My second and Third Bras (Orange Lingerie Berkeley)

Since bras only take a few hours to make I\’m back already with bras 2 and 3! I mention in my first post about the Berkeley that the fit was pretty close but that I would be sizing up and making a few tweaks, and here they are. First, bra number two in purple lace (left over from a Bella panties kit) and white leftovers from the first pink and white Berkeley kit (and some random stash).

This is the 32C, which is one cup size up from the modified 30C I made in the white and pink. The fit is soooo gooood y\’all!! Not only is this a bra that really fits nicely, I think (and this could just be the post-sewing high talking) that this might be the best bra I\’ve ever had. I love the look of the lace (although the purple and white is a sort of strange combination), the power bar does great things for my shape, and I\’m generally just very. into. it. Yes! (I do think that it makes my boobs look slightly smaller since my usual bra has a foam lining. If that matters to you keep that in mind.)

Having worn it all day for the first time, it was clear to me that something was up with the underwire, though–it was digging in painfully at the gore. I consulted with literally anyone who would listen and replaced the wires (a regular 34 wire) with a pair of RTW wires (significantly shorter!) and now it really is the best bra ever.

Berkeley number three is in black lace left over from… I honestly don\’t know what, and two of them, since I realized half way through that the scraps of lace I was using didn\’t actually match. For this version, I kept the 32C size and the narrow gore, and made one slight modification that you probably can\’t even see: I moved the front strap attachments in by 3/8\”. The purple version (number 2) doesn\’t dig into my armpits but it\’s a close call, so I thought I\’d try it out and see if I preferred the straps moved in some. (to do this I modified the upper cup and power bar pattern pieces slightly–I\’m not confident about bra alterations but it wasn\’t too hard.)

I also changed the strap style some so that the sliders are in the back. I know that having the sliders in the front is the cool thing but mine end right on top of my shoulders and it\’s weird! I just cut the elastic short in back and attached a ring there as well as in the front. It\’s a tiny bit more work but I do think I prefer it.

This time, I used a standard 34 wire and clipped the outer edges about 5/8\” shorter. It is better… but I still get some digging in at the gore! I have ordered some of Arte Crafts\’ \”demi\” wires (since I think I\’d like to use those for the Fenway anyway) and I\’ll try out those next. I haven\’t put the little black bow in the center because I think there will be some seam ripping and wire replacement in my future for this one.

I now have two Berkeley bras in my drawer that fit as well, if not better, than my go-to rtw bras. Although my bra drawer is overflowing, I only wear 2 or 3 of them regularly, so I\’ve basically doubled my wardrobe! Bra sewing is so fun–and quick! How many bras is too many?

xoxo,