Sewing Swimsuits;The Story of 12 Swims Sewn- part 2

Continuing on with my 12 swims sewn; you can see part 1 here.

Kwik Sew 3238

My measurements at this time:

High bust: 37    Bust: 39

Waist: 31.5     Hip: 46

date started: 08/01/19 date finished: 08/02/19

size sewn: M bust, L waist, XL hip (sizing bust was in between M and L so I sized down, waist and hip were exact)

alterations: added 2” to the hem because it looked short. Added 1/4” to the sides of the tank bottom because it looked too tight.

Fabric: Purple swim panel $4.25/yard that I purchased in July 2016 from Hancock's going out of business sale; And Black Swim that I have no clue where or when I purchased.

Notes: The instructions on this pattern are fantastic and it sews up very nice.  Even though I added to the hem the top was still very short.  It also pulls up in center front so it feels weird.  There isn’t enough support in the back to keep the CF in place.  The bust darts are too pointy.  I really liked this top and was a bit sad it didn’t work out. 

 Jalie 3022 and 3351 Mashup

My measurements at this time:

Waist: 31.5     Hip: 46

date started and finished: 08/01/19

size sewn: Z waist and BB Hip (sized up 3 waist sizes higher and exact hip)

alterations: I added 1” to the hem from the shorts line.  I added 1/4” to each leg out and inseam. 

Fabric: Black Swim that I have no clue where or when I purchased.

What I did was take the Z waist and briefs from pattern 3351 and attached it to the Z waist and BB hip from 3022.  It fit perfectly without any other changes.

Thoughts:  I love these!  The 3022 are my favorite pants to wear ever and I made them as swim shorts for my mom waaay back in Jan 2016.  So I figured it was time for me to make some for myself.  They worked great in the pool. 

 Here is the suit I finally settled on for this summer.  It worked well.  I loved the shorts in the water especially. They stayed put the whole time.

I also made Miss K a new suit.  I sewed her up a quick new rash guard because her other top wasn’t fitting anymore.

Jalie 3668 Valerie Rash guard 

Her measurements: 34 bust, 27 waist, 39 hip.  Size Sewn: T bust/waist to a W hip.

It fit great!  She requested a longer hem next time.

Fabric: Purple swim from Hancock’s going out of business sale; Rainbow Tie-Dye Swimwear Knit from FabricMart.  I purchased this in May 2015 for $4.80. I used the tie dye from her old swim top, just cut it up. (totally just realized I never posted her suit I sewed up in 2017 ).

Here is a picture of the old swim set, I don’t think I ever even got a full picture of it.

(picture from 2017)

I used this pattern to make her another set of swims this summer, too.  (The blues do match, the top was just wet here). 

This time with Blue Swim and Pixel mountains.  Blue Swim was: Lake Blue Poly/Lycra from FabricMart.  Purchased in May 2017 for $4.80 for 1.5 yards. The Pixels was 1 yard purchased
in May 2017 for $13 from SpandexWorld. Excellent quality swim knit.

I made the hem 1” longer. I fully line the front so I make the liner 1” shorter and use a 3/4” hem.  This turned out to be a perfect suit for her and she used it all summer.

With the Blue rash guard I made her
Jalie 3351 Swim shorts in size V to match.

Adjustments: I took 1/2” off the waistband and facings. I did 1/2” hem and used the elastics for size V

Everything was perfect.  K would like 1/2” off the top of the shorts rise next time too.

 I attempted to make her Jalie 2563 as swim shorts first.

Size V.  Also with the blue swim and pixel mountains.  It turned out way too tight and she was not having it, so I went back to my tried-and-true swim pattern for her with the 3351 shorts.

Here is an picture of the elusive Miss K in her new swims.

 We had a pretty good summer this year.  I am sad to see it end.

 Here are the previous suits I’ve made Miss K over the years:  Jun 2014 Jalie 3023 and 3351, Feb 2015 Kwik Sew and Jalie, May 2015 florals, Jun 2015 Jalie 2805 and 3351,  Aug 2016 Jalie 3351 and 2805, also Jalie 3247 and Suat Brazi for
her friend. As well as the ones I forgot to blog from last year (oops)

 

 

 

 

Sewing Swimsuits;The Story of 12 Swims Sewn- part 1

We’ve had an above ground pool for a few years now.  When we moved last fall we got rid of it and then summer rolled around and Miss K wanted a pool again.  So we thought about it awhile and decided to get another pool.  We kept our sand filter and salt pump so the only investment was the pool itself.  I never really swam in our old pool; there were too many swim bugs and debris for me (germaphobe); also, it caused me too much anxiety to get into the pool because of the bugs and my fear of water.  However, I forced myself to get past that this year and K and I actually swam in the new pool a lot!  Because we were swimming almost everyday we needed new suits; my older Jalie suit – which I love – was becoming too tight for me.  I don’t mind sewing swimwear as I find it fast and easy to sew.  So I set off in a quest to find and sew a new suit, but didn’t have much luck at first, and ended up sewing 12 things.  I will actually split this post into two posts because it just got to be too long with all the makes in one!

