Monday, July 04, 2005

I made a bathing suit!


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OK, I'm not exactly swimsuit model material, but I am so happy and proud of myself. Like many women I have frustrations with the whole swimsuit shopping experience. These are compounded by being both tall and plus size. It seems like one is allowed to be either tall OR plus size, but never both. Finally, I decided to conquer my fears. I bought lycra, elastic, and a pattern yesterday and here I am today!! Wearing my new totally tug-free swimsuit. It fits better than any of the Lands' End suits for which I have paid lots of money. It doesn't ride up on my butt. It's not on the verge of giving way under stress at the side seams. A whole new era has arrived. I can make myself a bathing suit any time I need one. Yay!!

It was from A Stretch & Sew by Ann Person pattern #F828, which I found on a display rack at JoAnn's Fabrics after I spent a long time going through catalogs without finding much. The pattern is for a basic tank with a deep plunge in the back and options for either a shelf bra or buying cups and sewing those into the chest lining area. I modified the back so that it doesn't dip as low and chose the shelf bra, mostly because the premade cup options at JoAnn's all looked too small.

11 comments:

Nomad said...

Which pattern did you use? I've often had to solve the problem of being tall and large with two-piece suits, and though I need a new one I don't feel like putting out $80 for what is essentially lycra undies.

Ali said...

How totally awesome is that!! I would love to be able to make my own suits. You are too cool :)

Ali

Rachel said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Oh and I love the swimsuit too!

Rachel

Becky in Iowa :O) said...

Congrats! It looks great on you. About 8 years ago I bought the material and a pattern to make one and chickened out. hehehe Cheers to you!

Danielle said...

I love the suit! It looks like it fits well, and is very comfy. I also stopped by to tell you that I love your sweater in the Man Issue of Knitty! You're such an inspiration Elizabeth. :)

Wendy said...

Well, rock on! I think you look bootyfull!

Cheri said...

You do too look like a swimsuit model!! Much better than the anorexic little bitty girls that usually model the suits. Being busty myself, I am eyeing a butterick pattern that has a d cup option...I plan on buying it when our fabric store runs it on sale for $1.99 Thursday, and sewing my very first swim suit (I've sewn just about everything except swimsuits!) You have inspired me!

D said...

Make me one! Kidding, well...sort of lol. I feel your pain about ill fitting suits and all the expensive ones that are sitting in the bottom of the drawer. If I had a clue how to sew things that are elastic, I might give ot ago. Yay! You have inspired yet ANOTHER project, Elizabeth! But don't look for me in a suit photo anytime soon...scary!

Awesome job as ALWAYS!

D said...

Make me one! Kidding, well...sort of lol. I feel your pain about ill fitting suits and all the expensive ones that are sitting in the bottom of the drawer. If I had a clue how to sew things that are elastic, I might give ot ago. Yay! You have inspired yet ANOTHER project, Elizabeth! But don't look for me in a suit photo anytime soon...scary!

Awesome job as ALWAYS!

Donna said...

Elizabeth, it seems that you can do just about anything. The suit is gorgeous, and you look just lovely in it!! I agree with whoever said you look better than the swimsuit models we see in catalogs. You look like a real woman--kinda like me! :)

Anonymous said...

Way - hey!

That's great Elizabeth and well done for being brave and modelling it - you look awesome!