7.12.10

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.




12 comments:

Gail said...

I am sitting here trying to imagine my belly hanging out through the middle of the second swimsuit. It wouldn't be pretty! The first suit is more my style. Stuart's site is very educative isn't it?

Mary Nanna said...

Well done for showing us your swimmers and protecting your modesty. Now that you understand the joke, I shall say no more "rocket girl" to you!

I admire your adventure in swim wear. Mine does, and will always, be looking to cover a multitude of sins procured over a multitude of desserts.

Colette said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Colette said...

Sorry take #2

I've neglected the online shop these couple of months what with the trip and end of year costumes, end of primary school activities etc. I'll be sure to get some of the lycra's up there now that things are back to normal!!!

Love the surf friendly style...looks like the one pieces you find in the Jets catalogues. I'd love to try swimwear for the girl's to start...will have to be one of the things on my to-make-list in 2011.

Sue said...

I plan to branch out and try sewing some swimwear - very motivating to see your great cossies!

Uta said...

You swimsuits look great! I wouldn't dare self draft.. well maybe next year!

Sew-4-Fun said...

Nice! I especially like the first pair. Very girlie as you said. :)

Audrey said...

What a great way to show the swim suits on a real body but still maintain privacy. The suits are really cute and unusual. I love reading the information on Stuart's site, but have not drafted my own suit.

Anita (Summer Gypsy) said...

Cute swimsuits... (and I like the way you photographed them with the transparent background)

Bri said...

These are gorgeous! I haven't tackled swimwear yet, but seeing these makes me want to attempt! A cool software program that you used also...

Gabrielle said...

Designing your own swimsuits looks like fun - and you do a great job at it too - it's most inspiring.

kbenco said...

These are terrific swimmers, and I love the fabric, thanks for the heads up about Tessuti as a source.
Your invisible modelling is very clever.