Thursday, March 3, 2016

Swim Baby Swim

Swimsuit sewing is terrifying.
But you feel like a Rockstar when it works.

~Back Story~
Elsa and Zara (like most of us) don't conform to a body shape standard. They have a small bust, tiny waist but quite a full bottom.
Buying a one piece swimsuit is a nightmare.
Elsa asked for bathers as part of her #sewingrota.
Seafolly swimsuit
This was her inspiration suit.
It is made in scuba (neoprene) lined, with a front zip.
I wanted a pattern that would hold my hand, swimsuit sewing is scary!
Elsa did some Googling and found this pattern.
I put out a ISO with my Insta-Gals and we did find a copy but it was a bit pricey.
(If anyone has it in their stash I would still love it)
While she was sleuthing, Elsa found another one.
She like the line and I said I was happy to make a block version and then experiment with piecing once I had mastered it.
I traced to her measurements, the pattern layout made it easy to blend the sizes.
It looked amazing but was too tight through the body.
As scuba only has one way stretch I added some length to the body, it turns out Elsa must be long bodied because when I cut the same size from swimsuit fabric (anticipating that I would need to shorten it), it was perfect
The fabric was left over from Elsa's rash vest which is still being worn so I knew it was good quality.
I didn't have a long enough zipper so I warned Elsa she would have to shimmy it on.
I did add a lining on the advice of my swimsuit sewing guru Cindy.
I think I did a pretty good job.
Good bottom coverage and Elsa said it doesn't ride up when she dives and races.
I was super pleased when none of her chums recognised it as home made.
~Elsa's Verdict~
It fits well, Mum did a good job. I really like how she put the dark stripe at my waist.
It is really comfortable and doesn't go up (my bottom) when I dive and race.
Due to not concentrating when cutting stripes, Elsa ended up with a second suit.
I ran the stripes vertically around the neck, just for fun.
I think I quite like sewing swimmers.

Thank you, as always, for reading.

xxx Nicole 


ETA a few sources Patterns and notions fabric  and elastic  


30 comments:

  1. Yep, making swimmers aren't as daunting as they may seem. You did an awesome job - but why am I not surprised? LOL!

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    1. I think it upped the anti being for Elsa, she can be pretty hard to please. The multi size layout of the pattern sheet was awesome, it made tracing the right size a lot easier.
      Thank you Deb.
      xx N

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  2. Excellent job. I am impressed. I have been thinking of giving this a go myself after forking out $70 (on sale) for a swimsuit that fits. Can you recommend a good supplier in Australia? I am having difficulties locating one.

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    1. Thank you Dana!
      I found a seller on Ebay. She is very cheap and her fabrics are extremely good http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/290842311604?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT out of 1.5 m I have made a rash vest, two swimsuits and there is enough for a suit for Tildy yet.
      This seller looks good too http://www.ebay.com.au/usr/22sharon02?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2754 but I have not bought from her yet.
      Thank you for your lovely comment and good luck!
      xx N

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    2. Thank you! I will look into both of those sources, I appreciate your help.

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    3. My absolute pleasure, if I can help at all, let me know!
      xx N

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  3. Great job! I've just started making dance leotards for my daughter and I was just as daunted as you to get started. They have become kind of addicting, especially when you do a few and realize just how quick and how little fabric they take.

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    1. I think you are right, I was so scared to try but it was no where near a tricky as I anticipated and the fabric goes so far!
      Thank you for reading.
      xx N

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  4. Completely fantastic, Nicole!! This year I am for sure making swimsuits for my kids (already ordered fabric for them!) but of course a teen is that much harder to please! This suit is fantastic and very professional looking, in the "professional swimmer who means business way" as well as the "looks like high end RTW."

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    1. Do it, Inder. I don't think I will shop swimmers ever again. I may even try for me, boyleg with no bum and round tum.
      I was so pleased no one guessed (it was home made) and even prouder when Elsa told people it was!
      Thank you so much.
      xx N

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  5. I am so glad you accepted this challenge Nicole! There is such a sense of achievement when it all goes to plan isn't there? And such high praise from the peers to know they look professional enough to be not considered home made on first thought. And there is nothing worse than having a swimsuit riding up the bottom. So I would say this a complete win in all areas!

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  6. Such an awesome job! Once you sew swimsuits I don't think you ever go back. I reckon swimsuits are the hardest to get a good fit in RTW. Sewing them yourself certainly ensures there are no bottom "malfunctions" whilst still fitting a smaller bust or waist (that's my kind of figure). She looks amazing!

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    1. Thank you Jillian
      I have been inspired by your workout leggings to give those a go too. They are so expensive and Zara struggles to get a good fit.
      xx N

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    2. Do the leggings! You will NEVER look back!

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    3. Do you recommend a pattern Jillian? I will cruise back through your blog, I remember a VERY groovy pair.
      Thank you!
      xx N

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  7. Nicole, I love this so much! I also love, as Elsa pointed out, that stripe that perfectly goes around the smallest part of her waist. Brilliant! Sewing swimsuits is really satisfying.

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    1. Thank you Masha!
      I saw a 1950's style suit with the dark banding at the waist. Elsa is a little self conscious about her bottom (I think she looks strong and sporty) so I wanted to play up her waist
      I am a total convert.
      xx N

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  8. Lovely swimsuit on an even lovelier girl! The first thing I noticed was how tiny her waist is.

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  9. Thank you for all your swimming tips, I stalked your blog like mad.
    I will pass on your compliments, Elsa will be chuffed.
    xx N

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  10. This was (is?!) my body shape too. I'm thinking of trying a 2-piece soon, hope I get around to it before the end of warm weather, I have all the necessities! This one is great ;o)

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    1. I am going to try and make some for me too Colette but not a two piece 'aint nobody needs to see my belly.
      Do you have a pattern in mind? I found some gorgeous ones on Ebay (linked above)
      Thank you for you lovely comments.
      xx N

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  11. Oh you've done a great job! I also finished my first (adult) swimmers (togs here). I made some iffy ones for my son a couple of times but mine turned out great. It's super satisfying to make togs I think. I'm up to my third pair in two weeks. I love that Kwik Sew pattern ... hope you find it!

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    1. Oh, well done!
      Are you happy with them? I made Elsa a second pair but the elastic is a bit firmer and she doesn't like them quite as much. I hope it will soften.
      I think I will stick to making them, the nice ones are so pricey (but I do acknowledge they are worth it)
      Thank you
      xx N

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  12. I'm a bit crazy but I love sewing swimwear :D It used to seem so scary but really isn't bad at all. It's a great feeling to sew up a fantastic suit! Elsa looks fantastic in her suit! I love the black stripe at the waist too. She has such good taste ;-)

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  13. I am a total convert now Kristin. I picked up so gold shiny stuff and I am trying to convince anyone to let me sew it up!
    Thank you.
    xx N

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  14. Amazing! These are fantastic! ....Bathers are soooo far from my sewing world at the moment. :D

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    1. Thank you Renae, start small. I have a big piece of fabric I will drop off that you can play with.
      xx N

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    2. Starting small is a good recommendation & fabric would be the extra push! :) **takes [another] big breath in** :D

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