by Lisa Daehlin [bio HERE]
I. Bra Condom Amulet
I have the habit of stuffing my bra. No, not with tissues or balled-up socks to simulate uber-boobs, but with my credit card, metro card, post-its with notes-to-self, sometimes even loose change when I don’t have a pocket handy. At times, it brings odd looks when I whip out a twenty to pay for lunch or extract my cell phone from it’s bosomy cradle. More often, however, it brings nostalgic comments such as “my grandma used to keep her money there.”
Based on the string-theory, bikini, that is (and, therefore, wonderfully adjustable to many sizes), the Condom Bra is made in 2 pieces. Each cup is a triangle, knit from the topmost point down towards the fullest part of the breast and then gently shaped as work continues to the bottom edge underneath the breast. That edge is finished with a row of eyelet through which are laced the I-cords, tying it all together.
Size: Adjustable (Sample is knit for size 38DD)
Finished Measurements: 10” high and 13” at widest point of breast, 9" bottom edge (side "seam" to center front). NOTE: It’s easy to add length/width to accommodate your own lovely breast. The basic roadmap of this design will get you there. Go for it!
Materials:
Louet Euroflax Linen Sport Weight (50g, 135yds), 1 skein of Soft Coral
Size 3 US knitting needles (double points for I-cord)
Small size (D or E) crochet hook, darning needle
Gauge: 18 sts. over 4 inches, stockinette
Pattern Stitches:
Garter Stitch (k every row)
Stockinette Stitch
(k RS row, p WS row)
Eyelet Stitch (yo, k2tog)
INSTRUCTIONS
Cup (make 2):
Beginning at upper edge
of cup, cast on 5 sts.
Work in garter stitch for 2 rows.
Next 3 rows: K2, yo, k across.
Next row (RS): K2, yo, k across.
Next row (WS): K2, yo, purl to last 2 sts, k2.
Repeat last 2 rows until your work is as wide as you want your cup/triangle to be. For the sample I made, it was 60 sts or 13".
Begin shaping: Count the number of sts and divide evenly by 3 and put markers between sections. I had 20 sts in each section. If you have any odd stitches, put them in the center section.
Shaping row (RS): K2, yo, k2tog, k to marker, slip marker (sm); ssk, k to 2 sts before next marker, k2tog, sm; knit to last 4 sts, ssk, yo, k2.
Next row (WS): K2, purl to last 2 sts, k2.
Repeat last 2 rows until the center section disappears. In the sample, there were 40 sts remaining and the cup measured 9".
Next row (RS): Work in pattern as established, but without center decreases.
Next row (WS): Knit.
Eyelet row (RS): K1, (yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Next row (WS): Knit.
Bind off all sts.
Pocket: Pocket is made in the same manner as the cup/triangle, with the starting point at the bottom. When work reaches desired depth (approx. 20 rows).
Next row (RS): Work a row of eyelets as on cup.
Next row (WS): Knit.
Bind off. Sew onto the bra leaving the top edge open. (A special thanks to Ravi and Steve of NYC SNB for helping me decide on pocket design/position.)
I-cords: Measure from side “seam” to center front of bottom edge of bra. Make 2 I-cords this length plus approx. 4" for tying at center front. Use crochet hook to weave these cords into the garment through the eyelet rows. Secure the front/bottom edge I-cords to the side “seam” with several tack sts.
Measure from nape of neck down the front/outer edge of the breast/cup to bottom/cast off edge then to center of back. Make two I-cords this length plus 10" for tying. Weave them in. It is not necessary to sew these cords into place (unless you so choose to specifically position the cups). Lace it up, tuck a condom in the pocket and hit the town!
2. Breast Pouch
This spiffy little pouch packs a punch! It is designed to carry a condom or five. It will also accom
modate a credit card or a small cell phone (after all... what is a breast pouch if not accommodating!?). The simple
chain stitch cord is looped through your bra (or other!) strap, the pouch is fed through that loop, tightened up and tucked decoratively into the cleavage (or, left hanging out of it, swinging like a pendulum between 3 o’clock and 9, no matter the time zone). I like to wear mine with pearls.
One Size
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: 4” wide by 3” high, length of cord approx. 20” (or as desired)
MATERIALS
Yarn: Louet Euroflax Linen Sport Weight (50g, 135yds), less than1 Skein of Soft Coral
Tools: Size 3 US knitting needles, small size crochet hook (D or E), darning needle
Gauge: 19sts= 4” and 26row s= 2-3/4" in Seed Stitch
PATTERN STITCHES
Seed Stitch (k1, p1 across row with an odd number of sts)
Reverse Stockinette (purl RS rows, knit WS rows)
*Sun Spot Lace (see chart at end of pattern)
INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 19sts (I used long-tail method for a crisp edge).
Rows 1-3: Work in Seed Stitch.
Rows 4-20: Work the modified Sun Spot Lace decorative "flap" from the chart.
Rows 21-22: Work in Reverse Stockinette Stitch (the purl bumps on the RS of the piece in effect "score" the piece so that it folds nicely along that line).
Rows 23-48: Work in Seed Stitch.
Rows 49-50: Work in Reverse Stockinette Stitch (creating another fold line).
Rows 51-75: Work in Seed Stitch.
Bind off row (RS): Bind off 9 sts. Switch to crochet hook and chain 90sts (or as many for desired length of cord when it is looped). Pull a long length of yarn (approx. 2 yds) from the ball and cut the yarn. Using the crochet hook, pull the chain from inside to the outside (frontside) of the work through the right-of-center eyelet formed by the lacework on Row 14. Then pull the chain back to the inside of the work through the left-of-center eyelet. Continue binding off remaining sts.
FINISHING: Sew up the sides of the pouch and weave in any loose ends. Strap it on, load the boat with life preservers and make like a Boy (or Girl) Scout!
[click on image to enlarge chart and key]
