Sunday, September 18, 2016

Enter the Canada Cups Craftsy Bra tour GIVEAWAYS NOW!!!!!

WHOOHOOOOO!!!!! I hope you're as excited as I am!


Today is the day to enter the giveaways.  Entry starts Sunday at noon, and closes Tuesday at noon.  Winners will be announced Tuesday afternoon, there will be some consolation prizes as well if you don't win, so be sure to check back either way.

Now on to the prizes, our Sponsors have been very generous!!!!   

You can win,
  • Online classes from Braphoria, Crafsty and Closet Case Files
  • Gift certificates to Bra Makers Supply, Blackbirds Fabrics, Ann's Fabrics, and Central Sewing
  • Bra kits from Emerald Studios, Uplift Custom Bra's, and Custom Bra's. 
  • PDF pattern from Jalie
 Now even if you're convinced you will NEVER make a bra go enter, because any of these prizes would make an awesome gift, but you should totally keep it and make one, trust me it's awesome!!!! 

Have you missed any posts???  Here's a link to my Craftsy Bra Class Review and Demi Bra 
and my interview with Carrie Russell of With Love Lingerie 
The rest are all linked below, go and check up while you're waiting to see if you win!!!! 

So how do you enter?? Simple just click on my boobs!!


http://wp.me/p6SK9W-ll





__________________________________________

Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
http://shrsl.com/?dwxk


Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes


 // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
Sunday, September 11
Monday, September 12

Tuesday, September 13

Wednesday, September 14

Thursday, September 15
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30

 


Saturday, September 17, 2016

Canada Cups Craftsy Tour-Saturday

What's on today???? 



Saturday, September 17


__________________________________________

Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
http://shrsl.com/?dwxk


Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes


 // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
Sunday, September 11
Monday, September 12

Tuesday, September 13

Wednesday, September 14

Thursday, September 15
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30

 


Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Craftsy Class Review -- Canada Cups Cross Your Heart Relay




The day we have been waiting for has finally arrived.  I hope you have been waiting with baited breath.....I know I have been anxiously waiting to share this class and information with you.  I live in Ontario in the Greater Toronto Area, which means I am super lucky, and make other bra makers jealous...why???? Because I live less then an hour away from our very own Fair Bra Mother---Beverly Johnson.  Who is that??? Have you been living under a rock??? Have you not been following the blog hop??? Don't worry I'll fill you in. 

But first a word from our Sponser...Craftsy!   What is Craftsy?  Besides one of my favorite websites, It's a site that hosts online classes for anything craft related, from Sewing, Crocheting, Painting, Cooking, Cake Decorating, Photography.....they have a class for it.  They also carry a ton of patterns, that can all be downloaded instantly and printed out at home.  They offer several free patterns, as well as paid ones, from wonderful Indie designers. 

All the classes have professional trainers, several hours of instruction that you can pause, put into slow motion, and keep online notes on. The BEST part of the classes though are the questions.  At any time you don't understand something, or need help you simply type in a question on the side, and the instructor themselves will respond with a helpful answer and or photo.  It is extremely helpful to scroll through the questions, because more then likely someone else has already asked what you wanted to ask, and received a response so make sure to check that out and make us of it.  
As you can see on the right hand side of my screen I am a Craftsy Affiliate.  That means any link you click on from this site, they will know it's from my blog, and I will get a small reward, so to speak.  I am happy to work with them, because I respect the company and would never 'plug' something I don't believe in or use myself.  I have taken several different classes, including 3 other of Beverley's Bra and swimsuit classes, before I was offered this 3rd advanced class for free to review.   Now onto the class.




Who is this Beverly???   She is a lovely lady, who decided several years ago to put her amazing knowledge of sewing and pattern drafting into a field that was virtually untouched (not pun intended).   She started her own business "Bra Makers Supply" and has designed several patterns for bras, swimsuits, and other lingerie.  She created a niche business and has taught bra making classes all over the world.  Beverley has a brick and mortar store in Hamilton Ontario, right on the fabric strip, which makes it an exciting location for any home sewer.  I was lucky enough to go to her shop last summer and meet her in person.  If you've ever taken one of her classes, or simply watched one of the previews I have to let you know she is just as personable, funny and down to earth in person.  

Her passion for bra making, and drafting comes through in each and every class she offers.  Her teaching style is very down to earth and humorous.  She is not stuffy or pretentious at all, and makes you feel comfortable, and confident that YES you can actually make your own bra. 

