I cannot believe it has been so long since my last post! Well, I can believe it, because I’ve had a lot going on. My life since June 2017:

• did that amazing Havasupai adventure (3 posts drafted, none published)
• packed and sold my house in Los Angeles
• had a cross-country road trip adventure with the dogs
• moved into my new place in Hillsborough, NC
• launched, like really for real, my business making custom handbags
• tested patterns, sewn strikeoffs, led sewalongs – normal sewing stuff
• went on a date! that’s right, just the one**
• failed miserably at keeping up on my blog

**EDIT: make that TWO dates

All that said, I’m ready to jump back in and be a more regular writer. I am hoping to look back and cover some of the gaps between there ^^ and here. So what dragged me back? A new pattern release, of course one by Wardrobe By Me (aff link). Christina’s patterns are simply good for my soul, and this one is especially good. If you’re ready to Love Yourself, keep on reading (aff link).

**REMINDER: this is a body positive zone. Be kind to yourself, be kind to me**

Full disclosure, I own at least 10 different patterns for underwear – briefs, thongs, boyshorts, boxer briefs, cheekies, etc. My ass has seen them all, and they all have a place in my dresser for different reasons. I helped pre-test the Love Yourself panties, and made multiple versions throughout the regular testing period (see photo above).  The Love Yourself set stands out for a few reasons:

• full coverage in both the panties and hipsters
• multiple finish options for waist and leg openings including FOE, lingerie elastic, enclosed elastic, bands, and straight hem
• Absolutely no creeping or wedgies in all of the options I tested (I jogged, did squats and lunges, jumps, and multiple rounds of laundry)
• Multiple rise options for both the waist and leg openings

Even better, testing this pattern inspired me to make a complete loungewear capsule that I am SO happy with! The starting point was a scrap of solid purple crushed stretch velvet that I have hoarded for years now, never quite finding the perfect project for it. I was just barely able to eke out some low-rise hipsters (don’t forget I’m short-waisted) and the front band on a longline bralette. Right around Christmas I picked up 3 yards of this floral crushed velvet from So Sew English, and it was a perfect match! I rounded out the set with the black burnout velvet I had left over from a project a couple of years ago. In the end, I have a coordinating 6-piece loungewear capsule that is pettably soft and absolutely beautiful.

Here are the links to the patterns I used, and my modifications:

Sarah Longline by OhhhLuluSews: For reference, I am 30DDD (though I just got two 30F bras from 3rdLove and they are perfect). I make medium front- cups and bands, and a small back. The band does tend to bunch up on me without boning, so for my next one I’m shortening the bottom band pieces by 3/4″.  I get pretty good support from this, and have worn this out and about for a non-athletic day.

Love Yourself Hipsters by Wardrobe By Me (aff link): I now firmly believe that everyone should own a pair of velvet knickers. These are low-rise, boyshort cut, with foldover hems at both the waist and thighs. They are so soft, comfortable, and pretty.

Portlander Pants by New Horizons (aff link): I shortened the inseam by 2″, and brought in the total flare at the bottom by 3.5″ by tapering in 1″ from each side on the back, and 3/4″ from each side on the front. I was worried about not having enough fabric for everything if I kept the full flare, but I would have been fine. I do love the more straight fit this way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carma Camisole by Wardrobe By Me (aff link): I did the tank length and slip with no modifications other than back strap placement. I am wearing a bra under the cami in both pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norma Jean Swim Kimono by Wardrobe By Me (aff link): This is my second swim kimono and it is scrumptious in crushed velvet! I made a few modifications to make sure I could work with the floral velvet I had left. I chopped 7″ in length from the hem, shrunk and moved up the pockets, and moved the waist tie up about 2″. I also added elastic to the wrists and love the balloon effect it creates.

 

 

Tomorrow I’ll have a new post up showing all the panties and hipsters I made during testing, including a tutorial for period panties. Expect a healthy level of fabric-related profanity.