Monday, February 6, 2012

Swimsuit Sew-Along: Supplies and Resources

Welcome back to the Swimsuit Sew-Along!  This week I got my patterns and fabric.

For my one-piece suit....
Kwik Sew 3153 - Swimsuit with a shelf-bra lining with elastic, opening in back with a hook closure.


Fabric:
It's always a good idea to do a muslin first....
Muslin: Floral Poly Spandex from Denver Fabrics
Finished suit: Red Matte Milliskin, Poly Spandex from Spandex House The muslin turned out great! A second go-around is not needed.

Notions:    3/8" Cotton Swimwear Elastic from Joann's Fabrics, 1/2" Plush Elastic from Sew Sassy Fabrics, 3/4" Swimwear Hook from Joann's

For my tankini suit...
McCall's 3566  - Two-piece swimsuit: I will use the tankini and boy shorts pattern...and I just realized there are separate pieces for A, B and C cups.  Score!



Fabric:   Blue Matte Milliskin, Poly Spandex from Spandex House The fabric arrived and I hate the color....still looking for a replacement.  Next time I will order a swatch first!
Notions:    3/8" Cotton Swimwear Elastic from Joann's Fabrics, 1/2" Plush Elastic from Sew Sassy Fabrics



Swimsuit Sewing Resources - I will keep adding to this.

Poly/Spandex Fabric and Lining:
Spandex House
Spandex World
Fashion Fabrics Club
Sew Sassy Fabrics

Books about Swimsuit Sewing:
Singer Sewing with Knits - a little outdated (1992) but still has some good info. and is $4 on Amazon.

Blog Posts about Sewing Swimsuits:
Assorted Notions
Everyday Chaos
Featherty Sews 
Vively Online
Creative Chicks on how to keep the straps from falling off

Other Web Resources:
Dive Into Swimsuits Podcast

2 comments:

Beth said...

Looking good Stephanie! I really like that Kwik Sew pattern. I may have to order it. I thought I would just use the KS book and draft my own pattern but why reinvent the wheel? I have a free BurdaStyle suit that I like the front of but want to change that back to like this KS. I may never get started because I keep changing my mind!

Stephanie said...

I totally love this Kwik Sew pattern. I was so worried that it wouldn't fit, but so far the pattern is right on the money as far as measurements go. I was thinking of drafting my own pattern, too, but I think the extra money spent on this Kwik Sew pattern was worth it.