Since she has literally written the book on Bra making (Bra Makers Manual) her knowledge is extensive.  I think my favorite thing about her as a teacher, is her confidence.  Not only in herself, but in you the student, she truly believes that if you follow the directions, ask the questions you need to and try hard, that you will actually make a lovely bra.  I also love that she doesn't take herself too seriously, and neither should we.  

Since this is an honest review and I've been asked to list my least favorite thing about the instructor, I think perhaps the only thing I could come up with is a difference in style or goal for my bra.  I prefer them upfront and center, where she prefers a natural breast look.  But she shows you how to change and adapt any patterns, not just her Pin Up bra's to conform to the look YOU want, not the one she might prefer. 


 

In the bra community maybe people refer to her Pin-Up Girl patterns as PUG bra's.....but well since we have a pug, honestly this is all I can see when I read that. Hahaha That is why I always refer to them as Pin-Up Girl Patterns.  




This class, and all her classes are very professional.  The Craftsy studio is where they are all filmed and very well done.  They are not touch and go like some of the YouTube videos you may have watched.  The sound quality is excellent, and very clear, the filming is flawless.  She always zooms in, and shows how to do each step slowly and clearly.  You can see everything she is doing, and she uses contrasting thread at times so the stitching really shows up to help you see what to do.  It`s definitely a first class video.  
The content of this video is NOT for beginners in sewing or bra making.  You really would want to have a bra or two under your belt.  She does not take you step by step in making an actual bra, that is what the first class is for.  In this class you build on the information in the two other classes.  She shows you not only how to sew a foam bra, but how to take any bra pattern, and convert it into a foam bra pattern. 

She also shows you how to make two new styles from her Pin-Up Girls Classic bra pattern.  The new styles are a Demi cup, and a Balconette.  Both benefit from the foam to give you additional support and lift, with less coverage yowza!!!!  She is gracious enough to help you convert other patterns that are not hers as well, just check the questions at the side.   She is very prompt in her replies, and thorough, often offering up pictures or diagrams to help explain certain aspects.  She is also willing to give help with fit, and feedback.  Just post a picture of your bra, to brag about your amazing accomplishment or, to get some help with an area that isn`t working for you.  She can look at the offending bra, and instantly tell you what is wrong, how to fix it on the bra, but more importantly how to fix it on the actual pattern, so you don`t end up with that issue again.  



As you can tell I was very happy with this class, if it had not been offered to me to review, I would have bought it anyway (sorry Craftsy).  Now I all I have to get is the new Panty class Sewing Panties: Construction & Fit and I have the whole set.  

I wholeheartedly recommend this class to anyone that has made a bra before, and really wants to learn how to use the foam, and try for a new style.  And if you haven`t made a bra yet, or taken any of her classes, go check out the reviews for her first class `basic construction and fit`.  You`ll find a discount link available there.  
 
___________________________________________________________________


And now for the best part....my new Demi cup bra!!!  I made this to go under some of my wrap style tops and dresses.  I don`t want part of the bra to be seen, but want plenty of support so I feel comfortable wearing them, and I`m not always tugging on my tops or straps.  I am very pleased with it, I had several adjustments that had to be made along the way, and have transferred them to the patters as well, so next time I won`t have to worry about them.  Here are a few pictures of the process!!! I hope you have enjoyed this, I`ve had a wonderful time sharing my experience, and reading about everyone else.  I love seeing all the fabulous new bras.  There is nothing as satisfying as making something that is not only functional, but beautiful as well.  I would like to give a big shout out to not only Beverly, but the lovely people on the Bra Making Forum, and other Sewing boards.  Your help, support and motivation has made it all possible.  As someone who has struggled for years finding affordable bras, I truly do thank you all.  

 First you make sure you get your measurements right and cut out all your pattern pieces, make sure to make any adjustments,  then cut out your fabric.  I've learned that if you put layers of tissue paper between the layers and underneath the fabric, it really cuts down on the slipping.  I use a very small rotary cutter and take my time.  You can also use tissue paper under your delicate fabric while sewing it, and just tear it away after. 


The cups take the most work, so sometimes it's nice to get the frame done first so you feel like you've accomplished something.   





 
 For the demi cup or foam cups you need to make a new pattern to work with.  Don't worry Beverly walks you through each step. 





Voila we have a cup!!!!!!!!
Now we sew it to the frame and add our channeling and straps!!!!

Wasn't that easy?
 



Yay it works, no bra or bridge showing through the neckline. 