First up:

Jalie – Cora Leggings (3462)

My measurements at this time:

Waist: 32     Hip: 46

date started and finished: 07/13/19

size sewn: z in waist and CC in hip (sized up 3 waist sizes higher and 1 hip size higher)

alterations: none

Fabric: Royal Blue Swim that I have no clue where I got or when; and White/Navy Sketch Plaid Swim, purchased from Fashionfabricsclub May 2018 for $5.59 for the yard

Notes: the Z waist is waaaaay to small.  The bands on the thighs are too tight; hemming without bands was also too tight. Need about 1/2” more in thighs

Resewn at straight size CC and added 1/8” to outer front and back leg hems at the bottom which equals 1/2” more room at hem.

Thoughts:  I love the look of this pattern.  I was very set on making these as my bottoms. However, they just didn’t feel right in the water.  I am not even sure what it is about them that makes me not comfortable.  I still love the style. Perhaps I’ll revisit them in the future. I do think the bands might have been better left on for in the water.  But if I try that again I need to make them wider.

Then I moved on to the

Stitch Upon A Time – Water Faery Top

My measurements at this time:

High bust: 37    Bust: 39

Waist: 32     Hip: 46

date started and finished: 07/17/19

size sewn: Bust- Medium, Waist- Large, and Hip- XL  (sizing exact on bust, 1 up on waist, and exact on hip)

alterations: added 3/4” to the hem, added powermesh to the bra part.

Fabric: Galaxy print swim for $4.80/yard (had 1.5 yards) and Red Swim for $4.40 for the yard. I purchased both from FabricMart May 2015

Notes:  I sewed the twist tank style. I also found it much easier to use a zigzag stitch to attach elastics to bodice (on page 12) instead of serger.

Thoughts: I was drawn to the cool twist design on this top.  However, the instructions for this pattern were horrible.  It is very hard to see how to do the twisting top part and explanation is not well either.  I spend a good part of an hour trying to figure just that step out.

The fit is terribly tight – like I couldn’t breathe tight.  I almost got stuck in the suit just trying it on.  I did not hem or finish it, deciding it was a toss at that point. If I ever do try to make it again (because I’m stubborn), I would size up 1 if not 2 sizes on everything and not put powermesh in the bra part;  maybe adding soft foam cups instead.

Jalie 3351 Swim Shorts

I’ve previously made these a few times for K and also twice for me: Feb 2015 roses, and May 2015 stripes.

My measurements at this time:

Waist: 32     Hip: 46

date started: 07/16/19

date finished: 07/17/19

size sewn: Z waist and BB hip  (sized up 3 waist sizes higher and exact hip)

alterations: I lengthened them by 1” with a 1/2” hem; I also removed the side pockets

Fabric: Galaxy print swim for $4.80/yard (had 1.5 yards) and Red Swim for $4.40 for the yard. I purchased both from FabricMart May 2015

Notes: These ended up being too big, too long, and the crotch rise was too long.  So much for me adding length! Now don’t get me wrong, I love this pattern.  I just need to find my right size again.

5 out of 4 – Xfactor tank

My measurements at this time:

High bust: 37    Bust: 39

Waist: 31.5     Hip: 46

date started and finished: 07/27/19

size sewn: M bust/waist to L hip; bra on C/D cup line. (sizing on pattern I was a M, S, XL so I sized up on waist and down on hip, bad idea!)

alterations: none

Fabric: Galaxy print swim for $4.80/yard (had 1.5 yards) and Red Swim for $4.40 for the yard. I purchased both from FabricMart May 2015

Notes: So I actually sewed this up twice.  The first time I found the powermesh too tight in the bra.  I needed 1.5” elastic under the bust and needed to raise the underbust line.  The binding was attached weird and the whole fit of the tank was weird.  The top was too long in the bust, the waist poofed up in center front and was too big. The hips were too tight.  It squished my chest and was uncomfortable.

