More underwear

I can't say that underwear is THE thing I've been sewing the most around here these days, because I'd be lying, only because masks requests have been more than many, and I just can't say no. I guess I could say that underwear, is indeed the second most sewn in this house for the last couple of months. I don't know if anyone remembers I did a one year no buying clothes back in 2013, and recently I just felt like I needed to do something like that again, I was going no control lately. OK. I did these underwear pieces before I made the decision again, but I guess somehow I was already made up about stopping the waste around here. Waste of our money, waste of my time... So, when I say my kids always had and still have a lot of clothes, I's no joke, or at least, it looks like too much for me, anyway. They do have plenty enough to go through each season without the need to buy anything... except for... yeap... drum roll... underwear! They get lots of hand-me-downs from their cousins and also some friends, so when each season changes, I know I am prepared. However, underwear is something that isn't passed away as the rest of the clothes and they get shorter on these, eventually. 

So, this brings me to my post today. A couple of weeks ago, I got both my kids a few new pieces - well, only one for him, and a new set for her, but more are coming for him, that's for sure. Anyway... I had bought my son three new boxers and one day, looking at them, I thought "I should do this, instead of buying more", and I did. I used those RTW boxers to draft the pattern from, making it a bit bigger to last a little longer. Then I grabbed a striped shirt from my refashion pile (I should refashion more often again, shouldn't I?), and in a blink of an eye, I had the boxers done. For the waistband I used leftovers from a pre-loved baby onesie I didn't even know I still had. I found it on a quest for red knit fabric, on my own stash.

This is the shirt I used. I will hunt any striped knit shirts at op-shops and markets, especially if they are red, or black. This shirt was cute as it was, but it didn't fit me, and the lettering on the front... just, no, no! I've put it to a much better use, I am sure. 

All said about his piece, let's see her entire set now. This isn't anything new either when it comes to two of these pieces, I used the very same patterns I have used before for the top and the panties. The socks though, it's a different story. It is the first time I used the pattern, and might as well be the last, at least if it is to sew for my girl again, which is a shame, they fit her so well. The socks look beautiful, but she can't stand the seams on her toes, she just tried them on, never really wore them.

I bought this fabric from Paula @Serafina a few years ago, and been saving it since then. It was just half a meter and was right enough for the three pieces. I almost had no scraps left when I was done. I was so happy to used it to it's most and make somethin I really enjoyed seeing after all. It might be my favourite so far. Not only because of the fabric I used, but also because I payed a little bit more attention to detail in this one, and instead of following the tutorial for its finishings, I encased the seems and it looks much better like that, outside and inside. 

Patterns Used:
#123 Girls Tank and Pants by Thread Faction
Sew It Forward Sock Pattern by Ellie & Mac - which is a FREE pattern guys!

As seen before on the blog... 

When the time comes to make her some new panties, I might try to change the pattern, and go back to Serger Pepper's Big Girl's Briefs.

I made socks patching this one too, but I draft my own pattern back then.

The Bella Bralette Hack and the Betty Panties

I made myself some new underwear. Yes! It has been on my to-do list for quite a while, but it's no news I don't sew as often as I did before, and when I do, it is often something for the kids, gifts or some pattern test I seemed to come across. Meaning, most of the times, I sew things that weren't actually on the list of things I'd really like to make – not meaning I don't love making them, just that they made their way to come out ealier, stealing sewing time from things that were thought and wished long before they were. Get ready, because I am feeling wordy today!

Anyway, I made myself some new underwear! Just because I have a very tiny memory, I can't tell which piece I sewed first, the bra or the panties. Since that isn't important either, I will start by telling you about the bra. I actually used a bralette pattern, the BellaBralette by Day Dream Patterns to be precise, which I tested and shared with you back HERE. This is a pattern meant for lace but I wasn't happy enough by hacking the bralette into a bra, I also had to make it with knit and lace. 

