Breast’s Friends Challenge Entries

October’s Ultimate bra-making Challenge was about being a Breast’s Friend. We asked you to create a bra or a prosthesis for someone who has survived breast conserving surgery. Many of you told us that even though you personally did not know anyone that you could sew for – you still wanted to give this a try. Good for you! This is a great skill to know, and I am thrilled that you stepped up on this one. In their own words, here are our Breast’s friend Challenge Entries. We thank you all!

Agi

Anna

Here is my October Breast’s friend challenge. It is a Ingrid one, for a woman who had a mastectomy without breast reduction, but with a very sensitive scar. As it is under the breast, wires are prohibited, but she needs much support. I made Ingrid with some silk strips to hide the inside seams and make it softer on the skin. I feel the lace gives Ingrid a delicate look instead of a sport one.

Anne

I made a prosthesis with some bra foam I had from another project. It’s based on the Classic bra cup despite all the seams!  I made it a seasonal cover just for fun. It fits nicely in my bra, but won’t see any use besides a cup filler or pin cushion.  While making it, I wondered if anyone had tried making removable foam cup liners?  I’m keen to give this idea a go, probably covering the foam edges with some FOE. Thanks for the challenge.  It’s spurred some creative juices for something I can actually use!

Cassy

Desiree

Attached is my Breast’s friend Challenge Entry. I have no experience in sewing a mastectomy bra, but I gave it a try. Material is cotton tricot, no wires. Bra is made double with an opening in side seam for possible breast prosthesis.

Geniene

For this month’s challenge I made a mastectomy bra. I started with a basic bra pattern and used the tutorial on the Fairy Bra Mother’s blog, (How to Draft a mastectomy Pocket) to draft and sew the pocket for a breast form. The pocket is made from a super soft rayon jersey.

Jessica (staff)

Kathleen

My cousin, Kerry, a breast cancer survivor, opted for a lumpectomy, chose not to have reconstruction, and does not use a prosthesis. The BCD of her right breast is a full inch smaller than her left. She has only been able to wear uni-boob sports bras. She hates underwires, so I thought Ingrid was the best option. Her favorite color is jade green. I hope this Ingrid pattern fits, but if it doesn’t, Kerry tells me she has a special shelf and she will display it! FYI: It is possible to rip out the lightning stitch on lace — twice!

Laura

Here are 4 photos of a grey and black cherry coloured mastectomy bra, and breast prosthesis, that I made for my mother. As my mother lives over 3 hours away from me I don’t have images of the finished bra, I left the casings open at the underarm so Mom could decide if she wanted to have underwires or not. The bra is based on the Classic bra, but I shortened the back band, widened the bridge, rounded the apex and split the lower cup. I also added lace so that it would be pretty. The prosthesis is based off the cup that I drafted. I used the tutorial on the website, thanks so much for that! I hope that it fits as I have another black cherry bra cut for her, but haven’t had a chance to sew it yet. I wanted to get this one in the mail before the Canada Post strikes begin. I’ve only been sewing bras since September, I’ve made several for myself, but this is my first go at making one for someone else. I hope that it fits and that she likes it!

Laura (second bra)

Laura also made a second bra for her mom!

Lorraine

Michelle

Here are the forms I made for Breast’s friend month. They’re similar to forms a family member bought and uses. These are cotton Lycra, with bean bag beads inside.

Sonia

Here are my entries for October Ultimate Bra-makers Challenge. I made a lacy mastectomy bra. Unfortunately the lace could not be mirror but it gave a good result anyway. I also made a matching panty because, well… how does anyone not like matching panties?

Virginia