Right...I'm Ready!


Bring on the heat!

Let me start by saying, I can't believe it has taken me this long to make my own swim wear.  This must have been among the simplest, quickest and most straight forward project I have ever attempted.  

I did contemplate modelling my new swimwear on a chaise floating in the pool while sipping a pina colada, but only briefly, before reality set in.  Sooo, in the absence of the chaise and the pina colada, this is as resort looking as I could get.

The pattern is McCall's 5400.  The packet describes this pattern as a two piece bathing suit and cover up.  Lined, halter tops have separate pattern pieces for A/B and C/D cup sizes.  The top A has a front ruffle.  Tops C, D have purchased swimwear hooks.  Top E is waist length.  Below waist bottoms have lined crotch and high cut legs.  The pullover cover up has long sleeves with seam opening and side slits.  I made view E top and view F pants with modifications.

The pattern is sized 4-12.  I made a size 10 C/D cup for the top and size 12 for the pants.

I chose this pattern and fabric at the end of last summer in one of Lincrafts half price sales.  From memory, the nylon Lycra that I chose was around $7 per metre and given I used less than a metre, this was an economical project.

Like the last  pair of bikini pants I made using this pattern, I added a band to the top as I like a higher pair of pants without actually making the higher version.  I did find with the last pair that the band unfolded when I was wearing them so this time I chose to make the band narrower and avoid the fold all together.  This time I also used rubber elastic instead of the poly braid elastic that I used last time and this resulted in a nicer fit.  I extended the top by 13cm in length because I wanted the top to finish at hip length and not waist length and also added 1.5cm in width at each side because I felt that it was too narrow in the hips and didn't want it to roll up when worn.  With the cup lining, I cut it in a half crescent shape at the side seam which left an opening through which I could pop some padded inserts in.

I finished the hem by over locking and turning and a twin needled hem.  This is a new trick for me and I am now a convert to twin needles.  I have a cover stitch machine but this is definitely a good, I can't be bothered setting it up lazy option, for me.




 


The instructions were extremely easy to follow and I will definitely be making more of these.   The finished product looks exactly like the picture (apart from the changes I made).   Next time, I would like to try view C top, with a few alterations. I have to say,  there is nothing about this pattern not to like.  It is easy and the finished product is flattering.  Now, all I need is some hot weather....oh and the chaise and pina colada!








 

Comments

  1. I'm seriously tempted to try making swimmers this year!! Especially with the amount of time I spend on the beach...

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    Replies
    1. You should! Especially in your high use climate. They take next to no fabric and are quick and easy.

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  2. They look fantastic Andrea - very professional and the colours look so summery and tropical.
    Also catching up on your other post - again your Vogue dress looks great - but I haven`t made it yet either - but I can see why it is so popular.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. Wouldn't you know it.....weather bordering on summer has decided to play the game finally so they might get some use soon.

      The dress is pretty simple which is probably why it is so popular.

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  3. Very pretty swim suit. I'll bet the colors of this fabric look fantastic on you.

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    Replies
    1. I haven't had a coloured suit in a long time. When I invest a small fortune on rtw suits, I tend to stick to boring black.

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  4. They look fantastic - I really like the style of the top. I might have to hunt down that pattern, something I often find myself thinking that after reading your blog :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I am pleased the things I make inspire people. I am a little picky when it comes to swimwear so even I was a little surprised at how happy am with the final result.

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