And... yes, there's more, that said knit, was actually re-used from a t-shirt. I used part of that t-shirt for my boy's shorts (here) and these were just scraps I had left. As you see, they were enough (though just quite) for the whole set. Because I have these huge boobs (NOT really), I also had to adjust the damn cup size, shortening a bit the smallest size. Never did that on a bra before, but it went just fine, and I never had a selfmade bra fitting so well – oh wait, this is my actual real bra ever. I had a little help from Susana's tutorial on how to turn a bralette pattern into a bra pattern.

 

And now that I've mentioned Susana, this might be the right time to mention that I recently got the Betty Panties pattern from Suco by Susana and I was eagerly wanting to try this one out, because again, making myself some new underwear was something I was planning to since a while ago. And what can I say? I was pretty much satisfied with it, so much so, I have at least three more planned on my list. 

There are a few views for this panties and I did view F to start, next on my plans is view D. I did make panties for myself before, you can see them HERE, and I am happy to say both patterns have the perfect fit for me. Ever since I made all of them, they became part of my fave and I wear them more often than I wear most of my ready to wear panties. They're all so comfortable. 

 

There are a few more undies patterns I'd like to try, and I can't wait to, but I won't tell you to come back soon for them, as I don't really know when that might happen. One thing I'd really like to try to make, is a lace body, oh I love them so, but never pondered making one as much as I have lately. Should I? Could I? What about you? Have you tried sewing underwear before? I promise is not as scrary as it might be in your head.

Girl's Briefs

Scroll down for english, please. 

Bem vos disse aqui que a seguir costurava umas cuecas para a miúda e para mim também, não disse? Pois então, logo a seguir fiz as dela (as minhas ainda aguardam). Usei o molde #123 da Thread Faction, curiosamente, este molde já não consta na loja, não sei que terá acontecido. 

I told you I would be sewing some undies for my girl and myself next, haven't I?Well, right after those for the boy, I made these briefs for her (mine are still waiting). I used the pattern #123 from Thread Faction, but I checked and it's not listed on the shop anymore, but don't know why. 

Mas antes de vos falar dessas, vou aproveitar para vos mostrar o segundo conjunto que fiz com este molde. O primeiro, é o que vos mostrei aqui, e este segundo, acima, de cueca e top, fiz há um ano. Logo desde o primeiro que o conjunto foi um sucesso cá por casa, e eu sabia que ia fazer mais. 

Before we get to those new ones, I'll just tell you about the second set I made with the same pattern. The first one was posted back here and the second set, above, was made a year ago. Ever since that first set, it became a favorite around here and I knew I had to make some more. 

Infelizmente, não consegui fazer tantos quanto ambas gostaríamos, e acabei por comprar-lhe alguns pares de cuecas pelo meio. Porém, quando chegou a altura de fazer mais, nenhuma de nós teve dúvidas, teria que usar o mesmo molde novamente. A única coisa diferente, foi não ter feito o top desta vez. 

Sadly enough, I wasn't able to sew as many as we'd like and I found myself buying her a few rtw briefs now and then. Still, when the time came, none of us had any doubts, this would be the pattern to use. The only thing we skipped this time, was the top. 

Este conjunto das caveirinhas amorosas, é o nosso preferido. Estive mesmo quase para fazer outro igual, já que gostamos tanto do tecido. Já não me lembro onde o comprei, sei que ainda tenho muito. Usei-o anteriormente aqui. O tecido das riscas, eram pequenos retalhos que sobraram de outros projetos vários. A qualidade do mesmo é excelente, por isso tenho guardados imensos pedacinhos. Também fazem o mesmo? 

This little loving skulls set, is our fave. I was about to make her another pair, similar to this, because we both love the fabric so much. I can't tell when or where I got it, but I still have a lot left. I also used it here. The stripped fabric, was just a few scraps I had left from other previous projects. It has a great quality, so I save every little bit. Do you guys do the same? 

