Grey Vertical Seam Bra with Black Trims

Here it is, my first bra made with my custom bra sloper using the drafting method from Bare Essentials Bras, 3rd Edition by Jennifer Lynne Matthews-Fairbanks.

Pattern: self draft, 2-piece vertical seam cups with full frame.
Underwire: Carmen by Emerald Erin
Fabrics: Grey duoplex and powernet I think from Bra Maker's Supply.
Elastics: 3/8" & 1/2" black picot elastics from Fabric Depot Co.  Piping edge elastic along the neckline from Sew Sassy.
Straps: 1/2" ruched strap elastic.  Can't remember where I bought it, sorry.
Bow: 1/4" satin ribbon, heart charm from Joann jewelry department.

While I would not say that sewing a bra is hard, there are always a few parts I struggle with.  Every time I sew a bra, I try out a new technique or two to see if I can improve my sewing experience.  

This time around, there were two areas I wanted to try something new: encasing the ends of the channeling at the front, and making a strap attachment less bulky.

For the channeling,  I'd normally have the ends extend past the edge of the cradle, then close them off and trim them at the end after everything else is sewn.  I think I learned this method from the Harriet Bra instructions.  But after seeing a few Emerald Erin bras that use the neckline elastic to finish the top of the cradle as well as the cups, I decided to see if I could get the ends of the channeling under the edge of the neckline elastic.  I started the channeling 1/4" down from the edge, since I was using 1/4" elastic.  I didn't quite get the ends under the elastic, but at least they aren't sticking out past the top of the cradle.  

I usually attach the ring to a strap attachment that is part of the cup.  So far that has led to a very bulky seam that usually breaks my needle with several layers of fabric and elastics all coming together.  This time I decided to just let the armhole elastic extend past and thread the ring through that.  I probably should have made a tighter loop against the cup; it stretches out a bit when worn, obviously because it is elastic.  But this join was much easier for me to execute and left me with a much smoother fold.

Do you have any tips for sewing channeling or attaching the straps?  I'd love to hear them, leave a comment below.  Happy Sewing!