Friday, July 6, 2012

DixieDIY's Swimsuit Sew-along Pt 1: Picking a Pattern

Alright, here's how this is going down - I'm posting a list of patterns I think we can use as a first swimsuit to make for the sew-along. I'm leaving out designs that are too difficult to find or might be too complicated for a beginner to sew. Vote in the comment section for which suit you'd like to make (or see me make). Voting will go until July 10th and then I'll announce the winner and allow a couple more days for you to get the pattern for yourselves. In the mean time I'll also post about supplies you might need and where to find them.
Kwik Sew 3503 A: And a bandeau option. Both of these would be easy for first-timers and you could use a fun print.

Kwik Sew 3503 B: Here's a simple but cute halter style.



Kwik Sew 3779 A: Gathered bandeau: These would be more difficult for beginners with all the gathering but they look cute! For version A you'll need a solid color as the underside will show on the center ruffles.

Kwik Sew 3779 B: Gathered Halter


Kwik Sew 3780 A or B One Shoulder: This is nice if you want a little more bust coverage than a halter it but still has more support and lift than a strapless bandeau.


Jalie 2447 Tankinis: I think one-pieces would be better for a first time suit than bikinis but here's a tankini option which can teach you how to make bikini bottoms.

I thought about including BurdaStyle's Alison malliot PDF pattern but after looking at reviews it seems too complex for a first suit and I'd also have to change some of the instructions for better construction and fit. So as cute as the suit is I'm going to have to make it a no-go for this sew-along.


***Ok, peeps! It's voting time! I'll also make a little promo button if you want to add it to your blog to show your participation.


Pt 2: Supplies
Pt 3: Cutting
Pt 4: Gathering
Love, dixie @ 10:36 AM
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28 comments:

  1. Kwik Sew 3780 A or B One Shoulder is my vote!

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  2. Kwik Sew 3503B- the halter. Hmmm... I like all the options. I'm most interested in one that gives the best bust support.

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    1. either one of the halter styles with thicker straps would be best for bust support.

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  3. I would be happy for Kwik Sew 3503 B. Would be nice to have neck zone tanned evenly, with no marks of straps.

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  4. I've made KS 3779B as one of my first suits, and it's pretty easy. It's not a halter though, the back is U shaped. I have a large bust, and did a FBA, and it offers good support.

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    1. you're absolutely right, technically they're not halters, but then what would you call that style?

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  8. I desperately want to join in - but I've just woken up to the coldest morning yet this year - I'll have to bookmark this and follow it in 5-6 mths time. In the mean time - I'll be watching closely. Looks like fun! I like 3503 B :)

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    1. Yeah, with different hemispheres it's hard to find a good time for every country to make a swimsuit during summer. :( I totally understand and I'd love to see your swimsuits in November!

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  9. What about the Burda alison pattern. Then us Aussie's who suffer from terribly high patterns costs could join in with less $$. I'm looking foward to it. I'm really keen, after all your swimwear posts to sew a cossie this year.

    http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/alison

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    1. Hey, I wanted to include the Alison because I liked the style but after reading reviews on blogs and on BurdaStyle I started to reconsider. I think it's too advanced for a first suit. The leg binding instructions are different than what is more common and the strap construction might be confusing for a newbie. I think it would be a good second suit to try.

      *However* Just because I'm doing a sew-along for one pattern doesn't mean you have to use the same pattern. You can apply all the tips and tricks to whichever pattern you have. :) I feel you on cost and shipping. There's not many companies that make swimwear patterns right now, either.

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  10. The one shoulder! 3780

    3503 is a close second!

    I'm amazed by all your suits!!! Stunning!

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  11. Kwik Sew 3780 B One Shoulder is certainly my favourite. Or the Alison Pattern.

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  13. Your swimsuits were all amazing, and your courage in modeling them unequaled! Looking forward to following along the process.
    I have nominated you for a blog award:
    http://olderthanvintage.blogspot.com/2012/07/one-lovely-award.html

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    1. Aww thanks for the nomination! That's so nice of you!!

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  14. I think Kwik Sew 3779 B - halter! I think its a really universally flattering swimsuit.

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  15. I love the Burdastyle Allison pattern. But I think it would be fun to try the one shoulder pattern too. :) I've sewn 2 swimsuits and I could still use the help!

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  17. Kwik Sew 3503B- I'm all about the halter!

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  18. I'm throwing out a vote for 3779-B. And I have to agree that you're one rock-star suit seamstress. Each of them were so cute and look great on you. Can't wait to see your tips for sewing my own! I have some fabric stashed, I just need some motivation and the guts to cut into it. Thanks!

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  19. definitely Kwik Sew 3779 B! so cute. and it looks quite gorgeous in that purple.

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  21. My vote: Kwik Sew 3503B
    Can't wait!

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  22. Either the rouched halter or ruffled halter. Love your blog!

    xoxo Lorelai
    Lloralye.com

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  23. I've got 3779 and want to make the halter so I vote for that one! Thanks! It would be great to have a new swimsuit for summer! I have a rtw one similar and it is very flattering on - I'm 5'3" and pear shaped with big boobs so this would suit a lot of people.

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