I'm so happy to share one of my latest projects with you guys today. This is the Madalynne X Simplicity 8711 monowire bralette!
I've made several patterns by Maddie Flanigan of Madalynne by now. Like this bralette, and this body suit, but this monowire bralette pattern has, by far, been the biggest learning experience. This bralette was so fun to make and I learned a handful of new things about bra making. I love it when that happens.
The pattern for this bralette is Simplicity 8711 and is available to purchase here.
I bought the kit for this bralette from Maddie (available here!) and, as always, the materials were of exceptional quality and beauty. I mean, how lovely is this lace? I wish you could reach through the screen and feel it too. It's just as soft as it is pretty.
The kit comes with all the fabrics, elastics, and hardware you'll need to make the bralette, but it doesn't come with the pattern or the monowire. Those you'll need to purchase separately. And, of course, if the kits aren't really your jam, you can make it out of whatever fabrics you choose (as long as they have enough stretch, that is).
Maddie put together a complete, illustrated, sew-along (available for free download here) that I followed as I went. This guide answers all the questions you'll have about mono wires, stretch fabrics, choosing a size and more. It's super helpful, you guys.
On top of the stunning lace and the easy-to-follow instructions this bralette fits me really, really well. I made a 36C and there's no strange gapping or pulling. The band fits comfortably around my ribcage, the monowire does not dig into my ribs or sternum (hallelujah!) and the straps don't fall off my narrow shoulders. *Applause*
I made one change to the design. Instead of bust darts, I gathered the fabric for a softer look. Maddie and I had talked about this change when I last saw her and I thought it was a great modification.
I can honestly say I don't think I've ever worn a monowire bra before but I am pleasantly surprised by this one! I love that this is a bralette, so it's soft, and sans-padding, but the monowire and floating bridge (if you're not sure what that is, I didn't either! This pattern will teach you all about them, and, it turns out, they're super cool) provides support and shape.
This bralette is a beautiful union of comfy + actually wearable. Because let's be honest, though bralettes are comfortable, they don't always look great under clothing. This bralette is not one of those. It doesn't hang out with those bralettes. It's better than those bralettes. It looks lovely under many of my blouses and dresses, and though I still wouldn't wear it under a thin, tight, T-shirt, it does look lovely under loose tank tops. It's pretty enough to show a little peek of here and there, ya' know?
If you haven't made one of Maddie's patterns yet, I'd like to encourage you to try one. They're all beautiful and they're a great way to introduce yourself to the world of lingerie sewing. You can see all the beautiful patterns she has available here (some of them are free!).
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading! Leave me a comment below if you'd like to see me whip up any other bras or bralettes or want more specific questions answered about this one!
-Hannah
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