Voltanto às cuequinhas atuais... como já disse, desta vez, deixámos o top de parte e fiz apenas um par da parte de baixo. Deixei-a escolher os tecidos e a primeira escolha foi o tecido das riscas coloridas. Adora-o. Já lhe tinha feito um vestido com o mesmo tecido, e apesar de já lhe ficar curto nas mangas e por todos os lados, a miúda não o quer pôr de parte. Usei em todas as peças do molde. Não precisa de mais nenhum para luzir.

Back to the actual ones... as I said before, we skipped the top this time and I only made a pair of the briefs. I let her pick the fabric and her first choice was the color stripped. She loves it. I had sewed her a dress in the past with it, and even though it's too short on the sleeves and everywhere else, she just can't let go of it. I used it for all the pattern pieces, it needs no constrasting to shine. 

Para as segundas, fui mais eu que escolhi o tecido, mas ela aprovou. É o mesmo que usei como principal no top do primeiro conjunto. Também ainda tenho muito de sobra e achei adequado para esta peça. O rosa das bandas das pernas, era apenas um retalho pequeno que me tinham dado e para o qual ainda não tinha encontrado outra função. Acho que não tinha outro que ficasse ali melhor. 

For the second ones, I picked the fabric but she agreed. It's the same I used as main for the top in that first set. I still have a lot of this one too and I thought it was a good choice for this piece. The pink one from the leg bands, was just a small scrap someone gave to me and had been waiting for a chance to be used. I don't think any other would have make a better choice. 

A única pena que tenho, é que o tamanho maior do molde é o 10 e estes já são o tamanho 9. A miúda gosta particularmente deste modelo, mais tipo boxer, porque são confortáveis e não escorregam para onde não devem, como algumas de compra. 

I am sad that the largest size in the pattern is size 10, these I made are already size 9, only one more until she grows out. She particularly likes the pattern, kinda like girl boxers, these are comfortable, and don't slide to where they don't belong like some rtw.

Thread Faction #123 Pattern Tour

I am joining Liz from Thread Faction for her Sewing Knit Basics pattern tour. Today I am sharing my take on her new pattern #123 Girls Tank and Pants. 

The Tank n Pants Set was a winner in our house. I asked my daughter if I could try it on hr when I finished and she immediately asked me if she could sleep in it (it was about bed time) and of course I said yes. She loves these sets and I love to sew them for her. I see a few more in a near future coming out of my sewing machine. 

So. My kiddo's measurements put her on a straight 7 and I am happy with it although I think the bottom piece was a bit baggy on her. It allows to grow though which is something I always appreciate on a me made anyway. And, it is still comfortable she says, so all good here. 

The set is made of two pieces, top and knickers, it comes in sizes 2-10, has an optional gusset - which I did by the way - and it is a begginer's friendly pattern, just, so you know. It is another quick and easy sew, just what I need to get back into sewing. 

The main fabric from the top was given to me by my friend Patrícia, when she downsized her stash. The green one I used from the bottom of some launge pants my sister bought for me. They were new but she got it for me, not to wear as she knows I wouldn't wear anything with this lettuce colour on, but because it was a lot of knit for a little amount of money and I could refashion them. I love my sister (she got me two of these).

Apparently this is perfect to sleep in... except she was pretending to do so in my bed, instead of going to her own. Anyway, if you liked it and you got the pattern or are planning on it, make sure to follow Liz's Thread Faction Sewn Series on youtube, here's her first episode for you. 

Bespoke Briefs blog tour

Scroll down for english, please!

Olá a todos!! OMD! Nem acredito que passou tanto tempo desde a última vez que passei por cá. Não tenho tido mesmo vontade nenhuma de costurar, e ainda por cima andei a mudar-me muito devagarinho de uma casa para a outra. 

Hello everyone!! OMG! I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted on the blog. I really haven't been in the mood to sew, and plus I have been busy packing and slowly moving from one house to the other. 

Então, estou de volta, e estou aqui hoje para participar na tour do molde Bespoke Briefs. Como faço tudo no último minuto, só ontem é que acabei as minhas... Mas até é uma coisa boa, prova que o molde é super rápido de fazer e despachei duas cuequinhas que adoro num piscar de olhos. 

