underpants – Measure Twice Cut Once

Posted on 03/08/201518/01/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 2 Comments

Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers week – round up

So Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers week has been and gone and I didn’t get to even a fraction of the things I had planned. Life stuff got in the way and ever since I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to get back to the blog.

Thanks so much to everyone who joined in, I sincerely hope you’ve added a few more pretty knickers to your lingerie drawer.

Despite all the life dramas of the week I did manage to squeeze in a tiny amount of sewing time and got 3 new pairs finished. These were all part of my stash busting efforts so I was using fabrics and trims I had on hand.

Next year I’ll be looking forward to lots of fun stuff when we have our next Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers Week!

Posted on 25/08/201425/08/2014 by Susan Goodwin — 4 Comments

Sewing Adventures: stash busting (even the crazy stuff)

Stash busting sewing was in full force this weekend using up some cute polka dots and checks into a few pairs of knickers.

The Lizzie Knickers with in check with elastic and lace from the stash. I can never get these to sit straight for a photo but they are very cute to wear.

The Georgiana Knickers using up the Kermit the frog green crazy coloured elastic. Because when you are serious about stash busting it all has to be used at some point?

Closing in on yet another full year of stash busting and it doesn’t feel yet like I’m making a big difference? Am hoping the last few months of the year result in some big amounts being used or that when I re shuffle everything it will take up less fabric tubs than it currently does? Here’s hoping?

Edit Note: the original version of this post had the black knickers incorrectly listed as The Charlotte Knickers. They are in fact The Georgiana Knickers, a more bikini brief style than the fuller more coverage version that is The Charlotte. Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. I can only attribute the mistake to me being very tired and not thinking clearly.

Posted on 13/08/201418/01/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 6 Comments

Sewing Adventures: Baseball Singlet as pyjamas

I really like pretty pyjamas, and yet I don’t own any? This hasn’t really bothered me until lately and I realised how bad my pj’s had gotten. I kept saying oh I’ll buy some and then never finding ones I liked or walking away from the store thinking I can make that. So I rummaged in the stash and found this cute knit I had picked up from The Remnant Warehouse.

In my quest for prettier nightwear I’m using the Baseball Singlet from the Basics Collection.

Made up as per the instructions. I experimented with a different kind of decorative stretch stitch my machine has. No reason other than I was curious to see how it would work and I thought it was fun.

For the hem, armholes and neckline I didn’t overlock/serge the edges like I normally would as the fabric is quite fine. Instead I made sure the decorative stitch was catching the turned under amount and finishing it all for me in one go.

It worked really well, especially on the curved hem. It’s a great way to finish fine knits, all you need to do is experiment with the stitch types and lengths. Oh and press the hem well before stitching so you can get the stitching in a nice straight line.

I love being able to make these simple things that honestly I used to buy and always felt bad because they were so cheap and after a few washes just look horrible. Now I can use up prints in the stash or keep an eye out for cute knits and have a bit of fun experimenting with them.

It would be a nice introduction to anyone wanting to sew knit fabrics as there are few seams and a variety of finishes to choose from. For more experienced sewers it’s a great quick make with loads of satisfaction in being able to whip something up and then move onto the next project.

I hope everyone else enjoys making them as much as I do.

Am already thinking a pair of The Mary Knickers in the same fabric would make an awesome matchy matchy set and perhaps the perfect summer pyjamas?

Posted on 05/06/201418/01/2016 by Susan Goodwin — Leave a comment

Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers – The Jane Knickers Sewalong Part 1

What a week! Seriously it’s been a whirlwind of excitement. With seeing peoples makes and being featured designer on Kollabora. It’s all just been fantastic and one of those times where I’m supremely happy to have made the leap to share my love of sewing with everyone. Thank you to every single person who has supported Measure Twice Cut Once in any way, I truly appreciate it.

Today kicks off with The Jane Knicker sewalong. If you haven’t got your pattern yet, you can pick it up with a 20% discount until the 10th of June over on Kollabora.

Fabric choices are fairly varied for the knickers which is great as it means you can go as fancy as you want and it’s brilliant for stash busting too. Look for lightweight cottons like voile, cambric or lawn. Quilting cottons and dress cottons are very nice too. Lightweight silks and satins are also lovely and have the added slinky feel to them.

