L to R Sigrid, Sheila, me, Joana, Lynn, Hilde and Marta
My Saturday meet up with the Dutch PR crew took us to Kantje-Boord (K-B) about 25 minutes outside of the city center.
It is totally and completely overwhelming when you first walk in. There is lingerie fabric and findings EVERYWHERE.
Luckily, Sigrid was my secret weapon! She came prepared with a checklist of all the things I would need to make a set. Be sure to check out her lingerie tutorial section!
And, if you don’t have your own Sigrid, no worries, the woman at the cutting counter will remind you of everything you need.
One great thing about K-B is they will put together fabric packets for you. This takes a great deal of the guesswork out. They can also be ordered on line and are 20 Euro ($28 USD) per kit. That’s half the price of my RTW bras!
In addition, they have a dozen examples hanging on the walls of items that can be made.
It’s easy to go crazy in the store.
I couldn’t even count the many strapping and band options
But, I had a goal! I have several bra kits from Summerset’s Hooks and Wires. I just wanted some contrasting materials and to put together one new complete set for me.
Considering I couldn’t quite remember what I had waiting for me at home. I did pretty good with the matching!
Here’s the set Sigrid helped me put together.
And here are some gift stretch laces that Hilde picked up at the regular SAturday morning fabric market in Utrecht. I love Hilde. She and I both have a passion for vintage sewing machines. When she told me handcranks were practically free in Holland, I had a moment considering if I could liberate one from her and have it as my carry on for the flight home. You think I’m playing….
Hilde, Joana, Marta and Sheila were so very patient with us.
Can you beleive I’m looking at these photos and wishing I bought *more*? I’m deep in to two UFOs, but am tempted to put them aside to tackle a new bra!
After this, we headed back to Central Amsterdam. On Els’ suggestion, I had picked up the moustache sleeveheads and basting thread.
Again, I fear I kept these lovely women out longer than they planned. I thought I would hang out a few hours and squeeze in a museum. But, seeing these friends may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. It was worth every moment. Thank you again!!
Tomorrow is ‘Bike to Work Day’ in Baltimore. So, my weekend post (if I can pull it together) should be about actual biking in Holland. And, showcase the obscene amount of bike paraphernalia I picked up.
