{Blog Tour} Sew Americana: United We SWIM!

The fabrics were provided to me by Sly Fox Fabrics.  All opinions are mine.

Beep. Beep.

Yaaaaaaaay!!  It's my stop on the Sew Americana Blog Tour hosted by Wild & Wanderful!  It has been a fast and furious week of sewing and photographing (because... procrastination - lol) but whew!  We (and by we, I mean my girls) are    R-E-A-D-Y for the 4th of July.

I joined in the fun two years ago, but sat out last year because the sign-up filled up SO fast.  I was waiting for it this year though.  I'm super stoked I did too because Katy of Sly Fox Fabrics was generous enough to provide me with two yards of her curated "Sew Americana" fabrics.  EEEK!!!

As I was browsing her fabrics, I saw swim and knew immediately what I'd make. Remember a few weeks ago when I took the plunge into swimwear?!  Welp, I just haven't stopped sewing (a couple more in the works too!).  We practically live at the pool in the Summer and the 4th will definitely be celebrated poolside.

My youngest has loved the suits I've made her, but she requested a one-piece with a criss-cross back.  I didn't have any patterns that fit her request, but I did have Laguna by Little Lizard King and Boo! Ultimate Suit after I picked up Issue 10 of One Thimble (#affiliate).  So, I set out to mash the two patterns together!  I used the pattern from Boo! and redrew the neckline using the High Neck (non-binding) pattern piece.  At the last second, I lowered the neckline on the pattern and I kind of wish I didn't.  I would have loved that extra inch back at the top.  I selected Swim Knit Solid in Red from Sly Fox Fabrics -- it was a nod to the American flag without being too obvious and she loves that she matches the lifeguards.

For the swim cover-up, I chose the Sedona Pattern by Little Lizard King and made a few changes.  First, I omitted the lining and just turned the hems under by 1/4" and hemmed.  Next I split the front so it'd be easy dressing and they could leave it open or close it at the waist seam (hidden hook & eye).  Third, I didn't really consult the chart for the skirt cut.  I only had 1/2 yard of each color of the Striped Double Brushed Poly so I simply used the remainder after I cut the bodice.  Last, I added a detail in the back -- a tie on the navy and a strip of fabric on the red.

For my oldest, she requested a bikini with NO ruffles.  I used the Laguna by Little Lizard King and used the bikini cut lines and the High Neck (non-binding).  I omitted the elastic in the straps to make it easier to tie into a halter.  I chose Swim Knit Solid in Navy for her and for her cover-up, the Double Brushed Poly in cranberry stripe.

As I was finishing up their cover-ups, I had about 30 minutes to spare before I needed to pick them up from camp.  I decided they needed a Santa Cruz Ball from Little Lizard King so I grabbed a navy with white stars and red & white striped fabric from my stash and quickly got to work!  This is SUPER quick to sew.  It seriously took me longer to try to find a round balloon in town than it did to sew.  Tip: Pick a balloon a larger size than your ball and it will remain rounder (although a quick Google search turned up some round latex balloon options if you have time to order).

Ready to get their swim on!!  They love their new suits and I am beyond pleased with the quality of Sly Fox Fabrics.  I have to brag on Katy quickly because she includes a color catcher in each shipment so you can pre-wash as soon as you open your package!  That seriously impressed me.

I couldn't resist taking some of the scraps from their cover-ups and tying them in their hair for added interest.  I didn't sew them or anything, just literally grabbed and tied. 

Here, you can see the detailing added in the back of the Sedona cover-ups.

A huge thank you to BOTH Katy's -- of Wild & Wanderful for another fun tour and of Sly Fox Fabrics for the package of goodies!

For more Sew Americana inspiration, be sure to check out each of the tour stops!

Monday, June 25:

Wild + Wanderful | Marvelous Auntie M | Handmade Boy Phat Quarters | Call Ajaire

Tuesday, June 26:

Musings of a Seamstress | Sea of Estrogen | Sew and Tell Project 5 out of 4 Patterns | Little Heart Threads

Wednesday, June 27:

Middle River Studio | Elli & Nels | SewSophieLynn Pear Berry Lane | The Eli Monster

Thursday, June 28:

Auschick Sews | EYMM | Mama & Leia Seams Sew Lo | Stitched by Jennie

Friday, June 29:

Stylin' Stacy | Rebel & Malice | On Wednesdays We Sew FairyTale BT | That's-Sew-Kari | Very Blissful

The Summer Breeze Collection by Little Lizard King

Meet Cararita and Byron Bay!  These two ensembles are the latest releases for Little Lizard King.  Inspired by the beautiful coastlines in Australia, these breezy skirts and tops exude a beachy, boho vibe.  Unfortunately for me, I have no nearby beaches, but I can say that these lightweight maxi skirts are perfect for NC summers.

These patterns are available separately or in a bundle:

• Byron Bay
• Cabarita
• Summer Breeze Bundle

 

Both patterns include both a top and a skirt and cover sizes 2-14. Byron Bay features a choice of two maxi skirts (designed for lightweight woven with nice drape):  straight or curved ruffle hem.  The top is a button down top (designed for woven) with a ruffle and can be crop or peplum length.  The bottom ruffle can be long or short and either open (with the buttons) or closed.  The back is finished with elastic.  Cabarita features a handkerchief style skirt (designed for lightweight woven with nice drape).  The Cabarita top is a double layer tank with criss cross straps (also designed for lightweight woven).

