Replies

1. 
   solosmocker | Jan 02, 2006 10:26pm | #1

   I am very anxious to see a response to your question. I have the same problem. It seems no matter the brand, sooner or later that wire pops thru. I keep shoving it back down, but it comes out and pinches at the worst moments. I guess we could call that cleavage pain. I wash them on cold delicate and hang dry. I also wash them with the back closed. I have given up. I have found with good bras it at least doesn't happen right away. I have a few months to break them in, lose the receipt, and all hope of re-imbursement. Does any company have a lifetime warranty, a la LL Bean?

   Bunny

1. 
   diday | Jan 03, 2006 01:29am | #2

   I've had my underwire bras for a long time and laundered them in cold water in a mesh bag in washing machine on gentle cycle with other delicates, then hung them to air dry. The elastic stretch in the bands gave before the channels started showing wear at the wire ends. When the wire poked through I just slid it back into the channel and wore it anyway. To mend this "right for me" I would attempt reweaving the hole, first with fine thread, then perhaps some wooly nylon for more substance. Other methods of repair might involve stitching a patch over the hole, but I wouldn't do that without first closing the hole in some manner or the wire will poke through it again anyway.I need to replace the bras and haven't found any RTW to fit (tried some at $56-plus each) but haven't yet worked up the nerve to try making my own. Others who do make their own make it seem so easy! One of the problems I would have is trying to duplicate the seamless cup I'm so fond of. I've seen a number of seamed styles I could try and even have books, videos and patterns.Here are some sources:http://www.bramakingsupplies.com carries underwire channeling (see Underwires) if you care to replace it entirely or use a piece for patching. They also carry the liquid rubber coating for tipping called "Plasti Dip" that you might even find at your local hardware or tool supply.BraMakers Supply.com (Beverly Johnson, Canada) has a downloadable catalog of everything you need, and more, to make your own bras. http://www.bramakers.com/bms_sindex.htmlOr, if you want to turn your bra into a non-underwire(?), see Leena‛s instructions for making a Bra without underwire. http://www.leenas.com/English/sew_bra.html She also makes reference to other sites for bra-making fabrics and notions including Spandex House, SewSassy, Clotilde, Nancy‛s Notions, Elan Patterns & Supplies [(Cindy Elam's business no longer exists, but was taken over by http://www.FabricDepotCo.com, Susan Stacy, Fabric Depot, in 3/2005(?)], and Fabric.com.Diane

2. 
   mygaley | Jan 04, 2006 05:44am | #3

   I have had similar problems lots of times--now my favorite brand seems to be less carefully made!  The most successful way I have had of "closing the hole" where the wire pokes out is to use the thick elastic straps from an old bra (I always save some).  Cut a strip about 6-7 inches long and fold up about two inches from one end; place this piece vertically over the hole (some will be sticking over the top) and carefully stretch zigzag all around the edges.  If you have done this correctly you will be looking at a stitched rectangle about 1/2" x 2".  Don't sew that wire, but do allow the end to slip up under the patch.  Fold the remainder over to the other side--always the outside in my case and sew all edges down neatly.  I have never had a bra repaired in this manner poke through again, and it looks neat because the color matches and you are essentially sewing a new shorter channel over the existing channel.  Another thing that helps me is to reverse the wires in the channel, underarm to center front and the wire edge that the finish has come off is not where the hole (and my fluff) is. 

   I am preparing to write the mfg. of my brand and tell them if I have to resew them, I might as well buy a cheaper bra.  God bless you as you sew.  Galey