Anyway. I am back, and I am here today to be part of the Bespoke Briefs pattern tour. I am always a last minute do-er, and that's why I finished mine the day before my post date... Which is good, because this is a quick project and I wiped up two new knickers to be in love with, in a blink of an eye. 

Ora, o molde é da Thread Faction (e como já toda a gente deve saber, eu adoro a marca), e é incrível como me assentam mesmo bem. Como já disse, fiz duas . Numa usei elástico decorativo no acabamento e na segunda usei as faixas para terminar. Estou com sérias dificuldades em escolher uma favorita das duas.

These knickers pattern is a design from Thread Faction (as you all know by now, I love it), and I can't believe how well they fit me. As I already mention I made two of these. In one I used decorative elastic to finish it, and I used bands on the second. I am now finding it hard to choose a fave from both of them. 

Usei restos de tecidos que usei anteriormente. Tenho uma blusa que combina com as cuecas das riscas, e a minha filha tem uma com o mesmo tecido que fiz mais recentemente. Já com o tecido das borboletas, tinha feito uma t-shirt para a miúda também.

I used scraps I had in my stash from previous projects. I have a matching shirt for the stipped fabric knickers, and my daughter got a shirt with that same fabric more recently. As for the butterflies one, it is also my daughter that has a shirt in the same fabric. 

E agora, se ainda não o fizeram, espreitem as outras versões publicadas nos últimos dias. 

And now, if you haven't yet, go check out all the other versions posted in the last couple of days. 

20/8

Thread Faction Studio

Call Ajaire

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Beri Bee Designs

21/8

Sweet Mama

Ma Me Mi Mo

22/8

Rebel & Malice

The Pocket Dog

23/8

Idle Sunshine

Where Thread and Needle Meet

24/8

Needles to Say

Max California

25/8

House of Estrela

Top Stitchers Today: Me vs. Call Ajaire

EDITED Feb. 5th 2018: I just went to Becca's blog and brought my entry from there to this post I had over here. For the simple fact that I wanted to add the photos I didn't add in my personal blog back then. And why did I think of that right now? Because auditioning for the next season of PR&P is on and I am going to try it out... why not? I like a little presure when I sew after all, so that challenge should be a good one.
Anyway... I tried to see from my fave entries and I had to pick up this one because it is all I love about sewing: comfortable clothes for my kids, that cool style, adding some details, and above all: refashioned items!!! Oh! I was so happy with this look. So, if you're reading this: wish me luck!

When I signed up for Top Stitchers and then saw the list, I knew exactly what my specialty was: Upcycling of course! Then we got our prompts, and it took me so long to picture what my daughter would grow up to. I pictured a lot of things in my mind, but the answer came from her. She's always singing and dancing, like a true rock star. So, I thought, would I like her to become a rock star? I wouldn't! As long as she was down to earth, a strong woman, a sensitive person, true to herself. All I really want is for her to become whatever she will want/wish to. And I went with the rock star look.

I used 8 existing pieces of clothing to create this look. I first pictured a complete outfit, from head to toe including 8 new pieces. Unfortunately that was over my head and not possible to make. I ended up with 5 item and one unfinished that didn't make into the challenge. The 5 items I finished include a pair of briefs, socks, shorts, t-shirt and one jacket. I used 1 men's leather jacket, 3 women's shirts, 2 women's button shirts, one girl's skirt and a women's jeans. 

I started by making G. a new pair of big girl's briefs, using Serger Pepper's pattern, I did the smaller size, of course (3), and I did them using bits of the striped shirt and the solid red t-shirt. They fit perfectly, and I swear she was wearing them in the photoshot, but I just won't post any pictures of my girl in underwear. You'll just have to take my word as I tell you they fit her perfectly. You can see photos of the briefs (and more) in my blog today. 

