Birthday Dress + My First of Many Watson’s!

Birthday Dress + Lingerie Sewing

Yesterday was my birthday, 39 years young, and I decided to break out my party dress to celebrate.  I’ve also just sewn up my first two Watson Bra’s and have 5 more cut up and ready to sew! I got a new nose ring, in lovely lapis, a Wedgwood style pitcher from the MET from my parents, and two new patterns on the way courtesy of my husband, Sewaholic’s Granville Blouse and By Hand London’s Holly Jumpsuit!  Fabulous birthday!

Birthday Dress + Lingerie Sewing

Birthday Dress + Lingerie SewingBirthday Dress + Lingerie Sewing

The dress is Gertie’s Butterick B5882.  I made this almost two years ago, pre-blogging, for my Halloween costume as Zooey Deschanel’s character Jess from New Girl.  It’s one of the few shows I watch religiously-my kids love singing the theme song :)  I think? I made this in a size 12…it’s been awhile.  It’s a bit big on me now especially in the bust, but fit like a glove when I made it.  As my youngest is getting close to weaning I’ve gone back to my pre-kids bra size.  Exactly why I’m sewing a whole new bra wardrobe with the Watson. I’m now a 34B, down from a 36DD when I was tandem nursing!  The dress is fully lined with bias straps,pleated bra and boned bodice.  This was one of my earliest dresses and was really interesting to put together.

Birthday Dress + Lingerie Sewing

My first Watson bra in purple was my tester for size before committing to nicer supplies.  It’s made from an old knit top with elastic remnants in a 34B.  I was a bit skeptical at first to go with the sizing (it measures the difference from upper and center bust) as I usually wear a 34C in RTW, but the fit is absolutely perfect.  My band was doubled for less stretch and is quite supportive for a non-underwire bra.

IMG_9758 Birthday Dress + Lingerie Sewing

My second version is my favorite.  I made this with a peach colored lace  and used coral elastics from Fabric Depo with rings and bra hooks from Flora’s Garden both on Etsy.  I used Amy’s tips for changing the pattern to use the scalloped edges but decided to line all my pieces. I love the look of this.  Sadly my bra band is a bit snug.  I used a performance knit as my lining and it was a bit too firm.  I can still wear it but may get a bra extender.  I love how the lace looks though, especially with the strap accents.

IMG_9754 IMG_9753 IMG_9750 Birthday Dress + Lingerie Sewing

I’ve cut out two matching sets, bra and panties, both in the longline version out of a knit pillowcase and an older Boden dress that I loved but rarely wore anymore.  Hoping I’ll enjoy it more as lingerie.  I also cut out a bra from a pair of my daughters knit pants she doesn’t like and from a workout top that was too tight.  Bra’s are the best for refashioning.  The panties take up a bit more yardage so I haven’t made as many yet.  I made a tester pair that I then altered by raising the waistline an inch.  Trying to go through my refashion stash before purchasing new fabrics.

IMG_9769 Birthday Dress + Lingerie Sewing

I can’t wait for my new patterns to arrive!  I’m planning on making the Granville in a Liberty print, maybe this floral and the Holly in white linen, most likely this one from Marcy Tilton since it’s opaque.

I spent my birthday sewing another Grainline Tiny Pocket Tank, sans pocket, out of fabric I cut from two silk dresses I found at Goodwill in Navy and Cream.  Love how it’s turning out.  I cut the pattern into panels so my centers are in contrasting fabrics.  I had a lovely day even with my son sick at home.  My daughter helped me make my birthday cake, a lovely Lemon Sponge from Nigella Lawson’s How to be a Domestic Goddess-one of my fav cookbooks!  And my husband per our tradition found the biggest loveliest romantic gibberish card he could find! Perfect day!

Birthday Dress + Lingerie Sewing

 

12 responses to “Birthday Dress + My First of Many Watson’s!”

  1. deuxsouriceaux Avatar

    Happy birthday! Your day sounds fabulous and I love your dress. I’ve been wanting to try bra sewing too (I’m looking at the Watson and the one from the Colette mag) but I keep pushing it back because I have so many other projects that just have to come first.

    1. Rebecca Avatar

      Thanks! It was a wonderful birthday! Bra sewing is so fun once you get the hang of it. Plus you can make them with so little yardage in very little time at all. Seamwork had some great articles!

  2. Helena Avatar

    Happy Birthday! You look wonderful in that dress. I remember all bra issues from when my kids stopped nursing (both my kids stopped (by themselves) from on eday to another) and how good it felt to wear proper, well-fitting bras. Have fun making bras!

    1. Rebecca Avatar

      Thanks Helena! I was so happy for an occasion to wear this dress again! And it does feel so nice to wear real bras again. :)

  3. crab&bee Avatar

    Happy happy birthday! Sounds like you spent it quite well. Reading about your new nose ring makes me feel like upgrading, too! I’ve been curious about sewing the Watson in knits and jerseys, so I was glad to see you’d tried and succeeded.

    1. Rebecca Avatar

      Thanks Morgan! It was a wonderful birthday! I love my new nosering, it’s just a bit more dramatic then my old ones and the blue is so pretty. The Watson is super comfy but still supportive which is great.

  4. qplourde Avatar

    Happy Birthday! Wow, bras! Those look really professional!

    1. Rebecca Avatar

      Thanks so much! :)

  5. anniehanks Avatar

    Happy Birthday! I admit it that I am a New Girl fan and I want her wardrobe….

    1. Rebecca Avatar

      Thanks Annie! Isn’t her wardrobe fabulous! :)

  6. Carolyn Avatar

    Happy belated birthday, Rebecca! I’m so excited that you’re diving into lingerie sewing and will be looking forward to checking out your next batch of Watson’s. What a great idea to try things out in upcycled fabric. Have fun! :)

    1. Rebecca Avatar

      Thanks Carolyn! I’ve already made 3 more bras, best use for all my remnants! Lingerie sewing is such fun!

%d bloggers like this: