My Best Swimsuit Yet!

I'm actually pretty impressed with myself this morning (LOL!). . .this swimsuit came out exactly as I envisioned it.  I've been pinning swimsuit inspiration over the past few months, and I designed in my head one that combined my favorite parts of each one, a ruffle here, strap placement there, etc.

This fabric is Chez Ami swimsuit lycra, which I absolutely love.  (I have coordinating board short fabric and matching green terry that I plan to make cover up pieces for the girls with as well, but that's a post for a different day.)

It is a tankini, which is my preference for the girls. . . they make bathroom breaks 100 times easier!  I attached the straps near the center back to keep them from slipping off her shoulders.

I used my usual Kwik Sew bikini bottom pattern because it provides the coverage I think they need.  The top started with the Seahorse one-piece pattern from Ottobre.  I tried a new technique for the straps.  I've done bound edges on suits before, but I've never put elastic in the binding, and it has always seemed pretty flimsy.  I used the tutorial here and absolutely love the results.

And even though we haven't brushed hair or washed faces yet this morning, this picture is too cute not to show.  She has informed me that she is going to surf when we go to the beach.



My First Oliver + S

I've gotten to the point in sewing for my girls that I don't often buy new patterns for them.  I have plenty of patterns and plenty of Ottobre magazines, so I can usually find exactly what I want to make in what I have, and if I can't find exactly what I want, I can find something to start with. 

But when I saw the Classic Picnic Blouse and Shorts pattern from Oliver + S, I had to have it.  I like both pieces and can see myself sewing the shorts and the shirt for the girls. 

I love woven shirts for my girls, but I don't often make them any beyond a basic peasant top.  This top has a similar feel to a peasant top, but a slightly more classic look.  

I decided to sew it up in this brown pin-dot seersucker I ordered from Chez Ami.  I did lengthen it slightly, so she can wear it with capri leggings.  I love the length of the sleeves, and both the sleeves and hem have nice deep hems.

This was my first time sewing with an Oliver + S pattern, and while I didn't need the level of detail she includes in the instructions, I found them extremely clear, and the techniques result in a nicely finished shirt.

I have the shorts cut out to try next, but I will definitely make more of the shirt.  The yoke provides a really nice opportunity to add a monogram.  In fact, I may still go back and add one to this shirt.