I decided to try my hand at making a swimsuit when I saw this gorgeous pattern and sew-along hosted by Closet Case Files.
I certainly can’t believe that I’m posting a photo of myself in my swimsuit on my blog, but here goes…
I made my suit out of some red stretch nylon that I found at Joanns. I had meant it to go with a red/ivory floral linen wrap skirt that I have, but for some reason it didn’t look that good when paired together.
This was my first swimsuit and as I haven’t made much (if any) lingerie yet, and am not used to sewing in this matter, it took me longer to make this than I expected. I usually am able to whip up garments in a few days, but this one took a little more time. I was also out of my comfort zone as I generally sew dresses and sew with cotton and silk and not very stretchy fabrics. I thought that the pattern was well drafted, although I dislike PDF patterns and it took me an entire afternoon to cut it out and assemble. The directions, though, need a little tweaking, especially for one who is a swimsuit sewing beginner. I followed the sew-along and read the directions and still was a bit confused about some things. For someone who never has sewn anything like this, it was a little disconcerting. I do plan to make another bombshell and will use this one as a muslin. This one is certainly wearable, but definitely not the best I can do. It didn’t help that my serger broke just before I started this. 🙁 Thankfully, my new one will be here on Monday (a Janome!) and my inherited Brother will go to the shop and be used as a back-up when it’s fixed. I went and sewed a dress after this, of which I am currently making a cotton petticoat for and will feature on this blog soon. 🙂
I was going to wear this suit when we were at the beach the other day and get some photos, but I didn’t want to change in a parking lot surrounded by tourists…. lol…. We were at the dog beach at Fort Funston outside of San Francisco, so it didn’t matter what I was wearing there anyway. I got sunburnt which fortunately turned into a tan, although I generally try to stay out of the sun. I guess it was this horrid heatwave and being cooled by the water that made my stay out for hours at the beach not covered up…. at least my Polynesian skin is happy about being tanned. 🙂
For all of you who celebrate this holiday, Happy Independence Day! I am proud to be a Daughter of the American Revolution and descended from patriots who fought for my country’s independence.
Happy 4th of July!
Gjeometry says
July 6, 2013 at 3:26 pmOh, very nice! I love this version of the Bombshell on you. I just finished my swimsuit and it came out great, but can’t say it is very flattering on my person. I will blog about it in the next few days (hopefully when we actually have some SUN to go out into).
Tanya Maile Hughes says
July 6, 2013 at 6:21 pmI’m looking forward to seeing yours!
prttynpnk says
July 5, 2013 at 4:07 amThat’s sharp- this shape is just great- maybe I will dip my toe into the swimwear arena- now that I see it in a gorgeous red!
Tanya Maile Hughes says
July 5, 2013 at 1:33 pmThank you! I’m looking forward to seeing what you create!
Susan says
July 4, 2013 at 10:05 amYour suit looks fabulous! I’d definitely be interested in hearing any parts that could use clarification, as this one is on my list. I’ve never made a suit like this either. I do have lots of experience with other knits, but I know it’s not the same. Looking forward to seeing your next version as well! 🙂
Tanya Maile Hughes says
July 4, 2013 at 12:00 pmHi Susan,
My elastic on the skirt and bust line ended up like lettuce edge when it’s supposed to be smooth, so the elastic needs to be stretched a bit while being sewn, which is something that isn’t clearly stated. I added bra cups, too and the instructions on that isn’t very good nor is the procedure of attaching the undies and the lining. It seems like there’s a few things that should be added like a crotch panel and another lining with the seams faced inside. I had to ‘re-read some things over to “get” them, which may be easy for someone who has experience with sewing something like this, which I don’t . I do know now what to do and what not to do for my next one.it is a really good pattern though. I just think it needs someone who writes for colette or sewaholic patterns to write the instructions. I think I’m going to use up some stash fabric and sew up a mccalls swimsuit pattern and see the difference. I hope that helps a bit. Definitely a pattern to make a muslin of.
Susan says
July 5, 2013 at 2:42 pmYes, that helps a LOT, thank you! 🙂
Kelly says
July 4, 2013 at 8:34 amFort Funston is the happiest place on earth! I don’t have a dog (yet) but I love them all so much. Your swimsuit looks great – I love all the versions of this popping up. As much as I want to make it, Funston is the only water I visit and it’s just not a swimming beach!
Tanya Maile Hughes says
July 4, 2013 at 9:32 amIt certainly is! If you don’t have a dog and love dogs, it’s a great place to go. Doc (in photo) plays with everyone he meets and was joining other families at the beach, getting them to throw balls for him. 🙂
purplepincushion says
July 4, 2013 at 8:24 amAnd you look like a total bombshell by the way 😉
Tanya Maile Hughes says
July 4, 2013 at 9:29 amDefinitely try it! An Thank you! 🙂
purplepincushion says
July 4, 2013 at 8:23 amIt turned out awesome! I may have to give that pattern a go myself. It is SO cute!