The second time I sewed the top (because I’m stubborn), I cut the bra on the A/B line.  I lowered the front neckline by 2”.  I added 1/2” to the hip on the sides of the front and back tapering to 0” at waist. I added swim elastic all around the top with a zigzag, then I flipped it inside and triple-zigzag stitched it.  I did not use any binding. I used Purple swim panel $4.25/yard that I purchased in July 2016 from Hancock's going out of business sale; And Black Swim that I have no clue where or when I purchased.

Future changes: I would like the bottom front and back to be lined.  The bottom needs just a slight bit more width at hips and the center front bottom needs more length.

Overall the second tank was acceptable to wear in the pool. I wore it a few times.  It does tend to ride up in the front when swimming around so I think it needs to be a smidge tighter and have a front liner on the bottom.

I actually really like this top and it only took a ton of sewing to get here, lol.  Look for part #2 to post tomorrow!

Fall/Winter SWAP 2019

Here are some of the things I’ll be working on Fall/Winter for my Sewing With A Plan

Completed so far:

Deer and Doe – Plantain

Greenstyle Creations – Chelsea Pants

Jalie 3907 Alex 

Jalie 3667 Marie Claude

New Horizons – Summit Peak Hoodie

Helen’s Closet – Blackwood Cardigan

1 Puddle Lane – Miss Ruby Tuesday Dress (Instead of New look 6301)

McCalls 7061 pajamas

Here are my older Sewing Plans

2 Misses;M4M Vivienne and Jalie Pika

I do not enjoy sewing fails.  Generally if I fail at a pattern I will rework it a few times to make sure – and generally I keep coming up with a fail each time! (Hello Jalie Eleonore's)! 

Most of the time the reason for the fail is one of two things: a. that the pattern doesn’t work for my body shape, or b. the fabric is the wrong choice. 

Today I have 2 patterns here that I loved the look of; I was so excited to make them and then neither turned out well for my body shape. 

Made For Mermaids – Vivienne

My measurements at the time: 39 bust, 32 waist, 46 hip

Size Sewn: Bust- Indigo; Waist- Green; Hip- Yellow

Started sewing this in July and then banned it to “the pile” to be chopped up for something else or revisited at a later time.

I sewed up the top length.  I used double brushed poly because I love how soft it is and I though the drape would work well. 

I used fold over elastic in the waist area to hold the gather shape because regular elastic makes me itchy. 

I got it all sewn up except the arm and neck bands and hem; when I tried it on I didn’t like it at all. 

It makes me look pregnant and lays funny on the hips due to the gathers only being in the front and back, not on the side panels.

I feel like the waist part sits too low on me.  It needs to be higher like an empire to hit my natural waist.

Jalie Pika

My measurements at the time: 38 bust, 31.5 waist, 41 high hip.

Size Sewn: W at bust/waist to Z at hip

Started sewing it in June 14th, 2019 and probably not finishing it.

Alterations: I added 1/2” to the back hip tapering to 0” at the waist to accommodate for my larger rear. I did not add a hem band, wanting to keep it loose and flowing by the hips.

On step 18-19 the elastic is NOT long enough to stitch and not stretch. it was like 3.5 inches short.

Fabric: The inner bra I used gray cotton lycra; the outer I used a turquoise triblend jersey that I purchased in May 2017 from knitpop for $5/yard.  It is super soft.

I like the fabric and like the look of the top – on others.  I tried it on and I felt so frumpy and larger due to no waist definition.  I really wanted this to work – you guys know I love my Jalie patterns!

I don’t think either of these are bad patterns.  I just feel like they work for someone of a different shape than me.  A pear shape needs that waist definition. 

Mens Boxers - Jalie, Suat, M4m

I’ve made Mr. Sunny boxers over the last few years.  I used to use Stitch Upon a Time’s Boxerwear pattern in the beginning, but ever since Jalie came out with the Gerald pattern; he likes those better.  I also recently tried the M4M pattern.

So here is a roundup of the pairs I haven’t yet blogged.  I’ll start most recent and work backwards.

M4M – Gables (fail)

Size: straight XL

Options/Alterations:  Fabric enclosed elastic waist; long length

Sewn: June 14, 2019

Fabric: heathered blue athletic knit that I think I got in a Zenith and Quasar mystery box.  1/2 yard. Soft Gray fold over elastic from SewSassy website. (best FOE I’ve found).

Instructions: The instructions are fine.  No issues.  The pattern pieces have an issue.  For some reason the top of the fly is 1/2” too short.  It doesn’t match up when putting together. 

