The Great Bra Dilemma

This subject is kind of off topic from what I normally post on here but is my current latest obsession.

It is that time again. I have to buy new bras. Tell me, does anyone enjoy this process? Does everyone have as much trouble with this as I do? I cannot remember the last time I bought a bra that actually fit right. All that sizing information out there is decidedly unhelpful. Having put a little weight back on, I find my size has changed so before I go and spend money on new bras I decided to really do some research on the subject. Unfortunately, in my new-found zeal for this subject, I fear I have been driving everyone around me crazy with the obsession to find The Truth about bra sizing.

Hopefully someone else will benefit. Poor Sam and Kaleb have, I am sure, heard more than either ever cared to about bras and finding one that fits well. But hopefully they can impart some helpful advice if ever they are caught up in such a conversation in future.

So far this is what I know. The old method of measuring for bra sizing just does not work. It is a farce, a fallacy, pure bullshit, if you will. (You know--or maybe you don't. Measure under the bust, add 4 or 5 inches depending on whether it is an odd or even measurement, and that is your band size. Then measure around fullest part of bust subtract the band size and that gives you the cup size.) But I think--I hope at least--that I have discovered a better method. It is very simple actually. Measure under bust, if it is an odd number add 1 (only because band sizes only come in even numbers.) This is your band size. Period. If it is an even number, that is you band size. Period. Determining cup size is the same as above. For each 1 inch in the difference, go up one cup size.

Unfortunately, the bra size determined for me by this method is not one commonly found in stores. 32DD That's right, "DD" or even, in some brands "E!" Misleading I know, because I am certainly not that busty and "DD" just tends to bring up images of very busty women. I haven't even seen an "E!" (The same is true for my daughter but I will not reveal her actual size. Suffice to say, she will have a more difficult time finding bras in stores than I will.)

I did find a few on this site.

http://www.barenecessities.com/

But many of them are expensive wherever you look. So I have ordered a couple of different ones and am awaiting their arrival in the mail. I will let you know how that goes.

I have come to the conclusion that I may have to make my own. Crazy, I know, but there it is. But it should not be so difficult for everyone to find a pretty, comfortable bra that fits well, does what it is supposed to do, and doesn't cost a fortune!!! Am I wrong on this?

So, digging further into this notion, I found this site: http://www.bramakerssupply.com/

And this book!

It is, of course, outrageously expensive--but no more so than buying a single one of many of the bra options out there. So it is on my list of books I want.

My search for "the perfect bra" continues but it is on hold until those two arrive in the mail...

The Vest

So this is the latest project--the vest. I have never done pockets like this. It is not as bad as I thought it might be. The first one had a couple of issues but it went fine. And really didn't take long at all.

So this is how far I have gotten on the Tudor kirtle. This is to be worn under a split gown so only the red brocade will show. I am in the process of putting eyelets on the sides of the bodice. Then I will hem it and then on to the next part of the project--the split gown.

Except I have already started a new project today. I am working on a vest. I need to practice the vest pattern I bought so I cut that out and started sewing it this morning.

I bought a pattern for a frock coat to make Sam a steampunk-ish coat for the wedding and it includes two vest patterns as well. I may use it to make some things for the boys as well.

On another note, I have not been sleeping. Two nights ago I woke up at 12:30am and was wide awake until 3:30am. Of course Josie had me up at 6:30 yesterday morning. Then last night I was not tired. Could not get to sleep until like 3am. What is that all about?

But it gives me lots of quiet time to think. And remember...

The days are counting down to the one that marks The Day--March 21st. The first day of spring. The day Jossilyn died. Three years ago now. How is it possible?

This is the latest project. It is a boned bodice for my "Henrician lady's kirtle." I have actually done more work on it but haven't taken any more pictures yet. I will soon though.

So the work on the Tudor continues but I am also gearing up to make some steampunk stuff. We are going to add a bit of steampunk to the wedding. It is just fun.

But I plan to buy boots and hats--can't make those really. But corsets, and vests and jackets, etc., that I can make. Wonder what Kelsey has in mind?

And we have to decide what to do about the little girls... Kids in steampunk? What will that look like? Not sure yet, but it is distracting me.

Drove by Maine Med yesterday on the way to take Kaleb to the orthodontist. And I thought, "We were there 3 years ago. Waiting." Jossilyn was dying and I couldn't do anything but watch.

I am not liking March very much...

Creative Inspiration!

I finished the Spanish farthingale last night and am about to embark upon the next step in my latest project--the early Tudor ensemble. The "kirtle" which will be worn under the velvet gown. The kirtle will incorporate the brocade that I posted a picture of earlier.

In the midst of all this Tudor research and construction, I have been distracted by steampunk and am feeling the need to create something steampunk-ish. But I am resisting that urge until I have finished the current project.

However! Kelsey and I have been tossing around ideas of steampunk-ing the wedding! (Is that a word?) Sam is agreeable, as long as he does not have to be too "crazily steampunk." :)

Meanwhile I want boots! These are from www.gentlemensemporium.com

And this from etsy.com!

And maybe these pants from clockworkcouture.com

The possibilities are endless! Kaleb wants a top hat--Kelsey too. And goggles! Can't forget the goggles! A steampunk must!

Life is short. We might as well have fun while we are here!

The more events I go to, the more I want to go to!

This past Saturday was the Tourney of Love here in our humble Shire of Endewearde. My son, mundanely known as Kaleb, won his division in youth combat and my fiance won the heavy list fighting portion of the event. My youngest two daughters to date have not attended many SCA events but they went to this one and had a fabulous time.

Once again, I was struck by how much I enjoy the SCA and (most of) the people in it. I have made a list of events that I hope to attend this year, with the next being coronation in April. With that thought in mind I have decided to make a Tudor gown, although I usually play an earlier period. Mostly it is because it is an excuse to buy this brocade fabric which will be paired with a nice red cotton velvet. I also plan on making a corset and Spanish farthingale (like a hoop shirt.)

Perhaps I will post my progress to this blog. This is the most ambitious project I have planned to date. I also am thinking of including some blackwork embroidery on the chemise I will be making to go with this outfit.

Also, I plan to make Sam a Tudor outfit as well for this same event so I will be busy!

But it is appropriately distracting at this time of year. Hopefully it will keep me from getting dragged down by thoughts of Jossilyn...

Unschooling Rocks!

I just watched a video my daughter Kelsey linked to her Facebook page. Filmed by another unschooler, it was made at NBTSC last year. It is awesome. Unschoolers amaze me--yes, even my own. When people talk about how great my teens are and how unlike many other teens they know, I think of the many, many awesome unschooled friends of my kids.

On a completely different note, I am really not liking this time of year. It is that count down period to the anniversary of Jossilyn's death. Starting at Birka--Joss relapsed at Birka--and then the 50 days of watching her die. So the days are up and down. Poor Sam. I should be happy--thrilled to be engaged and getting married to such a wonderful person soon (and I am!!) But this still gets to me. I am still sad that my daughter is dead. I miss her. I miss seeing the person she would be now, the person she would have become. Will that ever go away?