Tutorial and Thong Pattern for The RED CROSS Victorian Bushfire Appeal

Hi ya crafty chicas,

I have a REAL treat for you! But let me begin with something that weighs heavily on my heart. As many of you know already, Victoria in Australia has been ravaged by bushfires this week. Over 180 people are confirmed dead, with more to come. Thousands of people have lost loved ones, their homes, pets, everything they owned. We are a country struck by grief.

Personally, I do not watch the news. I can’t bear it. I don’t need to see footage of people suffering. But I have heard news report after news report and it breaks my heart. I never want to be someone who sits around and does nothing to help. I believe in human beings incredible gift of love for each other and kindness.

In this spirit, I am making a deal with you all. I am posting a pdf pattern and a tutorial that Emma and I made and have been selling, to make a very sassy little thong.

Since our last panty pattern has been downloaded well over 200,000 times (yes 200,000) I am thinking that we can make some serious money here to provide the victims with shelter, clothing, food and comfort.

In exchange for this great pattern and tutorial I am asking each and every one of you to visit the Red Cross site and (before you download it) donate at least five dollars (more if you can) to the RED CROSS BUSHFIRES 2009 APPEAL IN AUSTRALIA.

This is an honour system so I am seriously counting on your spirit of honesty and generosity.  I thank you so much for your kindness.  I have been truly blessed by running this blog for over three and a half years and I just think we need to give back.

Please leave us a comment when you have downloaded our pattern.  Thanks x x

Now, onto the Comfy Thong.  This is so cool!  I am sure you will agree!  And just in time for a very seductive Valentine’s Day!

To begin sewing,   download this PDF pattern (contains two pages) and print it out.  Now, To check that you have printed the pattern at the correct size please measure the following - where it says ‘bottom’ on both the front and the lining pieces this should measure 3cm and on the back piece from letters C to D should measure 9.4cm.  If these 3 measurements are correct you can make a start!  If not you may need a photocopier.

Materials

• Sewing Machine with stretch needle

• 1.3 metres (52 inches) of 10mm (0.4”) wide underwear elastic

• 30cm (12 inches) swimsuit lining (100% polyester). When buying this material make sure that 4cm (1 ½”) stretches to 10cm (4”) on a flat surface. Any less and the panties will not stretch enough to cover your booty, any more and they will sag.

• 30cm (12 inches) t-shirt material with very little stretch. Scraps are ideal for this.

• Cotton thread (same colour as elastic)

• Optional: Trim (lace, braid…), button, 15cm (6”) ribbon for a bow, needle for hand sewing

Instructions

Note: 15mm (5/8 inch) seam allowance has been included in this pattern.

1. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut out 1 front in t-shirt material, 1 lining in t-shirt material, 2 backs in the lining fabric, 2×30cm (12 inches) lengths of elastic (for legs) and 1x 70cm length of elastic (for waist).
2. Pin and sew trim onto thong front (shown on pattern).
3. Pin thong lining onto back of thong front (wrong sides facing). Use a zigzag stitch to sew the sides together, leaving the top and bottom open.
4. Pin and sew the two short lengths of elastic onto the front legs of the thong using an elastic stitch (looks like a broken zigzag stitch).
5. Place two thong backs on top of each other with letters matching (right sides facing). Sew from A to B using an elastic stitch. Sew from F to E using an elastic stitch.
6. Keeping right sides together, slide fabric and reposition it so points B and E are on top of each other (seams will be positioned on top of each other). Stitch along top edge (longest edge) of fabric with an elastic stitch joining the 2 layers together (C & D will be together at the ends). Now you have sewn the back thong piece, turn it in inside out.
7. Pin & sew front and back thong pieces together at sides and bottom (right sides together) using a straight stitch. Ease fabric to ensure it matches up perfectly. Cut away excess fabric, fold all fabric towards back and use a zigzag stitch to flatten/neaten seam.
8. Now your thong is sewn together, turn it right side out.
9. Sew the long piece of elastic together into a loop.  Pin & sew elastic onto top edge of thong using an elastic stitch.  Ease as needed.

Please spread the word about what we are doing and let’s see how much we can help a very worthy cause.

HAVE FUN!

Mia and Em

xxx

And please visit Handmade Help!  They are doing the most amazing job of raising money and getting all sorts of help for the victims of the bushfires!