DIY Swimsuit: Lea Swimsuit Pattern by Laela Jeyne

Whew...I must love this swimsuit pattern a lot to sign up for testing and volunteering to post pics all over blogland in a swimsuit. When I saw the email come through looking for pattern testers, I jumped at the chance, as this swimsuit is exactly what I have been wanting to purchase. What better opportunity than to make it for myself and my measurements? And so, I present to you, the LEA SWIMSUIT by Laela Jeyne Patterns. The link's sale price will be good through April 20.

Photography: Shelli Quattlebaum Photography

The pattern is written for dress sizes 00-26 and comes with 2 different views. I chose to create view B, the plunge neckline. I loved the look of view A, which includes a lace panel, but didn't have the needed lace on hand for this test and dragging four young kids all over looking for one sounded unappealing to me. I can't ever imagine why?

However, I knew I wanted the look of lace so after digging around my sewing room I went to my favorite vintage lace trim. I love this stuff and it always just seems to add that special touch to a project. I recently used it on the bottom of this BOHO MAXI DRESS and a way long time ago on a SCHOOLHOUSE TUNIC. I may just cry when this roll runs out. 

In order to use this lace I had to break a sewing rule or two. First, this is not stretch lace. And second, there is probably no part of it that is swimming friendly. To attach it, after constructing the bodice, I gently stretched the cup and stitched it down both sides and the top using a small zig zag stitch. I wanted it to lay flat upon wearing and stretching the fabric slightly while attaching it helped achieve this. If I wanted this suit for swimming and splashing with my kids, well...I would have made view A and put in a panel. But the fact is, this suit is just to have for lounging pool or ocean side feeling fabulous (oh wait, I haven't done that in a very long time- but I have dreams people). 

Now let's take a look at my other favorite feature, the back straps. There are six straps that criss cross in such a fun pattern. I shortened my straps by about an inch to get the right fit. I absolutely love this design feature. It is stylish and adds great support to the suit. 

 I feel like you could play with this design too and lay them out in several styles. So many possibilities! The swim fabric used here is a solid navy swim from Colorado Fabrics (It was purchased at the actual store, not the online site of the former Denver Fabrics).

 Now, as much as I love this suit, there is one part that I will change for personal preference and that is the leg line. The suit above shows exactly how the suit was designed and what you should expect when sewing it up. (Many people testing the pattern loved the bum coverage on this suit). But, my personal preference is a higher, dare I say, more cheekie cut on my suits. The lower leg line isn't my favorite style and I feel a higher cut elongates my legs so I do plan on trying to alter this part of the suit to my taste. Also, the leg elastic is very tight, so do a test run with your elastic wrapped around your thigh before attaching it to the suit and make sure you don't need to add length.

This suit was so much fun to put together. It is fairly easy to assemble as far as swimsuits go, but I would not classify swimsuits as a beginner project. This is my third swimsuit and I learn something new every time. However, they are so much fun to put together and there is something so satisfying about swimming your own suit!

The pattern is on sale for a limited time and can be purchased HERE. I can't wait to see all the creations from the pattern this season and I am already thinking of my next one...now, someone tell my hubby to book us a beach vacation stat.

Until next time- Happy Sewing,
Shannon

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DIY Top: Boho Babydoll by Patterns for Pirates

I wanted to make sure and pop on today because it is the last day to pick up this 

BOHO BABYDOLL pattern at a discounted price. If you have been thinking about the pattern but aren't sure, make sure you head over to the facebook page and check out all the different looks in the P4P Album.  I love how the pattern company provides all the tester pictures in an album because I find them all so inspiring. There are always new ideas to see and love. 

This was the second look I created during testing. My Maxi Dress Version can be seen HERE. For the top I used the XS Scoop Neck bodice, 3/4 sleeves, and size S top Length. 

This scoop neck is LOVE for me! I absolutely adore the way this lies on the body. It is low enough to give a flattering shape without having to worry about any cleavage (not that I would know anything about that).

The gathering sits up high enough to help give a nice silhoutte and hopefully doesn't give a pregnancy vibe. If it does, I don't even care because this top is so comfortable and I can hide my "I had four babies" tummy or a Friday full of chips and queso :) Either way...it's a win! 

Let's talk a sec about the butt coverage too. I love tops that cover my bum. It just helps me feel more confident and comfortable in my clothes and guess what, this top has you covered, literally! 

 But one of my absolute favorite parts of this top is the beautiful fabric. You guys, it is so crazy soft. I received a very generous cut from Bow Button Fabrics in my order and was able to make this top, as well as 3 Stella tops for my sister in law and nieces. This is a Double Brushed Poly in Teal Kimmy Floral and I will be purchasing more for sure. Her shipping was quick and I have been so pleased with the fabric I have ordered so far.

A very special thank you to Shelli Quattlebaum Photography for the pictures. 

Until next time...Happy Sewing, 

Shannon

**AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of my affiliate
links and make a purchase, I may receive a commission for referring you.
Please know that I only recommend resources I believe in and highly
recommend.

DIY Boho Babydoll Dress: Patterns for Pirates

A couple of weeks ago I was thrilled to be selected as a tester for a new Pattern for Pirates sewing pattern that released today! Grab a copy of the BOHO BABYDOLL PATTERN here. If you pick it up this week you will get it at the discounted release price.

Pattern Description: This pattern comes with many options to create a beautiful boho look. Choose from a racer back tank, top or dress with short, 3/4 and long sleeve options, plus top length, skirt length, maxi length and a hi-low hem option. 

Size Range: XXS - Plus3X
Recommended Fabric: Rayon Spandex or other drapey knit

The dress pictured here is the racerback tank option and maxi skirt. I used a Purple Rayon Spandex fabric from Joanns and vintage lace trim on my bottom hem. 

The tank is finished with bands and it gives the tank a beautiful fitted finish. The bands allow an easy option for a lace overlay to be added, I can't wait to try the look.

 This pattern is quick and easy. If you are familiar with knits, this is a great pattern to add to your collection to provide you with many different looks. I will have a top to show you in a couple more days using the same pattern.

Tips for making this pattern: Follow the pattern's advice for gathering. You may want to cheat and take short cuts but it will leave you disappointed. Spend the time to gather the front and back separately. And make sure to use two rows of gathering stitches. Then pin like crazy and attach the skirt to the bodice slowly using a basting stitch. Once it looks the way you like, stitch it on with a permanent stitch. 

Tips for the length: I personally prefer a long maxi that I can wear heels with and still have it graze the floor. I shortened this skirt 1/2 inch per pattern suggestions for my height. It just touches the floor in the back while barefoot. Since I was going for a boho look (how fitting that they ended up naming the pattern Boho Babydoll :) ) I decided to go barefoot in my photos.  If I were to make another dress to wear with heels I would make sure to not shorten the skirt at all and maybe take up less of a hem if needed. 

This dress is fabulously comfortable and a great addition for my spring and summer wardrobe. 

Thank you so much to Shelli at SHELLIQUATTLEBAUM photography for the lovely pictures.

Shannon