Go try a class!!!! and then post back here how it went.  






Craftsy has generously offered my readers 50% off this Class.  Just use my affiliate link here.  










Now Go check out the bra Michelle made from the same class...it's Gorgeous!!!  Michelle's Craftsy Review
__________________________________________

Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
http://shrsl.com/?dwxk


Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes


 // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
Sunday, September 11
Monday, September 12

Tuesday, September 13

Wednesday, September 14

Thursday, September 15
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30

 


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Up Close and Personal with Indie Designer--Carrie Russell of "With Love Lingerie"


 Sexy, Bold, Beautiful, Feminine

All this and more can be said about Carrie Russell, and her line of lingerie "With Love Lingerie".  Carrie started her business in 2009, and has fast become an Indie designer to watch for.  She has had fashion shows at Fashion Arts Toronto (FAT), as well as trunk shows, and features in magazines such as Glow and Flare....I'm sure this is only the beginning.  I can't wait to see what she has in store next.  Now for some personal questions......

1.  How old were you when you first got interested in lingerie???
I started to love lingerie from a young age.  I remember getting a bra and pantie set in a Barbie outfit package along with a dress, shoes and purse...the lingerie to me was the best part. Haha.  From there I just really loved all things lacy and pretty, I remember being mesmerized by Cindy Lauper in her vintage strapless bustiers and tutus in her music videos.  I started collecting vintage lingerie in my teens at local charity shops and estate sales. 


2.  Why did you start your own line???? Was it scary? What kind of risks were involved in going on your own?  
I started the line on my own in 2009 after leaving a production manager job for a cocktail dress designer.  It was terrifying and still is.  Obviously my biggest fear was finances and I'm fortunate to have a wonderful life partner who understands the struggle and works with me to formulate a strategic plan each year to make sure I reach my design and financial goals with the business.  

3.  Were people supportive of your dream/ideas?? Did you have to overcome discouragement/disillusionment?
I still have people who don't really understand what I do, they ask me if I could hem their pants or make a curtain for them which is not beneath me at all but just not what I do with my business.  My husband is very supportive though and often is the first to defend me to other family members when they are shocked that my designs are carried in many retail locations and a department store.  My biggest pet peeve is when I'm out socializing and somebody starts in on what I should design and sell...I'm always open to feedback but offering suggestions without even knowing my brand and in a non-work setting drives me crazy.  I'm polite but try to steer the conversation in a different direction.

4.  Do you design items just for yourself, that you don't sell???  
Yes I make any cocktail dresses that I have to wear to fashion events, and I often make things for my home and even boxer briefs for my husband.  But the boxer briefs might be something I start selling soon as I've had many clients request them.  

5.  Do you do any custom work for sizes that are not in your current business model?
My bread and butter is custom work.  I usually have at least 10 commissions on the go of either custom sizing or custom designs for clients.  As for sizing, I will make any of my pieces in any size and at least 1/4 of my sales online are for clients who have measurements outside my posted size charts. 
6.  Have you ever/do you plan on making any larger cup sizes...for those us that can't wear bralettes????  
 I used to make an underwire bra and it was wholesaled to a few retail shops however, as a one woman army with a small studio I found trying to keep all the sizes of all the bra wires very costly.  By the time I worked out the pricing with materials and my labour the bra priced out of what people were willing to invest in an indie designer's underwire bra.  However, I do make the bra for clients that request it and lately have found a better supplier for the materials so am toying with bringing the Beatrice bra back .

7.  What is your FAVORITE item you have created??? can you share a picture, or sketch.  What do you love about it. My favorite piece I created was for Flare magazine and Matel.  It was a dress made out of 1200 bra straps and I had to make one for a runway show and one for a Barbie!  I was like a kid on Christmas when Matel couriered a boxed Barbie to my front door!  The dress was photographed for Flare and it was so exciting to see one of my biggest design muses wearing my creation.
barbie dress on natalie brown.jpg
flare barbie feature.jpg
8.  Do the items change for you, during the process of creating-photography-modeling??? 
Yes I've been fortunate to have connected to many super talented and recognized photographer and models.  Often they inspire me to create pieces based on concepts we discuss.  I have learned that less is more as my goal is to have the woman to wear the lingerie not the other way around.  In a photo the lingerie should add to the image rather than command it.  

