Back then, it seemed that most women's underwear of two polar opposite choices. Either you wore ethereal little nothings (for the young) or you wore pasty white or beige rubber contraptions featuring armored abdominal carapaces and garter belts for stockings attached at the upper thigh. We young people wore bikinis and 'barely there' training bras (if a bra at all). Old ladies (and to me, anyone over 35 was really, really old) wore the big ole white or beige panties (waistband came up to the bra line) and white bullet bras.
Now, I am the same age as what only a few short years ago I considered "old". Ha! At least nowadays we older adults have a choice other than big ole' white panties, bandage bras, and carapace girdles.
This "body shaper" pattern from Christine Jonson is so much fun to sew! The pattern's in just two pieces, and the final garment is totally reversible. You cut two 'body ' pieces and one inner leg piece, then sandwich them together. At first, I was puzzled at how this would work, but I plunged ahead and it turned out to be amazingly quick and fun. This took me 15 minutes to cut, then another 15 to sew. The crotch and inner leg piece is one layer, and is sandwiched between the lining and inner layers. I'm normally not one for girdles or shapers, but this gives a nice smooth line under clothing. If you wanted a tighter feel, you could use a stiffer knit fabric, or sew a smaller size, I guess.
I like that this provides some modesty under a dress (and with a slip, you'd be fully and thoroughly covered!). I have this wierd paranoia thing. So I want to be assured that if I fall in the street wearing a dress, which thankfully I've not done very often...I don't want the world to see my "goods". With this little number on my booty, I'm good to go. Insurance!
The fabric I used here was originally destined for a shirt, but I changed my mind. The black that I used for the lining is also from Christine Jonson. It's called "your second skin" and is nice, sleek comfortable knit. I am glad I bought two yards of this, because I'll be able to make five or 6 of these shapers now! You can see more details on the fabric here .
9 comments:
I think it's kewl that you've made one of these up! Love that you used such funky fabrics!
That is a very cool body shaper!
I like this shaper. All I ever see is black or beige in stores. Like this fabric.
Barbara, I love your description of the foundation garments of the past! This is a great body shaper!
Looks like a great pattern. How does it wear, erm, in the rear view? I bought some RTW panties sewn like that--front and back with all-in-one inner thigh/crotch piece and experienced a ton of creep. I don't know if it was the style in general, or the size and/or fabric of the panties. It would be a great shape if I could get it to work because no seams to show through.
These look great. Thank you for posting your review of this CJ pattern. I've have to get this one.
stunning,love it,love it…the fashion is just so awesome,love the images…love your blog xo
Yeah! I feel the same as you when I was a teenager, people with more than thirty years were "old" and I was horrified me with those ladies underwear ... Today I sigh with nostalgia of past fashion .... your piece is so beautiful and fun! Wow!
Estoy encantada de haber encontrado tu blog y poder curiosear todas las prendas maravillosas que coser, espero que no perdamos el contacto y si puedo ser de alguna ayuda en tu aprendizaje del lenguaje, cuenta conmigo! Un saludo, dear friend!
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