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.

It's not very often that I make a pattern twice in a row.  In fact I'm not sure that it's ever happened so I was surprised at myself when I finished my first Grainline Woven Scout Tee and immediately found myself cutting into more fabric. Must I be sick...no. Must I be insane...up for discussion.  Must it be a totally awesome, spectacular, super duper pattern....YES!

I decided to make this pattern when I seen Wanett from Sown Brooklyn was hosting a sewalong over on Kollabora.  I like the not overly exaggerated high-low hem and how it's fitted up top and flows looser to the bottom.  This top is also versatile, totally lounge it out for around the house or dress it up for work or play.    

My first look is more business in the front, party in the back...

 

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The fabric came from one of those 10 yard mystery bundles you can get at Fabric Mart.  The main fabric is very see through, well I guess both of the fabrics are see through...derp.  Yes I promise to wear a black cami underneath it when wearing it out.  For picture purposes I'm going commando. (not totally, I have a strapless bra on, tmi?!)

The lace cutout was fairly easy to do.  On my back pattern piece I marked a line 5/8 inch below the armhole.  Laid the pattern piece on my lace and folded the pattern on my marked line to cut.  I did the same with my main fabric.  I then attached them together using a french seam.  I also added some braided pebble trim from my stash for a little extra oomph.

I used a french seam for the shoulder and side seams.  To finish the armhole seams I used my cut and hem foot. I should of used my serger but I was scared to change out the thread just yet.  I used my narrow rolled hem foot on the sleeve and bottom hem.  If you've never used a rolled hem foot before they take a little getting used to but once your get the hang of them it's smooth sailing.  

I'm totally telling on myself here but I guess the insides looked so well that I didn't even know I was wearing my shirt wrong side out for like the first half of my pictures.  I was in a pose and as I was looking at the side of my shirt I realized I was looking at the inside of my french seam..doh'!!

   Fabric:   black lace and chiffon??  $2.00

   Notions: black braided pebble trim - given to me by my Hubby's sweet ol' Granny

   Alterations: The shoulder drop was really low on me.  I brought them in a 1/2 inch and made the
                         changes on my pattern.

   Likes: Only 4 pieces. Easy to follow instructions and a quick make.

   Dislikes: shaking my head no

   Wear/Make again: Already have

   Time to make: approx. 3 hours

   Total cost: $8.50

My second version was a total freebie. I got this awesome fabric from the even awesomer Erin of Miss Crayola Creepy.  Not sure what type of fabric this is but it was a little fickle.  The seams wanted to pucker a bit.  I tried different needles, stitch lengths, tension but couldn't get it perfect.  I was able to iron most of the puckering out so it's not noticeable.  I made this version a tad bit longer.  This is my favorite version of the two.

 

I believe I was cursing the wind here..."Oh come on!"

If you want in on the sewalong there's still time to upload your pictures by July 8th.

Oh and don't forget Google Reader shuts down tomorrow :(   I don't want to lose any of my followers so make sure to follow me on Bloglovin'!

~Peace out!~

It's baaaack!  If you remember back a few months ago I was doing a weekly post called Thriftin' Thursday where I'd show new life to a garment I thrifted from the local Goodwill.  Not sure what happened... I guess I got in a slump and was uninspired by what I had in my thrift pile.  That's all changed because I recently went thrift shopping and I left with a big ol' bag of inspiration and some stinky clothes.  I mean not stinky like b.o. or anything but that old musty smell every Goodwill seems to have.  Anyhoo let's start with this glorious piece of fabric ....

Whoa, what's so glorious??

I fell in love with this bold print and instantly thought pencil skirt with a black peplum top. I was really excited when I seen it was handmade as well. It's just a simple gathered skirt with an elastic waistband and pockets.  And speaking of elastic waistbands I'd like your opinion..How do you feel about pants or skirts made with elastic waistbands?  Lazy man's way out?....it's all about comfort?...who cares if no one's gonna see it....or no way! Peeuuuu!  I have mixed emotions on the topic. I mean I'm all for elastic waistbands in lounge pants but not so sure about work attire.  When i think of elastic wasted pants I picture a toddler running around screaming with a melting Popsicle in one hand, snot running down his face and a padded behind from his full diaper or that nice little old lady in the grocery store wearing skirt pictured above with panty hose and SAS shoes who's so sweet to let you go before her because she has all the time in the world.  Elastic waistbands aren't so bad are they??  

For this transformation I pulled out Simplicity 2258.  I didn't want to spend a lot of time and I knew this would be a quick make.  I had to size down my pattern because the size I had was 14-22, I'm more of a size 10.  To do this I looked at the finished garment measurements, and figured the difference between a 10 and 14 = 3 inches.  I then cut out the size 14, cut each pattern piece in half then overlapped the pieces by 1.5 inches.  I have no idea if this is the correct way to size down a pattern but it worked for me.  After washing my stinky skirt I cut out the elastic.  I started with a seam ripper because I was hoping to salvage it but HOLY MOLY look at all those zig zag stitches...

Pug approved

The deets:
   Pattern:  Simplicity 2258 - won from a giveaway hosted by the adorable Sally from The Quirky Peach

 

I think this is one of my favorite remakes so far.  I was able to take this outdated frumpy skirt and make it young, hip and fresh again.  (well I hope it looks hip and fresh anyway..)