Thursday, October 4, 2012

Back on Track: Projects 16 & 17: One 4 All Stylish Swimsuit (Frilly)

Seeing as though I've got a sewing list a mile long for this summer, I thought I'd best get moving on it, starting with the easier garments first. Obviously, that involves sewing for my daughter as there is little fitting involved.

First up, she desperately needs some swimsuits. I'd purchased this downloadable pattern a little while ago on Etsy, and we were both keen to test it out. The fabric I used for the test garment (I've yet to get pictures on DD) was part of a bulk lycra buy-up several years ago from Make It Fabrics in Brisbane. DD informed me that she didn't like it as I was cutting it out. Luckily that tune changed because I'm pretty happy with the end result.

 
I used the ruffler foot to gather up all that green lycra. I set it to maximum rufflage for a super frilly look. The skirt ruffle was just over 2 widths of fabric. It gives the skirt a nice weight. I'd like to try a suit with a less frilly frill.

Here you can see the little pants under the skirt. Cute!

The pattern comes with more than 4 different variations.There are two different size ranges. We ended up with the 6 - 16 sizes. DD chose the suit which included an overskirt. She did check the pattern photos a few times to make sure I hadn't sewn it wrong, so luckily the final result looks pretty similar to the front of the pattern!

The writer of the pattern also has a blog where she has shown lots of different versions of this pattern.
One 4 All Stylish Swimsuit (Link to Etsy store)

As far as the pattern goes, it was pretty good, but there was some funky drafting, particularly with the skirt pieces not joining up properly in the pattern stage. I'd say that was more to do with digitising the pattern, rather than poor drafting.

The instructions were fairly good, but there were a few spots where I was glad I had some swimsuit sewing experience already. I think the pattern needed a little more testing/proofreading, but all-in-all, it's a gateway to a really cute swimsuit. DD has already picked out the fabrics for her next two, so that must mean it's a winner.

The fit was good. I have lengthened the body by 1/2" for the next pair.

Look, I've even managed to get photos on DD, and an action shot!

 
 
 
They performed well during this afternoon's swim and DD has already chosen the fabric for another 2 swimsuits. This time, though, she doesn't want the ruffles! Looks like I'll have to put my ruffler foot away again. :-)
 
I've also finished a 2-piece Kwik Sew set, but it's too big, so has been put away for next year. I've got to trace out the smaller pattern tomorrow and have another go. Stay tuned for more swimsuit action!
 


17 comments:

  1. Gorgeous bathers, and thanks for alerting me to this pattern! I think that both my daughters would love it.

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    1. Thanks, Thornberry. It is a cute pattern. We bought it when it first came out but have waited until the weather has warmed up before trying it out.

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  2. These swimsuits are soooo cute! Your daughter is lucky to have you sew for her!

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    1. Thanks, Sue. I think I'm lucky to have a daughter for whom to sew. I get to indulge my love of ruffles and bright pink polka dots and all sorts of other things that I wouldn't be caught dead in! LOL.

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  3. Kelley, these are dead cute! Love the skirt.

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    1. Thanks, Marg. I was surprised when she chose these ones from the pattern as she normally likes to wear boardies. I guess these gave her the coverage she is looking for. Whatever. I don't care as long as she's not hanging it all out! LOL.

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  4. Very nice swimsuits and a great fit too.

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    1. Thanks, Janine. I love sewing for little girls who present zero fitting issues. It makes a nice change.

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  5. Hi Kelly. Thanks for commenting on my blog! And a big thank you for you SO kind offer for that Hot Patterns dress (to borrow!) I would love to borrow it but not for a couple of months. I'm at uni at the moment and finish this semester in middle of Nov.

    How is it I have never run into your blog??? You have made some beautiful things. I would love to get together when I finish uni. Keep in touch. Thank you again... Oh I live in Balmoral so it's close!

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    1. No problem! And, yes, Balmoral is very close. What luck!

      Best wishes for uni!

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    2. Thank you I need it at the moment... too much to do and too little time! Looking forward to the catch up.

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  6. Oh I wanted to say also that dress for your brother's wedding is b u tiful! I love the top sheer fabric. And your daughter's green coat... lovely.

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  7. Sooooo lovely! I love how you got into this pattern, colors so bright and so fun swimsuit. It's fantastic! I am grateful to have found your blog, because you have wonderful projects here.

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  8. What an adorable swimsuit. I especially love the pink and black one. They look like little dance dresses :)

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    1. Thanks, Carolyn. They do have a bit of that twirl factor, but they also function well in the water. I think the designer has an example on her blog of the pattern being used for a sweet little dance costume.

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