Celebrate #BRAugust with Eucalan

It’s August and that means it’s time for BRAugust. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, read on for a little history and some inspiration and resources on how you can celebrate BRAugust, too!

Origins

BRAugust was originally the brainchild of Becca McLellan, director of the Why Not Youth Centre in Brantford, Ontario. Becca founded the BRAugust initiative in 2015 after disadvantaged women kept asking her if the centre had any bras available. For many women, finding a bra that fits can be a challenge, but for homeless women, simply finding a bra can be difficult. So Becca asked women in the community to donate their gently used bras, and in the first year she collected almost 2,000!

In honour of Becca’s initiative, all of us at Eucalan go through our closets each year to find bras that are still in great condition, but don’t get worn often. If you’re interested in participating, collect any gently used bras and use our tips to launder them in Eucalan.

Then check out Free The Girls, a 501(c)(3) organization that collects donations of gently used and new bras, and then distributes them to women who have been victims of human trafficking around the world. These bras are sold by the women, providing income to support their families, educate their children, and create the foundation for a new life of dignity and self-determination. Donations are accepted by mail, or you can drop them off at locations throughout the US and Canada!

Crafting

In recent years, many crafters have adopted the #braugust hashtag and used it to spur creative making of bras and undergarments during August. While this primarily occurs in the world of sewing, there are also some fun patterns for knitters and crocheters available. We’ve collected a few resources from both the knitting and sewing world for you here today.

If you’re a knitter, there are a ton of fun patterns to knit your own bras or lingerie. The runaway favourite these days is the Ripple Bralette by Jessie Maed Designs. This pattern offers generous sizing from a 28” to a 62” bust and takes only 1-2 skeins of fingering weight yarn to complete! We also love the Girly Knits Bra Top by Lauren Riker – along with the matching shorts, this could be the perfect summer pajama set! For our crocheters we love the Three Flowers Crop Top by Nomad Stitches and the Summer Bra Top with Fabric by Fatima.

If you follow the hashtag #braugust or #braugust2019 on Instagram, you’re going to see some beautiful items. Bra maker and sewist Ying of the Tailor Made blog sponsors the #braugust2019 Photo a Day Challenge encouraging sewists to share their makes. If you’re looking for a way to get started making your own bras, we like “The Bra Dilemma Solved” from Threads magazine for getting your ducks in a row. We also found that there are several classes on Bluprint that are a great introduction to bra-making. For inspiration, tips and tricks we love the Orange Lingerie blog, especially the roundups she has done in past years for #braugust. She also has a great list of resources for purchasing supplies and kits!

We hope this article has given you some inspiration and resources to celebrate #BRAugust! If you decide to participate, we’d love to see what you make!

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Eucalan: An Alternative to Dry Cleaning

Summertime can be hot and sticky, and if you own special items that are dry clean only, then your cleaning bills are probably skyrocketing. But we’ve got great news: you can skip the dry cleaner!

There are plenty of reasons to ditch dry cleaning, but first and foremost, dry cleaning is terrible for the environment. As previously mentioned, it’s also expensive, and that’s not even factoring in the time you spend waiting in line to pick up your items.

The good news is that garments that are labeled “dry clean only” can be laundered quite easily and safely at home for a fraction of the cost and Eucalan can help!

First off, consult our laundry lessons for how to wash specialty items. This will give you the basics of how to launder different kinds of fabrics. We’ve also got a host of videos on our YouTube channel to guide you along the way. From washing silks to wedding dresses we’ve got tons of tips for caring for those delicate garments.

Our blog is also a great resource for specialty items. From coats to shearling to wool blankets to party dresses, our archives are chock full of examples on how Eucalan can be used for everything!

If you’re looking for additional eco-conscious ways to cut down on laundry expenses, we also have a great post on Laundry Tips to Save the Earth and Your Wallet.

We hope we’ve given you some tips to save on those dry cleaning bills and be kinder to the environment!

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Kids Summer Crafts

Summer is here and long, lazy days are ahead. Of course that means the kids are out of school and you’re probably in need of some summer inspiration. Today we’ve pulled together our favourite ideas for summer crafting projects suitable for the whole family! We also have a Pinterest board chock full of ideas for Kids Summer Crafts.

String ‘n Things

Of course our favourite crafts are those that involve yarn! We’re smitten with this Sugar Bee Crafts tutorial on Heart String Art. Or check out these Easy DIY Macrame Friendship Bracelets from Crafts Unleashed. If you’re happiest at your sewing machine, we love this Beach Towel Backpack tutorial by Craftaholics Anonymous.