Byron Bay

I'm not going to lie... there was a point in testing that just before putting on the waistband, I seriously contemplated keeping this skirt for myself.  I love this SO much!

The patterns go together easily, but give yourself plenty of time to gather the ruffle!  It is totally worth it though, I promise.

I sewed up the crop version of this with the ruffle "trim" (the shorter ruffle).  Take your time to make sure both fronts are lined up properly before adding buttons.

Cabarita

By choosing lightweight woven fabrics for this pattern, you can see how the fabric easily flows with movement.

The crisscross back is so pretty!! I think it's one of my daughter's favorite things.

This is one of those patterns that can come together really quickly.  Especially if you press memory hems prior to sitting down at your machine.  You can just zip through lots of seams before heading back to the iron!

Honeydew Kisses Patterns: Ocotillo Skirted Leo & Playsuit

Sew. All. The. Swim!

Soooo, I recently got bitten by the "Swim" bug and have completely dove in.

If you are looking for a versatile pattern that could take you from dance, to the pool, and to the playground, the Ocotillo Skirted Leo & Playsuit by Honeydew Kisses Patterns delivers it in one neat little pattern.

This pattern is PACKED with options --

Leo - One Piece, Two Piece or Skirted

Skirt - Skirted Booty Length, Skirted Thigh Length or Gathered Tulle

Back - Racerback or Scoop Back (with or without bow)

Sleeves - Sleeveless, Flutter, Short, 3/4, Long

Lining - Fully Lined, Partially Lined or Unlined

Sizing - 6/12m - Girls 12

I chose to sew a Two Piece, Sleeveless Scoop Back with Tie for my youngest's newest swimsuit who thinks my latest obsession is the best thing ever.

We practically live at the pool all summer so having a swimsuit that fits her properly is a must.  This stayed put the entire time she was swimming.

While I own a coverstitch, I haven't quite mastered the settings for swim elastic on it.  No worries though, because it's easy to sew completely on a regular sewing machine.

She's feeling the pool vibes in her new pineapple swim fabric from Peek-A-Boo Fabric Shop (just know once you look, you will not be able to resist .... there, I warned you 😜)

If you need us, we'll be at the pool!!  Grab your copy Sunday!  For additional inspiration, join Honeydew Kisses Patterns Facebook Group!

{Testing} Laguna Swimwear by Little Lizard King

1st Swimsuit ever sewn ✅ 
1st swimsuit that actually fits ✅ 
Another sewing item crossed off the "bucket list" ✅

Confession:  I bought swim knit 2 years ago to sew swimwear for my girls... and I finally got the nerve to try it!  I won't lie, this suit has imperfections (which is hard to reconcile as a perfectionist) but it actually fits her, unlike store bought suits and my 9 year old is IN LOVE.

The Laguna Suit is part of Little Lizard King's newest collection, the Cali Collection, which also includes the Malibu Top & Dress (blogged here) and Santa Cruz Ball.  It covers sizes 12m - 14y and is full of options to customize the suit to your daughter's taste.  You can choose from scoop neck or high neck, bikini or tankini length top with or without binding, an exposed ruffle, tiny front ruffle, or no ruffle. You can also fix the straps to the back or tie as a halter.  For the bottoms there are two cuts: vintage and bikini.  Vintage also has optional vertical ruffles flanking the hips.

My 9 year old, normally wears a 4/5 suit in store bought, but you can imagine that it's difficult to find a 4/5 with enough height for her.  One pieces are almost out of the question.  When I had the opportunity to test this pattern, I figured this was the push I needed to jump into swimwear.  As always, consulting the size chart in an absolute must!  My daughter has finally moved up to a 7 height, but her chest remains at a size 4 width.  With sizing sorted, I set out to make my 4W/7L blend.

One important thing to note when you are blending sizes that far apart, it's best to utilize the layers and print one copy for each size you are blending.  Then I generally (vertically) slash and spread the smaller width to the height of the larger size.  Then, you will need to redraw the leg curve and such.  Also remember that the elastic given in the size chart will not work for you.  Follow the instructions included to calculate your new elastic measurements.  A bit of work, but totally worth it to have a swimsuit that actually fits.

If this is your first dive into swimwear, I highly recommend choosing the binding-free version to wet your feet.  I got a bit overzealous and went straight to the binding version.  Let's just say, my seam-ripper got to help too .. several times. Haha!  I honestly contemplated starting the top over with the binding-free version, but then I realized I'd have to match all my stripes again 😜  I had hoped to use my new coverstitch, but will need some more practice on swim.  I ended up just using my regular sewing machine for this.

The options my daughter chose were scoop neck, tankini length top with binding, fixed straps and small front ruffle and bikini bottom. She really loves it!  After photos, she went on to swim a few laps to test it out.  Everything stayed put!

Make a SPLASH...

Take the PLUNGE!!

Try Laguna today or grab the whole Cali Collection!