You may remember my previous blog post where I pondered swimwear for this summer and which styles might be most flattering for me. I eventually settled on this design by Jets. I liked everything about it apart from the white bands around the legs, so I omitted these.
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| Source: www.jets.com.au |
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Source: www.patternschool.com |
The bottom part of the bathers was designed using my Jalie tankini pattern 3023.
I began by making a muslin with some lycra offcuts.
Much time was spent in front of the mirror pulling and adjusting and trying to see the back! Once I'd sorted out the fitting issues, which mainly consisted of the fit at the sides of the chest and the back straps, I got cutting into the navy blue and off-white lycra for the real thing. I used a buckle for the front and secured it with invisible hand stitches.
I fiddled about with the back for ages, trying different ways of getting the straps to look attractive and placing them so they didn't cause any pulling or wrinkling in the main part of the bathers. Eventually I settled on this design, which is a variation on a cross-over back using a ring. I just kind of arrived at this after much trial and error and it seems to work well.
I lined the front completely with blue fabric. I used swimwear elastic, held in place with a triple zig-zag stitch for the openings and I lined the bra cups with padded cups designed for swimwear use.
And here it is in action!
I have to say that this was quite an undertaking, but I worked through it with baby steps and it ended up being a very satisfying project. I saved well over $100 on the cost too. I am over the moon with the outcome and felt rather proud strutting up and down the dog beach last weekend :)
14 comments:
Great job, your bathers look fantastic on you - I guess a lovely figure does help a little.
Oh you are far too kind, but I am very flattered - thanks :)
Yours looks better than the original!! I love navy and white too. It looks great!
This is amazingly good! Well done for thinking it through carefully; it's paid off with a very professional result.
And I second Ronniie's comment about your figure!
This is outstanding! Navy and white is very classic. I can see you using this pattern again.
Yes, I love the simple, classic combination of navy and white. Hopefully I will look stylish and sophisticated!
I don't know if I've ever given as much thought to a garment I've made actually. I wouldn't want to put in that much work every time, but I do think it was worth it for something like bathers as I feel so self conscious in a swimsuit! Mind you, the kind comments are certainly boosting my confidence - thank you :)
Thank you! Yes, I'm really pleased with the style and colour combo. I don't know if I can wait until next year to make my next pair!!
Gorgeous suit! I agree, a very classic look. I wanted to let you know that I passed on the "One Lovely Blog" Award to you!
http://stitchingontheedge.blogspot.com/2012/12/passing-on-love.html
Your slow and steady planning of these cossies has certainly paid off! They looks absolutely stunning on you. Super colour combo - definitely need to whip up another one of these for this summer...J
Hi Judith, thank you so much for the lovely comment. I clicked through from your comment to see who you are and realised that I've been enjoying your blog for the last few months. I hadn't actually been 'following' you (as a member) but that is now rectified :) Will be seeing you around!
Oh my gosh!! That is such a compliment. Thank you so very much :D
Wow, this looks great on you! I've been dabbling in some self drafted patterns but sticking to the basics for now. Love what you have done!
Yes, it is quite a lot of work, but you learn something from every step that you can apply next time. Thank you for the comment :)
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