don’t do, or chicken out of. 1. #peppermintbrontebathers by @peppermintmagazine and @swimstylepatterns - currently under construction! 2. #seamworkclarke by @seamwork. I’ve had the pattern printed for a couple of years and I AM going to sew it. I’ve even cut the pattern ready. And I want to pair it with my #tntpatterns shorts the #seamworkdorian by @seamwork. I want some nice pjs so this will be it. Plus I have a bunch of fabrics in my stash that will work. 3. I want a strapless bra. Haven’t settled on a pattern yet, thinking either the #mareibra by @lilypadesigns or #esplanadebra by @orange_lingerie. Fabric TBA. 4. #anneswimsuit by @_measuretwice with @libertyfabrics swim fabrics from my stash. Want this as a leotard for ballet. Or two. Haha. 5. Mum gave me some groovy cotton drill from @spotlightstores. Currently thinking #yantaoveralls by @helens__closet (my overalls #tntpatterns) or the #jlhivypinafore by @jenniferlaurenhandmade 6. Bras. I need new bras and I have some nice fabrics waiting so bras it is. 7. #duchessjacket by @ellieandmac_patterns. This one I keep meaning to make but keep chickening our so this year I WILL make it. Plus I want to go to a flower festival this year and I’ll need a coat. 8. I love my bike and I have recently been dreaming about a cycling jersey that suits my gorgeous bike. It needs to be pretty and dress like and be sun smart and awesome. Thinking performance jersey from @boodesigns_kristie. This is a watch this space. 9. I have some bengaline from @pitttrading that I mean for a jacket but since I made my other #arthurpants by @sewliberated I’ve wanted these to be Arthur’s too. Some other patterns as well in case. But that’s the plan. Good luck to me ☺️

#makenine2022 is a little ambitious this year with nine collections. Each collection features 3 pieces that I have wanted to make for myself for some time. And so far I’m doing well, only January and I’ve completed 5 garments and 5 started. Now to keep that momentum going for the rest of the year. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #sewingplanner #sewingplan #sewplanned #make92022 #makenine #handmadewardrobe #sewistsofinstagram #memade #makergonnamake #indiespatterns

This bra was a long time in the making, as I’ve had the fabrics paired for this style for a while. I wanted a strapless bra and landed on the @orange_lingerie #esplanadebra and the gorgeous lace and lingerie satin lining are from @tailormadeshop although I doubt they are still in stock. . I did make one toile for this bra, which was useful, as I ultimately sized down the cups. I landed at a straight 34C and used the size 38 Bliss wire from emeralderin’s shop. The bra fits very well but does slide down, however, I always have trouble with strapless bras and I don’t think that has to do with sizing. . Hook and eyes are practical, but I also thought it would be too ugly for this bra. I thought about just using the stretch satin along the back with a nice zipper, but I ultimately decided to do a Atelier Bordelle-inspired strappy back with hook closures, which I have been wanting to do for a while, and I think it is super fun. Originally inspired by one of emerald erin’s bra-a-week challenges. . Undies are my own design. They are super comfortable due to the stretch mesh, but I have some extra lace and may try to make something else that I feel matches better. Overall I am thrilled with how the set turned out! I have been really into sparkles and glitz recently which is new for me but also super fun. Yay glam!

•The Dress, Part I: The Corselet• Constructing the inner structure of my wedding gown was, by far, the part that required the most study and the most trial and error. I started with a couple tests of the Esplanade Bra (not pictured), but then watched a video by @kianabonollo that taught me basic draping and decided to try that. The end result was a combination of self drafted with cups from the Esplanade and overbust boning. (My versions without cups and overbust boning flattened me right out!) #memadeweddingdress #diyweddingdress #madewithmood #millennialsewing #imademyweddingdress #selfdrafted #corsetmaking #esplanadebra #sewingfrosting