Corset - Lingerie contest - Vogue 9273

Pattern Description: Vogue 9273  Lined top has princess seams. A: front zipper. I modified this pattern so extensively I'm not sure you can still say it's this pattern.

Pattern Sizing: 14-16-18 - Modified for a 36GG cup!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Only superficially. I changed the cup dramatically and extended the torso to a long-line princess waist.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Honestly, I never looked at them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? * In order to fit correctly it NEEDS an underwire (I made this pattern once before), and it still didn't fit flat to the ribs in front. * The zipper/buttons in front are pretty far apart which shifted part of my breasts into my armpits!

Fabric Used: Sheer ivory polyester chiffon. Made a previous version with red vinyl - not comfy!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

•  Self-drafted bra cups from one of my bras. 
•  Added boning since I didn't have any extra bra underwires (Next time, I will invest in underwires!). 
•  Extended waist to a long-line (like B) that came to a point in front (like C) and in back. 
•  Extended top edge of sides and back to provide more support for cups. 
•  Added elastic to top edge. 
•  Added self-binding to bottom edge. 
•  Used heavy duty zip ties for boning - used a modified version of a french seam (similar to a jean side seam) to encase them between the fabric and "lining" (both layers are the same sheer fabric).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? It's a pretty pattern and I love the corset styling. I'll probably tweak it and try it again.

Conclusion:  I really want a pretty corset and this is a fun pattern - I just wish it weren't so hard to modify to get the cups right!

Not modeling this one as it is totally sheer (you can see the bra pads I used to try to make the mannequin look more like my measurements!)!

Actually, I'm not modeling either one, as my cups runneth over in the red vinyl!!  

(Obviously, the mannequin is not set up for my measurements!

I was never able to get the cups to look right in the pleather (they looked like weird Kermit the Muppet faces). So, I came up with what I think is a clever alternative. I appliqued a Wonder Woman symbol across the chest and made it into a Wonder Woman costume (after Wonder Woman had given birth and breastfed a couple of kids, gotten older, and gained a "few" pounds). 

New Bags!

I've been designing custom bags for awhile now, but keep forgetting to show you guys!

This cute little bag was purchased by the winner of the Trauma Mama auction.  She requested a smaller purse in bright colors, especially greens and purples, and loved elephants, monkeys and Cloisonné.

The elephants' ears can flap and the lavender elephant's trunk is free standing.  The inside is lined with pockets.

The back of the purse is a sunset with gold stitching.  The strap is adjustable.

This purse is one I designed for myself!  I love the bright colors and that it's big enough to hold my design book!  I've been stopped frequently by people asking where I got it!

The inside is lined with a red vinyl that gives it some body.  The outside is a decorator fabric with extra circles embroidered on.  The strap is decorated with abacus beads!  Inside is a self designed "wallet" with 8 pockets (4 on each side) for all the cards I own (insurance cards, loyalty cards, business cards... all labeled). 

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This wristlet was designed to coordinate with a custom, one-of-a-kind evening gown. It was made from scraps of beautiful, Chinese vintage silk, a family heirloom. The gown had an Asian-inspired sleeveless tunic in the silk and coordinating floor-length flowy skirt in layers of  sapphire blue chiffon.

Vintage silk from China

Thirty One Bags used to carry a "Skirt Purse," this was a cool purse with a removable outside cover. The bag stayed the same, but you could switch out the cover. This client loved the color green. That was all the direction I was given! Here's the bag with 2 different skirts.

Can you spot all the ladybugs?

Other side of the "Ladybug"skirt

Green patchwork fun!

Additional bags
Latest BeTA Auction Winner

Purchase:  If you're interested in purchasing a custom tote or bag, please leave a message on this post -

your e-mail / contact info will not be published  

20% of your purchase of a custom-designed tote or bag will be donated to BeTA 

- a support organization for parents and caregivers of children who have experienced early trauma and have attachment issues.  They offer scholarships to an amazing annual retreat and  provide continual support to caregivers of children of trauma by organizing regional meetings, networking, and education.