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Friday, November 9, 2012

This is Why My Stash is Totally OOC

Because $40 worth of lingerie elastic can be had in my local thrift store for $1.50 on the right day! These bits were grouped into bags- each cut looked to be about 4 yards, and there are lengths of waist and thigh elastic in almost every color seen here.

So, I am making myself up some new lin-ger-ie. I whipped up two unders using the absolutely lovely free vintage style "Grannie Pannies" pattern from Vera Venus. One pair, I did not photograph, because I was wearing them. If you happen to meet me tomorrow, I will be wearing these. T.M.I.?

These cost me about 20 cents to make. The elastic was almost theft, the fabric was given to me by some nice old ladies at a rummage sale, the rosette is from Grandma's stash, and the lining is thrifted rib knit. The only thing I paid full price for is the cone thread. Man, I love thrifting. 

You can download the free pattern from the Sew Vera Venus blog here. It comes in one size, a 37" to 39" hip, but the pattern can easily be graded up or down. It gives a really nice fit, and there is one main seam right up the center back, which makes them very comfy as opposed to just side seams. Basting and turning the elastic before stitching it down is the way to go, as one pair of mine ended up with a wee bit too much fabric at the thighs. I am just nit picking here though, as I love both pair. And wouldn't this pattern make a lovely bathing suit bottom?

The only issue I run into making underwear is with sewing the elastic. I used my serger for one pair with great results, but for this pair I simply sewed the elastic on the outside with a zig zag and trimmed the excess fabric away. I always get occasional skipped stitches when I zig zag elastic, and I don't know why. I have the tension up, and I am using a ball point needle. Any ideas or suggestions? Does this happen to you too? It drives me cray-cray!!!
Posted by A.J.A. at 7:00 AM
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10 comments:

  1. AmyNovember 10, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    Wow, those look great! Way better than anything you could buy, and you can't beat the price.

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    Replies
    1. A.J.A.November 10, 2012 at 6:22 PM

      Thanks! It's crazy how expensive and cheaply made underwear have gotten. The last time I bought lacy ones in the store, they didn't last through a single wash before the stretch lace began to tear. My homemade undies have been holding up waaaaaayyyyy better. And I can make them so the elastic doesn't dig, which is the best part.

      Delete
  2. BoPeepNovember 12, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    Oh my gosh! I do the same thing! I have yards of 4 inch wide lingerie lace??? It was so cheap! lol I will definitely make a pair of these. Thanks for sharing. :) Btw, I have the same problem with skipped zigzag stitches on my '81 Singer. No idea!

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    Replies
    1. A.J.A.November 12, 2012 at 10:30 PM

      Yes! I have some of the wide lace too! It would be really pretty for a cut away lace applique in a top. So many ideas, so many great thrift store finds, not enough time!!!

      Delete
  3. Mal'akhimNovember 13, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    Try using liquid teflon on the needle and soak the bobbin (full of your thread) in it and run a bead (just a thin line)on the length of the thread spool. Find it at Knitting machine stores or places that sell stuff for knitting machines. They use liquid teflon for their needles.
    It is also sold in fabric stores and called 'needle-lube.'
    It will solve your heartache and headaches with skipped stitches.... (once upon a time professional seamstress)
    Does not show on your fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Justine of SewCountryChickNovember 15, 2012 at 2:04 AM

    I love the fabric on those panties! I have never sewed any. Do you use a pattern?

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    1. A.J.A.November 15, 2012 at 9:22 AM

      Yes, I used the Vera Venus "Grannie Pannies" pattern. There is a link to it in the post. I have also used the Ohhh Lulu Betty pattern, which is nice to work with as well.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousNovember 15, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    They look great! I'm glad you liked the pattern :)

    I rarely use ball point needles when sewing stretch. Instead I use a size 10 and change the needle often to make sure its as sharp as possible and rarely have skipped stitch problems. I had those issues a lot when I tried ball point needles though.

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    Replies
    1. A.J.A.November 15, 2012 at 10:33 PM

      Thanks very much for sharing your pattern. I will give the universal 10 a try for my next pair and see how it goes!

      Delete

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