A Top For MermaidMichelle!

[Miyu]

I'm back with another mermaid bra project! This one's for MermaidMichelle, as the "prize" she chose on my fundraiser! Michelle's donation helped me get my Hydra monofin and helping me feel like a real mer, so I'm really excited to be working on it! She's given me the go-ahead to share the construction of her special bra here :3

MermaidMichelle has been superbly patient with me, but I've finally gotten a new bra base for her so I can get started! (I had been covering a blue bra base with nude spandex, but I recently came across a much better bra to use for her which is both better in colour and in construction). This bra is getting my "bellydance bra" treatment, which involves completely overhauling the straps and creating a criss-cross adjustable lacing system for maximum support and sizing.

Here's what I got done yesterday!



Starting bra base



Reverse side. I don't know the brand, but I really like the unique construction on this one.



Stretchy side bits chopped off.



That strip to the side of the cup is actually a flat line of boning - it's what really makes this bra base stand out, as it gives an extra line of support!



New side straps attached. I got lucky and happened to find some nude ribbon that work perfectly for this! I hand-sewed the straps, twice, with doubled polyester thread, and encased edges where they needed to be. I'll also be stitching on top of it while embellishing to further reinforce them. I like my straps sturdy.

(please excuse the bedspread - I get glue on it a lot and flash makes it look terrible... )


Next up is attaching the main netting portion/creating shoulder straps!

[MermaidMichelle]

Hmmm...I'm not sure if I've ever worn a bra with straps like that; I look forward to it!

[Miyu]

Heehee, the mermaid top I made myself was my first using these types of straps... It takes a little getting used to, but is SO WORTH IT, because it accommodates weight gain/loss beautifully! Plus it has the most support I've ever had in a top, and it keeps everything "reigned in", LOL! (I still haven't put the shoulder straps on yet, don't worry, they'll be there!)

[Miyu]

I finally got the netting placed how I want it! This is the first layer of netting - there will be a secondary layer of a different type of net over part of the top. I've pre-washed all the netting for comfort, and it's pretty soft

Also shown here, a quick look at the lacing system on this top, using the excess ends of the netting as the ties (the finished product will be different, I still have to shorten those straps and the actual lacing will be interchangeable).

[deepblue]

Ooh the back looks really cool, I like the way you put that together.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Almost corset-y Very pretty. Oh! It reminds me of a ballet shoe!

[Jadestone]

Wow! Really love how the back works on this!

[Miyu]

Thank you guys so much! It's my favorite closure for bras, especially performance tops, because it has so much support and is really secure, and it's sooo adjustable It's the same kind of lacing you'll find on some belly dance tops. I plan on making it my signature style!

Heehee, funny that you mention a ballet shoe, Wesley, because my duct-tape dummy is wearing a tutu I made :P She currently looks like some kind of sea ballerina!

[Mermaid Galene]

Nice!

[MermaidMichelle]

I quite like the style; it looks pretty already! I also appreciate everyone else's feedback!

[Miyu]

I just ordered the shells!!! I'm hoping I got a good selection of colours, I ordered 4 just in case (and will be using the extra two on a top for myself). The Lion's Paws I ordered usually come in shades of red/orange/yellow naturally, hopefully I got some bright ones!

[MermaidMichelle]

Thank you! I look forward to seeing them!

[Miyu]

Apparently the company I ordered from does 2-day express shipping, so they should be here this weekend! How exciting! I can't wait to start attaching things to the top, I had to wait on these shells to figure out how to arrange everything. I picked out some super-neat beads from my collection just to match your theme, I think you'll love them!

[Miyu]

Here's the shells in different lighting situations! Aren't they just beautiful? They're also HUGE and way heavier than I thought they would be!

[Mermaid Aika]

Those shells look beautiful!

[Vela]

Wow this top is going to look great! Can't wait to see it finished.

[MermaidMichelle]

Merci beacoup tous! Those are magnificent, and perfectly coloured for the Mer on Fire!!

[Miyu]

Yay! I'm glad you like them, Michelle! I saw them online and thought they would be perfect for your theme

My mertender will be drilling holes, etc. in the next few days, so I'll be able to secure them to the top soon!

[Miyu]

Finally dug out all the bits and my mertender got the holes drilled today (and wore down two bits doing so - these shells were a paint to work with, apparently)! I've started sewing them onto the base, they're going pretty quickly and HOLY SEA COW does it look awesome! It's going to match Michelle's theme perfectly, I think!

[MermaidMichelle]

What wonderful news, and just in time for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1's global release (I'm seeing it today)! My condolences to your mertender though; would he like some extra for those bits?