Swimmers for me

I have a lot of fun sewing swimwear, so I probably own way more swimmers than most people, but every year I like to make a couple more.  I get to try out different styles, and each year my techniques are refined a little bit more.  Some swimmers only make it to my back yard pool whilst the more modest ones make it to the beach.  Some are just for looking pretty.  Others need to be able to stay up in the surf!

I have been playing around with a photo program, so that I can show you the swimmers on my body, without having to put my body out there on the internet!  I need a bit more practice at the program, but I hadn't even opened it until this morning, so I think these pictures are not too bad.

These one-pieces were self-drafted, using the information over at Stuart's site.

First up, a surf-friendly style.  This pattern was based on the tank suit.  I cut off the pattern at the empire line and made a cross-over V neck front, then added the frills.  It is very girly! The fabric is from Tessuti.  They do not have lycra listed in their on-line shop, so you will need to contact them if you want samples.  I purchase my lining and elastic from Beach Bubble Swimwear. 

This next one will probably only make it to the back yard.  It is an asymmetrical style that I have been wanting to try for a few years.  It took a bit of effort to do the drafting.  I would like to get to the point where I can draft in Corel draw, but I admit I gave up on these and used paper and pencil.

I changed the spagetti strap to a cut-on strap so that I didn't have to mess around with binding elastic.  I think I should have placed the strap on the other side, to create an "S" shape to the swimmers rather than the one-sides asymmetry.

Again, the fabric is from Tessuti.