Paper Crafts and More

If you’ve got a stash full of paper, we’ve got some gorgeous crafts for you. Encourage everyone to head outside after you make these Quick ‘N Easy Giant Paper Pinwheels from KidsActivities.com. Or bring a bit of the outdoors inside with these paper plate Collage Suncatchers from Hands on as We Grow. And we can’t stop dreaming about these Rainbow Paper Dahlia Flowers created by Craftaholics Anonymous!

Painting the Town Red

Paint projects are fun for everyone – take them outdoors on the lawn (and into the sunshine) to make cleaning up easy! Add some whimsy to your garden with these Ladybug Painted Rocks from Crafts by Amanda. Learn How to Paint with Bubbles with this tutorial from Living Well Mom. Or use items from around the house to paint towels, totes and more, using tips from this DIY Colorful Citrus Painted Tea Towels tutorial from Making Home Base.

For the Littlest Scientist

If you’re looking to combine arts and sciences, we’ve got a few fun projects for you! Everyone loves slime, but did you know it’s possible to make it magnetic? Check out How to Make Magnetic Slime by Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls. Head out to the water and discover what floats with this Cork Boat Races tutorial from No Biggie. Or add a little fizz and colour to your day with this Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment from Happy Hooligans.

We hope we’ve given you a few ideas for summer craft projects to entertain your “campers” in the long days ahead!

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O Canada! Celebrating Canada Day

Eucalan is proud to be Canadian owned! Every component of the Eucalan product line is manufactured within an hour and a half of our home office in Paris, Ontario, reinforcing our commitment to the beautiful Canadian environment. Each year we celebrate Canada Day and our hometown pride; here are some of our favourite ways to do both!

Decorations!

Get in the holiday spirit with these fun crafts, activities and decorations. Set the scene right at your front door with this lovely wreath from The Penny Drawer. Adorn your tables with fresh flowers using these Canada Day centerpieces by Love Create Celebrate. Make a mantle more festive with this simple Canada Day bunting by Simple as That or add a rustic touch to any room with this gorgeous DIY maple leaf decor with driftwood by Sustain my Craft Habit. If you’re looking for an activity to do with the kids, check out these fun windsocks by Happy Hooligans. And if you’re hosting a celebration, take memorable photos by creating a Canada Day photobooth by East Coast Mommy!

Canada Day Treats!

Nothing says celebration like some red and white treats to enjoy the day! Set the stage with beautiful summer appetizers like The Perfect Simple Tomato Salad by My Kitchen Love or Canadian Red, White & Bacon Skewers by Jo & Sue. Quash everyone’s thirst with these lovely non-alcoholic drinks, Oh Yummy Canada! By Visual Meringue. And don’t forget the desserts! Try these gorgeous Canada Day Fruit Kabobs by Frugal Mom Eh! or these sweet and chilly Canada Day Popsicles by Exploring Healthy Foods. Or let everyone build their own desserts with this gorgeous Canada Day Sundae Bar by Moms & Munchkins!

Craft your pride!

If you’re itching to pick up your needles and hooks we’ve selected a few of our favourite knit and crochet projects to show your Canadian pride. Keep that head warm with the Canada 2018 Buffalo Plain Hat by STASH Lounge (celebrating the winter Olympics and the Canadian curling team!) or the Chinook Toque by Bethany Dearden. Create a simple cowl to keep you toasty with the Canucklehead Cowl by Jessie McKitrick. Looking for a portable summer project? We love socks! Especially Canada Deh! by Dana Gervais and these great colourwork ones, Oh Canada by Tippy Canoe Handmade. And if you’re looking to settle in for a larger project, check out this gorgeous Canada Flag C2C Blanket by Jessica McLean!

We hope we’ve added a little fun to your celebration this year. Happy Canada Day from Eucalan!

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2019’s Top 5 Swimsuit Trends

Summer is here! With it comes lazy days by the pool or on the beach. Here are some of the top swimsuit trends of 2019 to help you find the perfect swimwear this season! Don’t forget, Eucalan can keep it looking great and smelling fresh and clean every time.

Stripes

Whether it’s a gorgeous rainbow of colour you’re after or slightly more neutral tones, stripes are hot for 2019. Go rainbow fun with the High Leg One Piece Swimsuit from Gap! Or try a more modern look with the Chroma Bandeau Top and Bottom from Athleta. For a classic look, we love Sassy Striped One Piece Suit from Lingerie Diva.

Textures

Ribbing, smocking, ruching – it’s all about texture this summer! If you’re up for some colour, try this Violeta Ribbed Bikini by Mango. Looking for ruching? Try the flattering Elegant Dance Solid One Piece by Cupshe. For a sweeter look, we love this Tory Burch Costa Printed One Piece by Shopbop.

