A quiet blog usually means we are B.U.S.Y. – which is pretty much life, huh?  We spent the last couple weeks in Maui and it was just the unplugged, family fun that we all needed to power through the end of the school year.  I spent the week before we left sewing for myself, something that I haven’t found as much time for in the last few months.  Packing for a tropical beach vacation can be quite easy – as long as you have a great swimsuit and a few easy things to throw over it, you’re set.  I, unfortunately, was in need of a new swimsuit.  I had heard about the Bombshell Swimsuit sewing pattern and decided to give it a go.  I figured nothing could be worse than swimsuit shopping, am I right?! 

So…I sewed the suit.  And I wore the suit.  All day, every day of my trip.  I’m not even sure where to begin raving about this pattern.  I’M POSTING PICTURES OF MYSELF IN A SWIMSUIT ON THE INTERNET!  Doesn’t that say it all?  You guys – this is a must-sew for ALL body types.  The classic 1950’s silhouette is super flattering plus modest plus sexy.  From where I’m standing, it’s the trifecta of swimsuit styles.  As the pattern maker describes it: “With flattering ruched seams, a booty encasing seat and a skirt-like front, the Bombshell swimsuit hugs your curves while providing full (but sexy) coverage.”

This was pretty much my uniform my whole vacation.  I felt comfortable and stylish and pretty damn proud of myself for sewing my own swimsuit.  SO much better than trying to find something that fits my exact shape on the store rack!

I purchased the sewing pattern through Closet Case Patterns – it was an instant pdf download and printed out without any trouble.  There are a couple different styles – I went with the halter top for something new, though my other swimsuit (store-bought) has the “gathered bust maillot” top available as one of the other pattern variations and I looooove that style. (planning on sewing up the alternate variation asap!)  She also provides very detailed and well-photographed step-by-step information in a sewalong on her blog – so check that out if you’re struggling with a step.

I used a combination of serger and sewing machine for the suit, but you can absolutely get by with just a sewing machine.  In fact, I did most of the finishing with the sewing machine and mostly did basting with the serger.  I did appreciate the quick and extra reinforcement of serging the final side seams together and attaching the bodice to the bottom, but other than that, I’ll probably skip the serger all together next time.

I did not ruche along the back center seam of the seat, but I think I’ll give it a try on the next go-around.  The back is fine without the ruching – just simple. It made it quicker to sew without that step and less intimidating on the first try.  The back of the swimsuit provides full coverage – the fabric stays put and it’s totally comfortable – no riding up, no tight elastic.  Although the instructions for sewing in the elastic around the leg holes looked complicated, I found it easy to follow with both the pattern and my fabric in front of me at the sewing machine.

The gathered side seams and the front “skirt” panel just makes this swimsuit!  It’s so stylish and modest in just the right places.  You end up with three layers of fabric over your stomach, which is especially nice when you’re over the age of, say, had a baby or three.  The halter top/bust portion came together easily also.  There is elastic sewn with a slight tension down each side of the bust pieces and this helps everything stay put.  I did rip some cup liners out of a super old swimsuit and added them to this halter version, even though it wasn’t included in the pattern.  A little lining makes me feel more comfortable – I just did a quick stitch around the perimeter of the cup to sew it onto the inside of the lining piece before sewing together the lining and the main fabric of each bust piece.

As you can see, the suit was good for swimming, beach strolls, and cradling cute kiddos poolside.  Alrighty!  So, nothing but glowing recommendations for this pattern.

PATTERN: Closet Case Files Bombshell Swimsuit

FABRIC: paisley lycra from Joann Fabric & Craft, polyester thread, ball point needles

MACHINES:  Baby Lock Aventura Sewing Machine & Baby Lock Evolution Serger

Have fun!