Avoid anything that doesn’t have a good bias stretch to it, is too bulky (like denim or canvas) and if in doubt make a test version before using up your best fabric.

As an indicator of fabric quantity I’m cutting out the size 18 pattern and this is 112cm wide fabric. For sizing, try going by your hip measurement not your waist measurement. The fabric I’m using is close in handling to a voile and has a printed floral on it. Again it’s a stashbusting piece but I know it came from Spotlight a few years back and I stole it from my sisters stash (um, Hi!).

As with all of our woven knicker patterns The Jane Knicker is cut on the bias. With right sides together fold your fabric in half and ensure that the grainline run parallel to the selvedge.

I then folded back just one layer until the selvedge is at 90 degrees to where it was to create a bias fold line. On this I placed the yoke and cut a single layer.

All pattern pieces are now cut.

Taking one lower front panel and one back panel. Match inside leg seam with right sides together and pin. Repeat for remaining leg panels.

Using a straight stitch sew a 1cm seam along pinned edge. In a never before seen occurrence I am sewing with non matching thread to make it easier for you to see and apologies to Nan (my Grandmother) as I can hear you mentally tsk tsking me for non matching thread. It’s just for the photos I promise Nan!

Clean finish raw edge by overlocking/serging or zig zagging.

Repeat the last 2 steps for the other leg panels.

With right sides together match the joined panels. At the inside leg seam push the seam allowance to the back. Pin in place.

Using a straight stitch sew a 1cm seam allowance.

Finish raw edge by overlocking/serging or zig zagging.

Tune in tomorrow for the remaining steps and don’t forget to tag your in progress photos with #everyonedeservesprettyknickers

Posted on 03/06/201418/01/2016 by Susan Goodwin — Leave a comment

Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers – Sewalong Part 2

I do hope everyone has been enjoying “Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers” week. It’s so fun already and we have so much more to come. Don’t forget to tag your in progress work with #everyonedeservesprettyknickers if you are sharing on instagram or twitter so we can see your beautiful makes.

Yesterday we cut out our knickers and added the gusset. So now your knickers should look like this.

Now it’s time to sew the side seams. With right sides together match at the side seams and pin in place.

Using a straight stitch sew a 1cm seam.

Finish raw edge using overlocker/serger or zig zag stitch.

Your knickers should now look much more knicker shaped.

A few people have emailed saying “don’t go to elastic yet! I haven’t found what I need”. So here is a bit about types of elastic that is suitable.

Left to right

6mm regular elastic- super easy to find and possible the cheapest option.

10mm wide knicker elastic. It has a scallop edge and one side is lovely and soft for next to your skin.

Scallop edge elastic, bigger decorative edge and smaller amount of elastic to topstitch on. Some of the trims can look like this but lack any stretch so check the stretch before buying.

Measure the waist circumference, ideally your elastic length should be 2/3rds the full circumference. Before you cut, wrap the elastic around you and see if the 2/3rd measurement suits you. If you would like it roomier than go for a longer length of elastic. If you are unsure stick with the 2/3rds measurement.

Measure the leg circumference, ideally your elastic length should be 2/3rds the full circumference. Before you cut, wrap the elastic around you and see if the 2/3rd measurement suits you. If you would like it roomier than go for a longer length of elastic. If you are unsure stick with the 2/3rds measurement.

To allow those who haven’t yet found the right elastic one extra day we will leave it there, and tomorrow we will cover attaching the elastic and top stitching it down.

If you have any questions feel free to pop them in the comments so I can help you out.

Posted on 02/06/201402/06/2014 by Susan Goodwin — 4 Comments

Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers – knicker making class

It’s been a few hours and multiple cups of tea and I’m finally recovering from the amazingness of teaching my first knicker class.

First up it was SO MUCH FUN and that was down to the lovely ladies in class of Mel, Stef, Carmen and Lyndall. They were all so enthusiastic and willing to give it a try that it made it a joy to teach them.

The space at Sew Make Create was all set up with Janome machines and an overlocker for people to share and a beautiful big cutting table.

We went through how to find the right size, cutting on the bias, creating the gusset and then attaching the elastic. Along the way I was trying to make sure that everyone understood what I meant to not only do it in class with me there to help but more importantly to be able to do it once they got home.

