Month: August 2017

Red Polka Dot Bathing Suit

I recently finished sewing this red polka dot bathing suit.  This is one of the many sewing projects I wanted to complete this summer.   red polka dot bathing suit made by Kimberlee

The pattern I used to make this bathing suit is a vintage pattern that I bought last summer from an Etsy seller.  If you go on Etsy and type in the search “bathing suit pattern” you can find lots of sellers that have patterns.  It seems like it is hard to find a pattern in the store these days – I guess it is not popular to sew your own bathing suit anymore.  I actually prefer to sew my own bathing suit as I can get the fit the way I want it.  I will admit sometimes you have to make the pattern a couple of times before it is exactly how you want it but the result is worth it – a good fit and a bathing suit that will last for several years, most likely.

vintage sewing pattern for bathing suit - Kimberlees Korner

The pattern was made back in 1973 according to the pattern information.  As you can see it was only a dollar back then.  I think I paid around $6 or $8 for it on Etsy.  I have made version 2, in the right hand corner, three times now.  I made one last summer and had to make a few adjustments to it and I made two this summer.  I recently finished a turquoise bathing suit in addition to the red polka dot bathing suit.

The fabric I bought for this bathing suit was from Spandex World.  I also bought it last year at the end of summer so it was on clearance.  The fabric I used for the lining was panty spandex from Sew Sassy.  I think it only cost me about $15 to $20 to make this red polka dot bathing suit and that includes the elastic and back closure.

red polka dot bathing suit back view - Kimberlees Korner

Some tips for sewing your own bathing suit:

  • Use decent quality swimwear fabric and purchase a little extra in case you need to make another top or bottom with adjustments to your pattern
  • Be familiar with sewing on stretchy fabrics that have spandex or lycra in them
  • Line the top and the bottom for best results – you can use swimwear lining or panty spandex
  • Use a stretch sewing machine needle size 75/11
  • Use a narrow zigzag stitch for topstitching the elastic as it will stretch more

Places to order supplies for making your own bathing suit:

  • Spandex World – lots of swimwear fabric at reasonable prices
  • Etsy – for swimwear fabric and bathing suit patterns, also the back closures
  • Sew Sassy – good quality elastic that is reasonably priced, plastic back closures, swimwear lining and thin foam cup inserts for the top

red polka dot bathing suit made by Kimberlee

What sewing projects have you been working on lately?  Let me know in the comments.

– Kimberlee

Cotton Knit Tunic

It is the beginning of August and very hot here in Texas.  Since the weather is warmer I try and knit with lighter yarns that are made of cotton.  Knitting with wool or chunky yarn is not very appealing to me when the temperatures get above 90 degrees.

I recently finished this design for a cotton knit tunic.  It is knit with a yarn from Hobby Lobby called I Love This Cotton – perfect for lighter weight summer projects.

Cotton Knit Tunic made by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

This cotton knit tunic features a drop stitch pattern in the lower half and a scoop neckline.  It can be worn as a tank top or with a shirt underneath as a vest when the weather is cooler.

Neckline close up of cotton knit tunic from Kimberlees Korner

In the above photo you can see a close up of the scoop neckline design which features a garter stitch edging.

The Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton yarn works well for this knit tunic pattern.  I think other 100% cotton yarns would also work well that are a medium weight.  I will probably be knitting another one soon in a cotton and acrylic yarn blend that I have in my stash from Knit Picks yarn company.

Cotton Knit Sweater from Kimberlees Korner

The pattern for this knit sweater is available in my etsy shop or on craftsy.

What knitting projects have you finished this summer?

-Kimberlee