Also, I use 1.5” sport elastic because it’s softer so I need to add 1/2” more in height to the waistband for a full casing.  I found the waistband piece was too short for that; however it did end up catching my elastic nicely in the seam when serging so no shifting or rollover.

Verdict:  WAYYYYY to tight. Comically tight.  I laughed, hard.  These were not a favorite and he couldn’t even wear them past the initial fit test.

Jalie – Gerald 3885 (winner)

Size: CC

Options/Alterations: the dark gray pair I did the “saxx hack” although I put it in wrong, he still wears them.  I should have put the side flaps on top of the topmost flap there, not under them.

To make the flaps I just took the fly piece and traced off about 1.5” wide starting at the side; cut two pieces and used FOE to go down the nonseam side.

The space dyed blue with red stitching are the longer length whereas the gray are the shorter length.

Mr. Sunny likes the longer length in the winter because they don’t ride up but in the summer the longer length shows under his shorts sometimes so he prefers the shorter length for summer.

Sewn: gray on Feb 14, 2019 and blue on June 8th, 2018

Fabric: Dark gray athletic brushed knit with Black Fold over elastic.  I got this fabric in a mystery box from Zenith & Quasar

The blue pair is Navy space dye poly spandex performance tech knit fabric from stylish fabric, purchased in July 2017.  The fabric is soft, slippery and has a cooling feeling. $7.20/yard, used 1/2ish yard.

Instructions: Fantastic. No issues.

Verdict: he loves these.  Really loves the fit.  Says they are almost perfect; he just would like them an inch higher in the back rise.

Stitch Upon A Time – Boxerwear (great pattern)

Size: XL

Options/Alterations: Low rise in front, normal rise in back.

Sewn: gray with teal mushroom on July, 7th 2017; red and black horde on June 13, 2017

Fabric: all cotton lycra most likely purchased from purpleseamstress.  I added the 1up and mushroom with my embroidery machine. I added the Lok’tar Ogar and Horde symbol with heat transfer vinyl.

For obvious reasons the embroidery holds up much better, where the vinyl starts to peel off after about 100 washes.

The vinyl feels much better on the skin though because the embroidery stitching is a bit scratchy.  I put Sulky soft & sheer behind the mushroom to combat the scratchy feeling.

Instructions: Instructions are great, straightforward and no issues. I like that the options are given for no seaming to be on the sides of the fly.

Verdict: He likes these quite a bit.  I’ve also made these before for him (aug 2015 black and blue, and Apr 2016 Ewoks).  It’s a great pattern and I would use it again. 

I’ve found that the cotton lycra doesn’t withstand wash and wear as much as the athletic knits above.  These two pair have already had to be tossed due to holes where the athletic knit ones look new still. 

However, the cotton lycra ones are definitely softer to wear.

Thanks for reading!

Kristin

Laundry Day Tee - Love Notions and another M4M - Chloe Skirt

While scrolling through my phone this ad kept popping up for a tank top.  After seeing it about 15 times I thought, Hey I should copy that.  So I did.

Laundry Day Tee – Love Notions

Made before: Black tunic tee in April 2017

Started Sewing: 06/29/19    Finished Sewing: 07/01/19

Measurements at this time: High bust 37, Bust 39, Waist 32, Hip 46

Size Sewn: Medium with a length of Large (I sized down because I remember it being large before; however my notes from before say to make an even smaller size next time S bust and M waist/hip, oops!)

Alterations/Options Made: Tank option, 1/2” forward shoulder, Made Armbands 2” x 21.5”

This was too big and frumpy at first. So I went back after I was finished and took 1/2” off the sides from bust to 3” above the hip. Then I took out 1” off from hem/hip and blended it to the 3” above the hip 1/2” off. Much better!

Fabric: "American Beauty Pink Roses on Pale Aqua," med-weight, 4way stretch, double brushed poly spandex, $8.50 a yard. Pattern took 1 yard.  Purchased Nov 2017 from Purpleseamstress

Thoughts: Love it!  I think it looks very similar to the RTW one I was copying.  I’ve worn it a ton of times already.  Can’t wait to make more!  It is perfect on it’s own and also under a cardigan.

Future: Changed paper pattern to reflect the 1” off hem/hip to 1/2” off waist bust. No other changes needed for future.