Prints

As with mainstream fashion in 2019, prints are in! Make a statement with animal pieces, go for bold geometrics, or keep it sweet and demure with wallpaper florals. We love the Beach Floral Keyhole One Piece Swimsuit by LOFT and the Beach Riot Julia One-Piece Swimsuit by Anthropologie for fun summer prints. For something a bit racier, try this Zebra Print Swimsuit by Mango.

Cutouts

Cutouts are another design trend for the season: think plunging necklines, high cut bottoms or snips in unexpected places. Try a daring neckline with the Adriana Strappy Monikini by Lingerie Diva. Stick to stripes and (mostly) classic shapes with the Solid & Striped Louise Swimsuit by Shopbop. Or try a few fun cutouts in this floral Mia Printed One Piece Swimsuit by Free People.

Details

It’s all in the details! Belts, hoops, laces, ruffles and more; all the extra details are where it’s at this year. We love the lacing in this Magical Mauve Bikini by Lingerie Diva. Or try elegant braiding as a bust detail with the Empreinte Curl One Piece Swimsuit (Modeled and reviewed by Wen of Comics Girls Need Bras). Or stick to a more classic look with this Ruffle Neck Plus-Sized Swimsuit from Old Navy.

We hope we’ve given you some fun ideas for being pool and beach-ready this summer!

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Special Occasion Lingerie

Spring signals the coming of special occasions: proms, weddings and more! As lingerie addicts, we love purchasing new lingerie (or wearing a treasured favourite) each time the occasion warrants.

The keys to keeping special occasion lingerie in top shape are washing before storage and storing appropriately each and every time. For more tips on how to keep your strapless, backless or plunging bras, corsets, lacey panties, and shapewear in great condition for all the special days to come, check out Preserving Special Occasion Lingerie with Eucalan.

Do you have a special event coming up? Now is the time of year when lingerie companies feature their special occasion lingerie and we love seeing what’s hot right now!

This Lingerie Journal review has you covered with several boutique bridal items… but you don’t need to be a bride to wear these! Check out Spring, Bridal and Swim Looks from Independent Boutiques for more.

Our favourite looks include (from left to right): Leglicious Girardi Marianne Toeless Holdups, Leglicious Millesia Cravache Basque, and Lashes N Lace Love Song Robe

There are a ton of amazing lingerie makers on Etsy. We browsed through a few of our favourite makers and selected a few highlights for you below: Daydream sets in lights or dark by Barely There Intimates, ethereally lacy sets from Allechanto, silky sleepwear from BettiBones, a stunning White Lace Corset from Corsettery, and a fiery camisole and panty set by Dannyliz.

Finally you can check out some of our favourite sources for lingerie reviews and recommendations. We’ve already mentioned The Lingerie Journal, but we adore Cora from The Lingerie Addict and Wen from Comics Girls Need Bras.

We hope we’ve given you some inspiration for any special occasions you may have coming up, along with some tips and tricks to keep your new purchases or old favourites in great shape!

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Spring & Summer Crafting Inspiration

The weather is (finally) warming up! There are so many new knit and crochet patterns for spring and summer that you won’t want to pack away your needles and hooks for the season. Here, we share a few of our favourites to inspire your next project!

Tops and Tees

Spring and summer months are the perfect time to make lighter tops and tees in cottons and linens. These projects are more portable than bulky sweaters, and perfect to wear on warm summer days. Practice your crochet skills with Water Clover by Isa Catepillán, a runaway hit from the Spring 2019 issue of Pom Pom Quarterly. Or learn a new skill, Tunisian Crochet, with the Tunisian Drop Top by Stephanie Piper. Savour the hot sun with the Desert Tunic by Carrie Bostick Hoge or the Asymmetrical Tank by Norah Gaughan. Or just relax with some simple tees like Daybreak Tee by Destiny Meyer or Malaquite Tee by Amy Gunderson.

Sweaters & Cover-Ups

Even when the temperatures are soaring outside you may need a sweater to fend off the chill of air conditioning indoors. Or you can whip up a coverup for lounging in style near the pool or on the beach! We love Opportune by Emily Ringelman as a simple knit cover-up. The Cropped Eyelet Pullover by Laura Zukaite adds a bit of sass to any outfit. The Olive Leaf Pullover by Ririko is the perfect ¾ sleeve top for warmer days, and Belmonte by Filipa Carneiro is a sweet cardigan that works with any outfit. For our crocheters, we found this fabulous Crocheted Coverup by Cristina Mershon in the newest issue of Vogue, and the Coffee Cup Pullover by Lee Sartori.

