Hi, this is Abby from the Blank Slate Sewing Team. Today, let’s talk cute swimsuits.
In Phoenix it gets hot, like really really hot! Sure there’s the whole “it’s a dry heat” thing, but after a certain point it’s EVEN too hot for the pool.
As we move into April, it is officially pool season! As a mom of three and a person who burns easily (and has a history of basal skin cancer), I try to find swimsuits that “suit” an active lifestyle poolside. The less I have to wrestle with straps and sunscreen the better!
So…I was daydreaming about rashguards. I decided a crop rashguard with a built in bra would be perfect for me. Here’s what I did: I went down two sizes on the Rivage to make sure it was swimsuit tight (also muslin muslin muslin!).
I cut one whole Rivage in my exterior fabric, which is a fantastic swim knit from Raspberry Creek by Corinne Wells (sadly from last year)! I love the sophisticated navy stripe and the texture and weight is super easy to sew with. I cannot wait to see what they come out with this year. Really, can you ever have too many suits?
Now back to the suit. To achieve a crop, I cut at the shorten and lengthen line, which hits pretty close to my natural waist. Then I cut a lining and powermesh fabric of the front and back bodice (not sleeves).
Because I like to upcycle (er–cheat lol), I used an old nursing bra for the shelf bra. I basted it in between the mesh and lining, making sure it hit at the right spot at my bust.
Now the fun assembly! I sandwiched the mesh and lining with the sleeve and main. Layer so that the lining is against your skin and the mesh is in between lining and main. Do this for each of the sleeve-to-bodice seams.
Then I sewed the main side seams separate from lining and the sleeve side seams. Almost done!
Then attach the bands for the arms and neck, catching all the layers for the neck. I added a band on the bottom of the main. Then I attached no roll elastic to the bottom of the lining; first sew to the outside of the lining and then flip under and sew again so the elastic is not directly on your skin.
And then, why not make some matching high rise bottoms from Melly’s free panty pattern! I added rise to just cover my belly button. I lined it with swim fabric and then followed the pattern as directed except with swim elastic. Then I added no roll elastic to the top. This is something I might not do in future steps, but I really really did not want to lose my bottoms at the pool.
Finally I made a tube and created a small belt, which I tacked on to the sides to break up this stripes a bit. Again using a fantastic Raspberry Creek swim in a solid navy, which I bought last year.
(I bought these fabrics to make a post baby suit, but funny how a newborn slows your swimsuit sewjo! Be kind to yourselves mommas!!)
Overall I’m in love with my fun in the sun crop rashguard two piece set!
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