Sewing Swimwear

Last year I made my first swimsuit- B6067. (I’ll post a photo of this at the bottom.) I was nervous about it but I ended up being really happy with how it turned out. I never thought I could make a bathing suit. I always do that- think I can’t make something for some silly reason. For the longest time I wouldn’t make anything with buttons because buttonholes seemed too hard. Then I tried it and I realized how easy they are! If you want to make something, just go for it. There’s always a seam ripper and a youtube video to help you out. ; )

I knew I wanted to make another bathing suit this year and I needed it done before our trip to Antigua. I chose the Seamwork Reno and Dakota because I wanted to make a two piece this time and I definitely prefer a high waisted bottom. Overall, I am pretty happy with how it turned out. It came together fairly quickly. I worked on it after work for a little bit over 3 days. I opted to line the cups with poly laminate foam. I’m just not happy with the placement of the fabric checks. I must have made a mistake while cutting it out, and ended up with an uneven pattern on the top of the bottoms and the hem of the top. The pattern is so tiny. I really should have cut this out flat and not on a fold. Lesson learned! The fabric is really beautiful though. It’s an Italian made navy and white check from Hart’s Fabric. I also bought a lining from them as well. (Oh and please excuse my splotchy skin! I know better but didn’t reapply enough sunscreen on our first day and ended up with some sunburn.)

I think this is a good pattern to enter into the world of sewing swimwear. The bottoms were very quick and easy. I used version 2 but I would like to make a color blocked pair with version 1! I will admit I had a little bit of trouble with the instructions for the top (the drawings were a little confusing to me) but I used this sew along blog post as a guide and was able to work it out.

If you’re new to sewing swimwear, I recommend a walking foot for you machine. It’ll make it easier to manage the silky fabric. Also make sure you are using a stretch needle with a stretch or zig zag stitch. I recommend a twin needle for any top stitching. And it’s not necessary, but if you have the option of using a serger to finish edges, it’ll make it look more professional. Practice make perfect! Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t turn out just right the first time. Like I said, there’s always a seam ripper.

And as promised, here’s my B6067! Have you made any swimwear before?

 

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New Look Jumpsuit 6446

Hello! If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know I just spent 5 days in Antigua. It was so beautiful and a much needed vacation. I spent most of the time on the beach with a book (I’ll be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara), sipping on pina coladas. I’m definitely missing that now that I’m back in gloomy, rainy New Jersey. I brought mostly me-made items, so I have a lot to share on here! First up is this New Look 6446 jumpsuit. This is one of my favorite pieces of clothing I’ve ever made! The fit is perfect and it is so comfortable and easy to wear. I want to make more of them asap!

I first saw this pattern last summer when The Crafty Pinup made one and I had been thinking about it ever since. I had purchased this lemon stripe fabric for a dress but realized it would make an amazing jumpsuit. I found the pattern on Amazon prime and made sure to make it before my trip.

Pattern: Simplicity New Look 6446 I made view C.

Was it easy to make? Yes! I had no issues when putting this together. As long as you are comfortable inserting an invisible zipper, this is an easy make.

Pattern Adjustments? I made no adjustments. I did add a ruffle to the straps though! I cut a long piece of fabric somewhere between 1 1/2 and double the size of the strap (I don’t remember exactly). I hemmed one long side and both short sides. I gathered the unhemmed side, folded it over, pinned/adjusted and then topstitched. Repeat for the other side. I hope that makes sense!

Fit? Fit is perfect for me! I made my normal pattern size. I just shortened the length of the pants a little bit when I did the hem.

Fabric choice? I used a blue and white with lemon print rayon from Harts Fabric. (I no longer see it on their website). It is so soft and has a lovely drape for this pattern. I forgot how tricky rayon can be to sew though. I used my walking foot and extra pins. Worked great! The pattern recommends heavier fabric but I think this pattern works great with a light fabric as well.

Anything to watch out for? Nope! Nothing comes to mind.

Would you make it again? Absolutely! I’m thinking maybe a linen or even a denim one next.