9.  Are there any certain styles that you refuse to design???  Not really, I make many pieces for private clients that I'm sure some designers would shrink away from or feel uncomfortable designing or conversing about.  But I'm never embarrassed by a request, especially from a long time client.  The only time I'd not make a certain piece is if I don't have the capability or expertise to do properly.  Men often request custom pieces and I'm happy to work on the garments.   I have refused commissions based on the customer using disrespectful language when describing their request, but that is less about the garments and more about the design relationship or dynamic that made me back away.  

10.  What is the main goal you want to achieve for someone when they buy your items???  Sexy? confident? beautiful??
 I want the lingerie to be a gateway for women to be comfortable in their own skin.  Ideally I want my pieces to frame and highlight what a woman already loves about herself.  Typically my clients are from 30 and up, they are confident and beautiful and appreciate having lingerie that compliments their personality and best assets. 



11.  How important is the 'feel' of a garment to a buyer...more important than it's looks???  
Feel and look really do go hand in hand.  I have learned not to force a fabric into a silhouette that isn't suitable.  A silk charmeuse won't work for a waist cincher and though would have a nice hand, would compromise the look of the design and the comfort of wearing it.  I tend to like to work with fabrics with a very soft hand, I enjoy drape, sheer and soft to the touch fabrics and my designs reflect that.  

12.  Are clients more demanding in regards to fit with custom, or indie made garments then they are with RTW??? (I find I'm a lot pickier with items I've made then bought)
 I think clients no are more savvy than ever with their knowledge of garments and fit.  Being a designer for both a large rtw company and now my own line I feel all clients expect quality and fit regardless of the size of your business.

13.  What is the best/worst aspects of working for yourself? 
 Wearing all the hats can be very tiring.  Sewing production all day, spending the early evening doing admin and then heading off to do a pop up shop in the evening really takes it out of me some days. However, the best part is seeing your hard work pay off and having no limits on your professional and personal growth.  



14.  What current trends do you see in the marketplace?
I am finally seeing lingerie be recognized as part of the fashion industry.  I'm happy that many of my retailers are catering to a marketplace that wants to see lingerie hanging above the newest cocktail dress styles or jewelry collection.  Many of my newest stockists are more like fashion general stores and it is exciting to see that market spurring this trend on and hope it is here to stay.

15.  Where do you see yourself/business in 5/10 years.  Do you hope to expand or keep to the business model you have now? 
I do want to keep my business model very similar.  My goal is to move to an offsite studio space with a part-time seamstress for backup. I'd ideally like a more European atelier model where by appointment, people can shop my collection but mainly my space would be for the creation of the lingerie rather than a full boutique.  I never want to be far from the sewing machine as the creation of the lingerie is my favorite part.  I identify as a maker rather than a business mogul.  I'm far from a mogul! haha

16.  Where do you get your inspirations for each season??? Can you give us any ideas,hints, or previews to your fall line?? 
I draw inspiration from music, art, conversation, nature, really it all collides and melts together and out of it comes my sketching session where I concept a new collection.  For holiday I'll still be presenting Mercy that was released earlier this year, but after that I'll be working on a capsule collection and you'll be seeing a lot of red tones, I just love red!

17.  Have you ever considered selling your patterns for home sewers like myself????  
I'm not against selling my patterns but the work that goes into digitizing them (I work mostly manually) and preparing them properly would mean too many things to juggle.  I know there are quality lingerie patterns out there on Etsy and online so I usually refer sewists that way.  
I do teach workshops and classes regularly at Sew Be It in Toronto and even host some booze and bralette sew alongs in Toronto and Hamilton pubs now and again.  

18.  How do you feel your background/upbringing influences your choices??? do you feel more restrained because of it, or do you rebel against them? I feel that my upbringing taught me to listen to my heart and that you have to be responsible for your own joy, no book can show you these things.  I'm inspired to bring the sensual, the fun, and the beautiful to people's lives one stitch at a time.
 http://www.withlovelingeriexoxo.com/
Thank you very much Carrie for taking the time to share with all of us. Come back on Friday to see the generous offer from With Love Lingerie.  Her site is full of beautiful bra's and panties, you will be tempted to treat yourself!!!!
Make sure to follow her With Love Lingerie FB page as wall as her Instagram #withlove_lingerie



Scroll down to the Tuesday section below to find out who else is presenting today, and don't forget to click the Orange Craftsy button to win!!!


________________________________________________________________

 Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):

http://shrsl.com/?dwxk
Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes

 

// Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
Sunday, September 11
Monday, September 12

Tuesday, September 13

Wednesday, September 14

Thursday, September 15
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30