Project Diary: Sarai’s floral swimsuit, part 1
I was determined to make myself a new swimsuit this year, for three reasons:
- The whole Colette team was planning a river floating day.
- I planned a trip to Palm Springs this year.
- Last year, while goofing off in a lake and climbing on a log, I managed to rip the crotch of my old swimsuit almost in half on a nail. I was literally hanging from the crotch of my swimsuit in the water, totally stuck. I had to play it cool while struggling to unhook myself, then crab walk out of the water and wrap myself in a towel. Oops.
So that brings me to this year.
I wanted two things in a swimsuit this year. First, I wanted something that showed a bit more skin than the typical one-piece, but I didn’t really want a bikini. Second, I wanted FLORAL. Because I just love floral everything.
The pattern and fabric
I was totally inspired when I saw this vintage pattern and immediately scooped it up. I guess they’re calling this a monokini now, though I associate the monokini with the famous Rudi Gernreich topless swimsuit.
I wasn’t totally sure that something obviously intended for a lithe 1970s model body would work on my frame, but I figured I’d give it a shot. I’m sort of tired of worrying about how high my boobs are hoisted, you know?
Next, I sought out some nice lush floral swimwear fabric. I ended up with this one from Fabrics World, which is absolutely perfect. I also got some donut fabric while I was at it which I intend to make into workout shorts, by the way.
Here’s another floral fabric I was considering, which I think is equally pretty.
Construction
First, I sewed this out of the envelope and it came out big on me. I think much of this has to do with the fabric. Being an older pattern, I’m sure it wasn’t intended for super stretchy spandex. I ended up taking about four inches out of the hips, and the next time I make it, I’ll probably grade the whole thing way down.
I made one major change that I highly recommend, which is that I swapped out the bias tape it specified for fold over elastic. This made the whole thing a very very quick and easy project. In fact, if you go this route, this is a great swimsuit for those new to sewing swim or lingerie.
This was almost entirely sewn without a serger, and you could easily make it without one, which is nice. Just a lot of zigzagging.
I was unsure whether to line it, but in the end I opted not to. If I had, it might have reduced the amount of stretch, which could have been a good thing, I’m not sure. But the fabric really didn’t need a lining, and now that I’ve worn it in the water, I’m confident it isn’t necessary.
I’m pretty jazzed about how the suit turned out, small fit adjustments for next time aside. I managed to get Kenn to snap a lot of photos in Palm Springs on vacation, and I’ll share the finished suit next week in part 2!
Look for those photos Monday.
Comments
Patricia
August 15, 2016 #
Such pretty fabric! Can’t wait to see the finished product. And by the way, I love the idea of donut workout shorts?
Sarai
August 16, 2016 #
I can’t wait to make them. I’m going to copy my favorite pair of workout shorts, so excited to wear them even if I only train at home and Kenn is the only person who sees me, ha!
Janet
August 17, 2016 #
Love, love, love the idea of donut workout shorts!
Barb Barna
August 15, 2016 #
Love the fabric and the techniques…I too used a vintage pattern to make my latest suit, and it came out huge. I gifted it to my dear sister who is a few sizes larger than I , as it it so much ruching and elastic, it would have been difficult to take in. I am going to try the Jalie tankini next, as their patterns seem to fit me better in general. Looing forward to the final photos.
Toni
August 15, 2016 #
Did you buy enough fabric to make two? or had other spandex for a test run. I’m constantly overbuying fabric. Just curious how you tackled the “Muslin” for a swimsuit.
Sarai
August 16, 2016 #
I did! That’s the great thing about making swimsuits, they take so little fabric I always have enough for a practice run.
¡Helen!
August 15, 2016 #
Me too about the muslin for this. True that there wasn’t stretch spandex when this pattern came out. I remember making my bikinis out of double-face cotton in the 1970s. In fact, I remember the monokini as well, not that I ever wore or saw one in action back then!
francesca
August 16, 2016 #
Oh, lovely fabric! i remember monokinis too – just in vogue – and god they were brutal.
Deborah Morrison
August 16, 2016 #
Eep! Floral fabric and a vintage pattern. You are brilliant.
PsychicSewerKathleen
August 16, 2016 #
Love this fabric too! So hard to find floral swimsuit fabric – it would be nice in a pair of leggings too! I also love your idea for fold over elastic which I’ve fallen in love with for neck and arm openings. I can’t wait to see the pictures of it finished on you.
Kimberly
August 16, 2016 #
From a practical point of view, this style of suit is so great! Not only does it cover up a bit more to help us feel more modest/confident, but since the back is open, it’s still easy access for bathroom breaks! TMI, I’m sure, but seriously something to consider–especially when you’re in the woods!
AJ
August 22, 2016 #
Thanks for the double fold elastic tip! I have swimsuit fabric sitting around waiting for me to brave it, and that seems so much less daunting!
Kaydee
August 23, 2016 #
Can I ask what pattern number this is? I love how this suit turned out and think I need to find this pattern ASAP!
Sarai
August 23, 2016 #
It’s Butterick 5449. Sorry, I should have included that. :)