Shawls and Scarves

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping piece to add to your wardrobe, a light shawl to throw over your shoulders or the perfect accessory to accent summer outfits, we’ve found some hot new shawls for you! We can’t get over the stunning Wingspan by Kyle Vey! Tasha by Kirstin Omdahl adds a touch of lace to your spring and summer knits, and Eclecticity by Cheryl Faust adds luscious texture. The Desert Sunset Shawl by Amy Christoffers could be a great stashbuster and a fun way to add colour to your day, and the Jewel Wrap by Carmen Heffernan does the same with crochet. If you’re looking for a delicate piece for evening wear, we love From the Ashes by Rachy Newin.

If you choose to knit or crochet one of the lacier patterns above, check out our tips on How to Wet Block Lace with Eucalan.

Socks

Socks are the perfect summer project because they’re small and portable and usually only require one ball of yarn at a time. If lace is what you’re after, we love the new Composition Socks by Mone Dräger. For a bit more texture, check out the Carmanah Toe-Up Socks by Catherine Knuttson. Stitch a pair of delicate summer socks with some pretty pink yarn and settle into the Summer Blooms Socks by Thistle Glen Designs or XO Socks by Leeni Hoi. If you’re up for some colourwork fun, check out the Avo Toast Socks by SpillyJane in the newest issue of Interweave Knits! And if you’re looking for an easy “vanilla” sock to make, spice it up with some self-striping sock yarn and grab your free copy of Trusty Toe Up Socks by Tanis Lavalee.

We hope we’ve given you some inspiration to keep crafting this spring and summer. With any of the projects above – don’t forget to block! Wet blocking with a bit of Eucalan smooths out all the lumps and bumps and gives you a clean, fresh garment that smells great. We’ve got you covered!

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Our Top 5 Spring Activities

It’s finally starting to feel like spring and we’re delighted to spend more time outdoors. Today we’ve put together a list of our favourite spring activities to break the winter blues.

Plant Something Green

Spring is a time for renewal and growth and the perfect time to plant something in the ground! Whether it’s a few flowers for some colour or fruits and vegetables for summer eating, enjoy the sunshine and renewable energy. If you’re looking for something fun to do with little ones, start some seeds in soil pellets or small pots and watch them grow!

Head to the Park for a Picnic

It’s finally sunny and warming up, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine outdoors. Grab a blanket and a few toys for the park, and head out to soak up some rays and enjoy a meal together as a family. We can’t wait to try these Quick & Easy Walking Tacos from Eating on a Dime – the kids will love them!

Or maybe you’d like to get away for an afternoon of fun. Whether it’s hanging with your best buds or enjoying a little romance with your partner, these Tips for a Perfect Spring Cheeseboard from The Edit are the perfect portable snack to pack.

And don’t forget the Eucalan Wipes for spills and messes that need quick treating!

Fly a Kite

While you’re in the park, what better activity is there than flying a kite? We found some great tutorials on Pinterest for building your own kites, but we especially love this DIY Fabric Kite tutorial from Zest it Up! Build your kite before you head to the park (or the beach) and watch it soar in the air. A slightly breezy day is best for this one!

Visit a Farm to see the Animals

Do you live near a farm or a zoo? Spring means babies! Head out to see those brand new babies before they grow up. Or if you can’t get out to see the baby animals, bring them to your living room. Check out the Zooborns Instagram account which shares the most adorable baby animals from zoos and aquariums worldwide!

Shopping at Farmers’ Markets

Spring and summer mean fabulous produce. Find farmers’ markets near you to take advantage of the bounty of the season, then head home and try a new spring recipe or two! We’re drooling over these Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastries with Thyme Honey from Half Baked Harvest, this Spring Pasta Primavera with Lemon Ricotta from Our Salty Kitchen, and this delicious looking Spring Salad from Proud Italian Cook.

Bring Spring Flowers Indoors

Brighten up your home with the lovely sights and smells of spring. Whether you cut a bouquet from your garden or purchase one from a local florist, add some freshness to any room with a beautiful floral arrangement. We just love this Early Spring Vignette from Stone Gable.

We hope that we’ve given you a bit of inspiration for making the most of your spring. Looking for more ideas? We’ve got a Pinterest board full of spring activities for you and your little ones to try!

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Organizing and Storing Your Lingerie

The push to sort, organize and tidy has hit a fever pitch since the New Year’s release of Marie Kondo’s series on Netflix. If you’ve watched the show, you saw a single brief segment on storing lingerie, which showed 4 bras beautifully arranged in a drawer. However, most of us probably have a bra collection that is much larger, and available space that is much smaller.