Then I did the t-shirt. I adapted an Ottobre's 1/2015 pattern #25. and turned it into a wide neckline top (as was but) sleeveless. I finished the neckline with bias tape and the arms holes with slim bands. It looks pretty as a one off shoulder top. I used the white t-shirt to resize it to her size and patched a lovely girly skull into it. I google for an image like so and then I free hand drew it to paper and cut into fabric. it was the kind of thing I used to do a lot a while ago, and now I don't do that often. That was something this challenge made me realise, and that's why I loved taking part even more. I was able to stretch my imagination, my creativity and make things I really, really wanted, as the jacket, something I did as I was going... but more on that in a second. Because I still had a lot from the striped shirt and I love such prints, I decided that adding a pair of socks to the look would be fun. I used The Sewing Rabbit's tutorial to do so. I tried to make my stripes match, but I couldn't because I was re-using the existing hem and there was no way to make them match. 

The next thing I finished from my list was my favourite one (although I really loved the shorts too). I made my little lady a leather jacket. From all my endless pattern stash, I didn't have a single jacket pattern that I would like for this project. At least not a single one that fit her size range. I didn't worry though and embraced the challenge. I din't do this for so long, start with nothing, no pattern and then make exactly what I had in mind. I actually used Titchy Thread's Rowan tee pattern as a skretch for my jacket. I did all the changes and adjustments, such as shortening the lenght, and making it a two assimetrical front pieces. I changed the collar too. I finished the jacket's sleeves and waistband with ribbon knit bands saved from a refashion from the past. To close the jacket on the front, I used a zipper on the left side of the piece, and underneath, on the center front, I attached 4 kam snaps to make it easier for G. On the shoulder bands I stitched a few lines forming squares in a contrasting thread, red in this case. I finished the inside of the front flap with bias tape. 

The last thing were the shorts, of course. I had just tested Petit a Petit new pattern, the Morocco Pants and Shorts and I just knew I had to use it. The pattern is just about to be launched and I asked Celina permission to use it for the challenge and post even before it's out. But don't worry, it's not long until you can get it, and you will want to. I love all the details, and the professional finishing touches. So, I used jeans to make this pair. In the front pockets and the back welt pockets, I have used the light denim button up shirt, and the other button up shirt as lining. I had plans to make a sleeveless button up shirt for the look too, for layering, but there was no time and it was left unfinished. Back to the shorts, they have a zipper, a snap in the front, and an adjustable elastic waist. I used a lace band from the white skirt to add it to the shorts hems. 

I didn't get all the 8 pieces done, but I am pretty happy that I got these done because they were big hits in our house. And I had fun, really lots of fun for participating in this challenge. I felt free! So thanks Becca, Ajaire, readers and all the rest involved in this. 

Today I get to participate in the Top Stitchers 2 challenge, organised by Becca, over Free Notions. Myself and Ajaire from Call Ajaire are competing for the upcycling theme. Click here to see our posts and vote please. You can vote for both of us, giving more points to one or the other according to what you believe to be fair. I was already pretty wordy in my entry at Free Notions, so here's a few extra photos for you.

I hope you've enjoyed them all because I sure did enjoy making them. 

Refashioned Girl Briefs |take 2|

Do you remember these? Well, back in November was my cousin's daughter 4th birthday and she told me the little miss needed some new underwear. This happened right after I made my daughter's briefs, so I thought, why not? Let's make some for Didi too. And I did, 3 pairs for her. 

I finished these last minute before I left the house so I took the photos before ironing. That's why all the wrinkles here. 

I used 2 shirts that my mom had given me just a few weeks before. The purple and the pink. For the third one, I used left overs from this refashion and the bands were made from scraps from what was one of my first refashions many many years ago, it once was a t-shirt of mine. 

Didi is 8 months older than G., so she's a little bigger is size too, not much but a little. And she doesn't like her underwear to be too tight, so I risezed the self pattern I told you about before to fit her, so the shape from hers and my daughter's is the same. I haven't done any others ever since, but I have been saving some more girly onesies that long time don't fit G. and sooner or later I will give it another go.

Now, would anyone be interested in having these briefs pattern?! 

If there are a few, I will scan them and share (for free, of course).