Siren Swim Top/Hello Sailor bottoms


Swimsuit patterns from Patterns for Pirates...Siren Swim Top and Hello Sailor bottoms. Both using blue solid swim knit and lining from JoAnn, and inner lining of power net from Phee Fabrics in the fronts only. Flounce on top is a leotard-type knit from JoAnn. I'll update when I know how it holds up in the pool.
I chose the drawstring-sided skirt option for the bottoms and the front (pointed) and back flounce option for the top (with straight straps). I didn't use boning or cups in the top. It is very supportive with the power net and custom length straps. (Not enough for running/jumping, but plenty for the pool.) I want to make some no-flounce tops for sleep bras.
This is one of the 2 or 3 more advanced projects I've done lately. There is lots of basting of layers and inner elastic before it comes together. I wasn't sure how my sewing machine was going to handle the slippery fabric. I don't have a walking foot and I can't adjust the presser foot tension. I also can't adjust stitch length or width beyond the 2 or 3 preset straight and zigzag stitches. It did fine. I did long straight stitches for basting (in contrasting colors) then picked them out after serging.
I didn't find it necessary to understitch the lining on the top to keep it from rolling outward. The pattern tells you to shorten the lining by .25". I think some people who had rolling problems maybe overlooked that step.
The topstitching on the bottom drawstring channels isn't perfect, (and the topstitching on the leg elastic is horrible, but it's hidden) but I'm really thrilled with this over all!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Saying Goodbye

Image
Yum Yum 6/18/93 - 10/31/08 I am very saddened to tell you that our beloved cat was euthanized yesterday. She was much sicker than we knew. I had her checked into the hospital to try to help her get over a respiratory infection and start eating again. Her vet discovered advanced intestinal cancer on an ultrasound. This is difficult for me because I'd be prepared to do anything to help her, but it was just too late. She had a really good life of 15 years with me, and I think she had a good death. She already had an IV line, so it was quick and peaceful. She was an extremely loving cat, and we miss her very much. It is difficult for us because Yum Yum's situation was so similar to that of Bryan's mom, who passed away in 2007. Unfortunately, we could not spare her from suffering as we did Yum Yum. Anyway, you can see more pictures of Yum Yum here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/buxtrosion/sets/72157608568334063/
Read more

What I've Been Up To

Image
Dragonfly , originally uploaded by Buxtrosion . Not a lot of knitting progress posted, but I've been doing stuff! I've sent off some socks I sample-knitted and finished knitting a bag I designed. I've also been reading a lot about photography and yarn dyeing. Hopefully I will do some dyeing this week and post some useful pics and info. I spent last week running around Austin with my little brother (this pic was from Mt. Bonnell). I've been wasting time on Ravelry and LibraryThing. And I've been trying to get myself mentally prepared for moving to the bay area in a month. I'm going to miss my Austin knitter friends, but the whole reason I met them is cause they're web savvy, so I bet we'll be staying in touch (esp. since quite a few of us are on Ravelry or soon-to-be on Ravelry). Yellow Flower , Texas Capitol Rotunda Originally uploaded by Buxtrosion
Read more

WIP- Effortless Cardigan + Show Me Your Posts Contest!

Image
I'm working on this Effortless Cardigan (pattern by Hannah Fetig of Knitbot ) in Misti Tonos Worsted (alpaca/wool blend). Here's what it looked like when I started writing this post like 3 weeks ago. It's been a while since I made a long sleeve sweater in something other than fingering weight, so I thought it would go a little faster. Not so much. The huge fronts make this basically a sweater and a half. The yarn is so yummy, I'm really enjoying even the tedious parts. Since I took the first photo exactly 2 weeks ago, I've finished the body and started one of the sleeves. Um... since I wrote that and took the 2nd photo, I've finished the whole thing! You can come visit it at Yarndogs starting at the end of the week. It's so warm and comfy and perfect! So... I'm at least 6 months behind on my Ravelry friends' blogs. (Hint: If you post it to Facebook, I'll probably see it.) I want to see what everyone's been working on! I'm goi...
Read more