Did you add to your lingerie collection this Valentine’s Day? Whether received as a gift or purchased for yourself, beautiful lingerie is a wonderful way to mark this romantic holiday. But now you’re faced with finding room in your already-crowded drawers for your new acquisition.

Here is a practical step-by-step guide to organizing and storing your lingerie that works for the real world.

Step 1: To Keep or Not to Keep?

Start by gathering up all your lingerie and piling it on your bed. Sort the big pile into four categories:

Everyday favorites are the panties, bras and camisoles that you reach for every day. These items are comfortable, fit you well, and look presentable.

Special occasion includes your strapless and backless bras, as well as the pieces you save for private time with your partner.

Donate anything brand new with tags that you bought more than 6 months ago. If you haven’t worn it yet, you probably won’t. Pass it on to a local women’s shelter.

Throw away anything worn out, faded, discolored, stained or torn. Items with tired elastic, with underwires misshapen or poking through, or with holes goes in the discard pile. Add anything that doesn’t fit well or that just doesn’t feel good. If in doubt, remember: you deserve to wear beautiful lingerie!

Step 2: Prepare Your Storage Space

While your drawers and/or shelves are empty, give them a good cleaning. Vacuum out the corners and wipe down the surfaces. Replace old drawer liners with fresh, new fabric or paper.

Make sure your drawers, dividers and boxes are free of any rough spots that might snag delicate fabrics.

Drawer dividers and boxes will help you stay organized. You can purchase drawer dividers like these, or make your own with foam board or salvaged cardboard. Choose the system that works best with your available space and budget.

Step 3: Wash Before You Store

Be sure each piece is fresh and clean before you put it away. Washing with a high quality product made for delicate fabrics, like Eucalan, is the best way to preserve your fine lingerie. Eucalan is available in a variety of subtle scents to make choosing your lingerie a daily aromatherapy treat.

Step 4: Fold with Care

Do not stack your lingerie. Fold or roll your panties and stand them on end. You should be able to see everything that’s available as soon as you open the drawer. Camisoles and slips should also be folded and rolled.

Bras deserve special care. Fasten the clasps. This protects the clasps from damage and prevents snagging delicate lace on the hooks. Fold the straps down, then stand your bras vertically, with each bra nestling into the next. Do not fold bras with molded cups to tuck one cup inside the other. When you invert the cups, you break down the shaping and shorten the life of your bra.

Keep special occasion lingerie separate from your everyday favorites. If you have the space, chemises and teddies can be stored on hangers. Use hangers with notches or padding to prevent falling straps.

A few hours spent sorting and organizing your lingerie will pay big dividends. Not only will you extend the life of your delicate pieces, you’ll save time and aggravation when you get dressed every day.

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Think Spring: Crafting and Celebrations!

This week, we celebrated the Spring Equinox, also known as the official start to spring. Even if it might not feel that way just yet, now is the perfect time to start thinking about fun spring activities and Easter crafts. Did you know that we have a Pinterest board full of spring and Easter ideas?

Eggcellent Art

No celebration would be complete without some colourful Easter eggs! If you want to up your decorating game, check out How to Make Natural Easter Egg Dyes from Ingredients in Your Kitchen. If you don’t want to mess with dyes, check out this great Sharpie Easter Egg Decorating Idea. And if you’re up for something completely different, how cute are these Unicorn DIY Eggs?

Sweet Treats

Whether you’re craving cute sweets or springy treats, we’ve got some great recipes for you to try. Add some flower power to your spring with these salty and sweet Spring Flower Pretzel Bites. Or try these adorably sweet Sparkly Surprise Carrot Cupcakes – ice cream cones give the carrots their shape and hold a cupcake within. And nothing says spring like fresh citrus – this Lemon Ricotta Cake with Almond Glaze makes our mouth water!

Hop to it!

The animal of the season is definitely the bunny! We found these adorable bunny crafts that would be fun for you (and the kids!).

With some scrapbook paper and spare yarn, you can create this springy Pom Pom Bunny Tail Easter Garland in a Few Steps! Nothing says spring like fresh plants and flowers. With just a few crafty materials you can make these adorable Tin Can Bunny Planters and add some fresh flowers to brighten up any room. And if you’ve got some single socks without mates, check out these cute No Sew Sock Bunnies!

Spring Ahead

Bring a breath of spring indoors with a touch of flowers! We love this this DIY Spring Planter Box, but if your flowers aren’t blooming yet, try these Pretty Peonies Made of Cupcake Wrappers. Or, add the smell of spring to your home with these 7 Amazing DIY Scents!

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