Madalynne X Simplicity - 8711
Pattern: Madalynne X Simplicity 8711
My Measurements: Bust 83cm; Under-bust 77cm
Pattern Size: 34B
Pattern Adjustments: None
Fabric: Black Italian Flocked Dot All Over Stretch Lace from Madalynne; Peach Powernet from Nellie Joans
Wire: Continuous Monowire Size 32C/34B/36A from Madalynne
Notions: Blush Pink Trimmings Kit from Madalynne; Black 12mm strap elastic, 12mm Rings and Sliders from Nellie Joans
The sign of a good pattern is dreaming up the next make while clipping the final threads of the current one. And this pattern did exactly that! I have more iterations of this monowire bra than I do monowires. This bra was am absolute joy to to sew up, taking a few hours of a sunny winter afternoon, and was a much needed addition to a dwindling bra drawer.
The pattern has some lovely features, a monowire, which stands out; a subtle ruffle; and a floating bridge. The construction was straight forward, it was my first time sewing a floating bridge, overthinking the process which was as simple as placing the bridge on top of the front fabric. The ruffle is very subtle, and in future I may add a little more gathering length for more drama. All seams except the bottom, between the ruffle and front/back band are finished with channeling. The bottom seam, finished with a simple zig-zag is my only disappointment, more from my own execution. In future I will finish this seam with the coverstitch, the front side of the seam is shoulder strap elastic concealing the ruffle/front/bridge raw edges, this strap elastic will look lovely with the wide setting of the coverstrich twin needle, with the bonus of a tidy inside seam.
The pattern was clearly written, well laid out with detailed instructions and diagrams. If you are a beginner bra maker, this pattern is a great place to start. I had no issues with the fit, the band is very snug, and will relax with wear. I have a second monowire in my stash, I am trying to hold myself back, embarking on a few more bra patterns in the stash before making another Madalynne X Simplicity 8711.
