Blue Hawaii Set

With summer upon us and holidays looming, I was quite keen to have another attempt at making swimwear for myself.  I was really happy with last years version, but like all first attempts, I felt there was room for improvement.  My gripe with version one of McCalls 5400, although small was the that slip in padding moved around constantly and I felt that the neckband and under bust would have benefited from some concealed elastic to stop the fabric stretching out when wet.  

For my latest set though, rather than cutting into a new piece of fabric, and I have have more in my stash, I chose to use up the leftovers from last years suit.  Being a mother of three, I particularly liked the coverage the halter top appeared to give and wanted to balance out my bottom half with equally adequate coverage and to cover any potential lumps and bumps that my child bearing years have generously gifted me.  This is no easy task where a bikini is concerned.  I have actually steered clear of bikinis for the last 18 years preferring a one piece which are extremely practical when in the water but not so for extended periods, if you know what I mean!

After numerous version already, in both underwear and swimwear, using this pattern, I knew that size 12 for the bottoms would be the best fit.  I set about making the high rise version.  I must have read the pattern incorrectly as the waist elastic proved to be too tight.  After quick surgery with the scissors and reattaching a longer piece of elastic, I am pretty happy.  Now the top,  I cut to a size 10 A/B cup.  The only change I made was to add elastic underneath the cup because I noticed when I searched this pattern that the versions I had seen did not seem to sit closely to the rib cage and this I felt would look and feel much better.  For the bra cups, I cut up some cups I had rescued out of an old bra to the size I wanted and overlocked around them.  I worked out where I wanted them to sit and top stitched them to the inside of my bra cup lining.  I think the hardest part of this whole project was fitting the band clasps myself.  I don't think I have ever been stabbed with pins so much in my entire life!

My verdict with this set!  Well it performed amazingly well on the Abel Tasman track.  We walked 11kms on a warm summers day, with views of bays such as this one above Sandfly Bay  along the way.  By the time we reached our water taxi collection point, I was not in the slightest bit concerned about wearing a bikini, my only thought was how quickly could I get my weary bones into that water!

After my initial swim in my new bikini, my bikini inhibitions began to disappear.  I really like the cut and fit of this top and will definitely be making this style again.