Sewing Swimmies for Mini

 I did some swim suit sewing for Mini.  I've done swimsuits in the past.  It's doable, even without a serger. The above pile is the fabrics I started out with.  I bought the purple, don't know where the stripes or blue came from.

 Coincidentally those colors match the pattern.    Lots of pieces for a simple two piece, but its because of the color blocking.

 Mini chose the blue first.

 It turned out OK.

 I even emptied my first spool of thread for the year.  The seams were all double sewn, so that is a lot of thread!

 I also found an error in the pattern.  The notches do not line up.  It was much easier to sew after I figured that out.

There was just enough blue to add to the purple for a second suit.

Mix and Match!

At this point I realized that she also still had two almost brand new suits in her box, so I was done sewing!

Both Mini and her older sister rejected this fabric, so I've put it up in my Etsy shop. 

Girl's Ottobre Mermaid Swimsuit

A couple answers to yesterday's post: 
Yes, it is the Ottobre Woman's Swimsuit pattern.  A halter top with shirred sides, and both a bikini bottom and a shorts bottom.
I will be making it in blue. The same blue on E's swimsuit.  Why?  Because it was free fabric.

E's swimsuit has been done for about a week.  It still has a couple runs in it - but its just for fun, and was good practice for me, so not a big deal.

 She really likes to pose.

 But she's cute, and good at it.

 Doing a ballet move here.

To deal with the runs, I did some trimming of the edges and put a binding on.  This probably doubled my working time on the suit, but I actually really like the effect.
The skirt I just made up.  Traced another one she had and sewed it up.  Simple A-line with two color bands at the top and a sort of 'ruffle' at the bottom.
The original pattern doesn't call for a lining.  The mint color is quite light and thin so it needed one - although I would have lined it for modesty anyway.  I love the overall pattern, though.  Easy to sew and good coverage.  Nice and modest.

Swimsuit Toile

I've been looking forward to trying my hand at making a swimsuit for myself.  The first step was making a swimsuit for Ellie.  Good practice with working with the fabric and also the clear elastic tape.  Also, I have finally made friends with my serger/overlocker.  (The secret?  Good thread.  And Good Needles.)

I will blog Ellie's swimsuit soon.  But first, I wanted to show off my swimsuit toile!

The fabric is a crazy cotton knit from the 'free' pile.  It actually wouldn't make a bad swimsuit pattern.  Hides all the flaws!
Anyway, the instructions suggested making a toile, and I'm really glad I did.  I rarely take the time to do something like that, but since the instructions have NO pictures, and it's something I've never done before, the time was well worth it.
So what did I learn?  Well, I actually made the top too big.  So I will cut smaller seam allowances and be sure to sew them correctly.  It's actually important for your swimsuit to be tight - it will stretch when wet.  I also will be making the waist on the bottoms higher.  After four kids, this is important.
I didn't line the toile, but I know how to deal with that.  The biggest thing will be figuring out how to put the 'cups' in.
I've got everything cut out, and am ready to get started!

Hoo Are You? & Swimsuit Troubles

Hoo Are You?  Hoo Am I?

Here are this week's questions!

1. How often do you wash your vehicle?

Wash my vehicle?  Not often.  In fact, I can't remember the last time.

2. When riding in a car with someone who usually drives, them or you?

Them.  Mr. R gets carsick, so he drives.

3. How many states have you traveled to or through?

 15, I think.

4. What kind of music do you listen to the most?

Most?  Probably classical.  Maybe violin because of the kids.  My Ipod is quite the random mix though.  I don't listen to much 'current' music.

5. Do you prefer the window down or air conditioning?
Depends on the actual temperature.  I try to avoid the air conditioning unless the windows can't keep the car cool.




And now for the problem.  I got this far with E's swimsuit and had her try it on.

 And look what happened!

  
It was so bad, I dreamed about it.   Not a happy camper here.  

Other Hoo's here.