First I just wanna say, HOLY COW I made a swimsuit!!
So last year I was browsing the web for one piece swimsuits.  I've always wore two pieces but as I get older and more self conscious I decided I wanted to try a one piece.  Trying to find something that is flattering and still covers up the squishy parts is a job in itself.  I've always liked the vintage/retro style suits so I fell in love when I found this cherry bomb.   However I wasn't so in love that I could justify spending the $75+ as I hardly ever go swimming.  I think I went swimming once last summer. 

So you can imagine my excitement when Heather Lou from Closet Case Files released the the Bomshell Swimsuit pattern.  I had this pattern bought and printed with in minutes of finding out about it's release.  Heather you are a complete genius!  This swimsuit is the bomb, from it's sexy, flattering silhouette right down to the construction of the suit. 

I bought my fabric at Spandex House.  They have a HUGE selection so if your having trouble finding the right fabric give them a look.  I bought black lining there AND some solid green suiting for a second bombshell in the future. ;)

I'm gonna say it again, Holy Cow I made a swimsuit!  Like most I was scared but really there is nothing to be scared about.  If your worried about sizing make a muslin of the lining to start.  I never fall within the exact pattern measurements so I was unsure about fit.  This pattern has negative ease so  I didn't want it to be so tight I couldn't breath but not so loose you get poopie butt once it's wet.   Based on my measurements I cut closest to my size a 6 at the bust tapering down to an 8 at the waist and hips.  I used some cheap stretch polyester from my stash and whipped up a muslin of the lining within a half hour.  It fit like a glove. 

I followed the sewalong Heather Lou hosted so I really can't give a review on the paper instructions. I didn't look at them once.  But I'm positive they are going to be just as well written and clear as the sewalong instructions and pictures.  I'm not going to lie it wasn't smooth sailing for me all along the way.  The goof ups were my own.  I won't mention them all...my mom can vouch for one of my meltdowns.  I had a little confusion when cutting the pattern lining out.  The lining has a bust dart. The way it's marked on the lining is with a triangle.  I cut the triangle out (luckily I was working with my muslin) thinking the whole time, What the hell is this for and how's this gonna work?..Duh! It's a bust dart ya goof!  I know for a fact I'm not the only one who done it so that makes me feel a wee bit better.

I used my serger for a lot of the construction.  You do not need a serger to make this suit so don't freak if you don't have one.  You can also use the zigzag stitch on your machine.  Something I will do different next time involves the gathering process.  The instructions have you gather each edge, baste using a zigzag stitch to secure your gathers , serge the edges then serge again when creating the seam.   The problem I had here..the basting zigzag cause for a lot of unpicking at the end.  I'll try a long basting stitch next time closer to the edge so it will be covered when serged.   Also when bringing your serged edges together to create the seam, if you don't match the serged edges up exactly you risk seeing your first set of serged lines on the right side.  Well I had this problem anyway...am I the only one?  I was able to fix it easily by just serging over it again.  Next time I will gather...long baste stitch...then serge only one time when creating the seam.  Holy crap I just went back and read all that....Clear as mud!?

Hey Pixie Pants lets pretend these ugly bushes and mulch are palm trees and sand instead!

One other thing I should mention, if you plan to pad your boobies (which I recommend, no one wants their eyes poked out) be wise about the type of bra pads you choose.  Me always wanting a little extra help chose gel padded cups.  I pinned them in tried on the suit and asked for my hubs approval.  After a side pose he says,"They look like pointy slopes".  Upon my own inspection he was totally right.  Nice save hubby!  I quickly returned them and opted for the soft molded bra cup.  Better looking and more comfortable. Weird,pointy sloped boobs be gone!

I'm entering this Bombshell in Peneloping and I Heart Fabric's Copy Cat Challenge.  Click on their image over on the right side of the blog if you'd like to learn more and enter yourself.