Overall we did really well, I wish we had another hour in class to help out as with many new techniques to learn I felt slightly cramped for time.

It was great and I so hope everyone keeps sewing knickers at home.

If you’d like to come along to a class, there is a button on the sidebar that will take you over to what is on offer with dates and other information and more photos can be found on our flickr page.

Posted on 01/06/201418/01/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 2 Comments

Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers – Inspiration

One of the reasons (and there many) that I like making knickers is that I get to choose my own style.

The shape that suits me, the fabrics that I like, trims, ribbons it’s all my choice. My version of pretty may not be the same as yours and that is wonderful. It’s down to you to choose what you want because you get to make it.

If however you are stuck for inspiration, I’ve been doing some research for you. For research like this Pinterest is my weapon of choice as it’s so easy to gather the information and draw from a wide amount of source material.

This lingerie board covers a wide range of styles in a variety of fabrics. I’ve also included bras, cami’s and even some cover ups in here as well. I find it helps to envision and entire wardrobe of beautiful pieces to really get inspired.

Take a look at the shapes of the knickers to see which ones you like. If you regularly wear a full coverage knicker you could be a bit daring and go for a skimpy or even bikini style? Or if you are used to a tiny style perhaps something like The Jane Knicker might be a welcome change?

Once you’ve decided on the shape of your preferred knicker, start looking at fabrics and trims. A Swiss dot paired with a satin ribbon. A floral woven with a lace trim. Raid your entire fabric stash to find all the trims and fabrics you’ve been setting aside for a special occasion.

If you are using a Measure Twice Cut Once pattern then there are individual boards set up for each style showing all the versions that have been made so far. Sometimes it’s easier to see a version so you can see if yours will work?

The Charlotte Knickers

The Georgiana Knickers

Gather together your fabrics and trims and get ready for our first sew along starting tomorrow.

images via Anthropologie, BHLDN

Posted on 29/04/201418/01/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 23 Comments

Everyone deserves Pretty Knickers

Everywhere I look I’m seeing sewers from all over the world making knickers and bras and all kinds of lovely underthings. In the comments on all these lovely creations are so many sewists who say they want to try but they think it’s too hard or that they don’t have the right machinery or fabrics or trims or a myriad of other problems.

Knickers are not hard and they don’t take any fancy kind of machinery. You can make them using a regular machine with a straight stitch and a zig zag using normal elastic. So in the spirit of encouragement, I’m announcing Everyone deserves Pretty Knickers Week

Throughout the whole week we will be encouraging sewers to take the plunge and just try making one pair of knickers. Any style, any fabric any pattern that you like. Make what will suit you and what you want. It’s a few weeks away so you have some time to look around, choose a style and a pattern and find some fabric.

So if you’d like to take the challenge, add your name to the comments here and grab a button for your blog. Follow us on instagram to see as many makes as we can find to regram, tag your makes with #everyonedeservesprettyknickers.

I cannot wait to see what you all create.

Cut and paste the code below to add the pretty knicker lady to the sidebar of your blog

<a href="http://www.measuretwicecutonce.com.au/2014/04/everyone-deserves-pretty-knickers/"><img src="http://www.measuretwicecutonce.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/knickers-website-button-190.jpg"/></a>

We will be featuring round ups of supplies over the next few weeks to help you find everything you need for the week, so keep checking back for more information.

Posted on 26/03/201419/01/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 14 Comments

The Patterns are here!

It’s here! After months of planning, designing, pattern making, testing and checking our first collection has arrived.

Some collections feel like they take a lifetime to come together, this collection is actually two lives. That of myself and my sister. While I have been busy working in the fashion industry as a designer, she has been the patternmaking force behind some of Australia’s most influential fashion labels.

Now we have combined to bring professional patterns and knowledge of design to you. Our first collection is a range of knickers, from full pants to party pants we’ve got you covered. Each style works perfectly on it’s on, but we are also including a designer “how to” for every piece. Showing you how to add and embellish to bring your own style into what you are creating.

Over the coming days and weeks we will bring you more insight into how the collection was created, details on the variations and information on where you can get supplies. For now though, go take a look and let us know what you think.