Made For Mermaids – Chloe Maxi Skirt

Made before: Gray heathered stripe in June 2019, also used the skirt for this modified floral Boundless dress from Mar 2018

Measurements at this time: 31.5 waist, 46 hip

Size Sewn: Waist Indigo, the rest Green

Alterations Made: Added 2” to hem, took 1/8” off waist on each side of skirt portion;  Waistband was way too tight in this cotton lycra.  took off and recut at 32.5” instead of 31.5”

Fabric: 2 yards Turquoise cotton poly jersey.  Purchased from Knitpop in April 2017 for $5.10/yard so $10.20 total for the skirt. Waistband was a small bit of Deep Seafoam Cotton lycra purchased from FabricMart in Mar 2018 for $1.99/yard. It has excellent recovery which I think is why it was so tight at the normal waistband length.

Thoughts: I love all maxi skirts.  I enjoy having something I can throw on quickly and it keeps me looking nice yet feeling cool on those hot summer days.

Future: I think I have the pattern worked out now.  I hope to make a basic Navy one and a gray one too.

P4P Boundless as a top and Greenstyle Chelsea Pants

I apologize if this post is a repeat to some of you.  I’m having issues with Bloglovin not showing my posts; and now my Open Live Writer is acting up again; oh and my photos are blurry too.  Technology...... UGH.

Way back when (Jan 2019) I made winter sewing plans.  I’ve still been working on those plans.  I have 4 of the 10 made and 2 more muslins in progress.  Here are 2 things from those plans.

Patterns for Pirates – Boundless dress as a top

I made this back in Jan 2019 and haven’t gotten around to taking pictures.  I was waiting for the pants to be finished to go with it.

Size: Large, empire waist, 3/4 sleeves.

Alterations: 1/2” forward shoulder, raised back neck 5.5”, did 3/4” hem.  for the bottom piece that is gathered I made a trapezoid shape. 26” across the top slanting to 29.5” at the bottom hem and 15” tall.  On the inside I attach fold over elastic around the waist where the gathers are.  I do this without stretching the elastic at all. This makes sure the gathers stay nice, do not stretch out, and the FOE is soft enough that it doesn’t irritate my skin like regular or clear elastic does (allergy to latex).

Fabric: 2 yards black roses floral double brushed poly.  purchased in dec 2016 from knitpop

Thoughts: love love love.  I love everything about this top.

Future: no changes to make.



Greenstyle - Chelsea Yoga Pants

These pants were my hold up.  I made a pair according to my measurements in January and they were waaaay to tight – like skin tight booty pants, and that is not a look I’m trying to achieve.  So I put the booty pants aside and measured the pattern flat – which showed why they did not fit me.  My measurements put me in an XL but the flat measurements showed I needed to make a 3XL.

In March I made the 3xl size finally and they fit all sorts of weird.  They were too high in the waist, the crotch felt weird, the waist was too big and the butt had issues.  I put them aside and moved on for the time being.

Well, fast forward from March to July and now I’ve gained 20 lbs; so I put on the 3XL pants the other day…. and they fit.  Fit just fine actually – I mean well enough to wear in public.  ha!  So here are my Chelsea pants to go with my above top – in the middle of July – oh and did I mention my pants are FLEECE lined! hahahahaha.

We will start with the larger ones first (the second pair)

Size: 3xl, medium rise.

Alterations: scooped butt curve by 1/2”, sloped more to the waist by taking in 1/4” at mid butt curve and then 3/8” at top of butt curve by waist.  Added 1/4” to outer hip at waist, added 3/8” at outer hip curve – did this to compensate for the sloping of the curve at CB as well as the scooping.

Fabric: 1.5 yards “Black Sweatshirt fleece”, plush brushed fleece back, can be used for activewear.  4 way stretch. Purchased Feb 2018 from fashionfabricsclub for $3.94/yard. so $5.91 total.

Thoughts: I love the front seam on these.  I love the flare.  I’m glad they fit me now.  I think the midrise is too high for my liking. I would like to lower the front rise by 1/2-3/4”

Future: It will depend, if I lose weight I will try the 2xl size and go from there.  I will do low rise from now on.


Here are the weird fit pics from Mar before I gained weight. same pair of pants.

OK now on to the 1st pair I made:

Size: Large at waist to XL hip and elsewhere.  midrise.

Alterations: scooped butt curve 1/2” added 1/8” to back leg inseam and 1/4” to front leg inseam.  added 3/4” to hem. 

Fabric: 1.25 yards Black nylon/lycra fleece-back knit from fabricmart fabrics. purchased in a mystery bundle May 2017.  Cost $1.20 for the piece. 30% stretch selvage to selvage

Thoughts: way too tight. skin tight. These instagram pics were the only ones I snapped of these pants and if they were skin tight in Jan, then there is no way I’m even getting a leg in one of these now!


~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~