Beep, beep! It's my stop on the Raspberry Creek Fabrics "Suit Up For Summer" Blog Tour! This is always such a fun and inspiring tour -- I've seen so many awesome suits this week!
Raspberry Creek Fabrics has an amazing lineup of swim prints this year with 50 new prints! There is literally something for everyone! If you've not sewn RCF swim before, it's a nice weight (250 gsm), 50+ UPF protection, and is 58/60" wide with at least 60% 4-way stretch. (I tend to order 1/2 yd cuts for my girls unless they request a 1-piece suit -- that way I can try more prints... HA!!) Oh, and there are board short options too!!
You can save 15% on the Swim Fabrics with code SWIMTOUR (ends today!). In the "swim shop", you can also find coordinating solids, stripes, dots and gingham. Don't forget to add swim lining or power mesh to your cart too!
This year, my girls picked out their prints and then I picked a coordinating board short fabric for a cute coverup. My youngest picked the Red Light Blue and Green Striped Cherries! I had a feeling she'd pick one of the fruits. (This print is also available on cotton spandex, double brushed poly and French Terry too!) I love the combo of the turquoise stripe mixed with the bright cherries. The Solid Red Board Short is the perfect shade of red too!
I used the Bodhi Boardskirt from Bubby and Me Creations and then added the waist details again with the add-on from the Linden Shorts by Sew A Little Seam. The tie is decorative because I cannot get enough of my new grommet toy .. er, tool.
I love the little side pocket too. Now she can walk to the neighborhood pool and not be walking in just a swimsuit. This board short sewed up really easily too! I used a microtex needle. I used a pressing cloth on top of my seams to avoid putting a hot iron directly on the fabric. I'm pretty sure she's going to request a matching board skirt to every suit I sew her this year!
For her suit, I knew I wanted something different than what I've sewn her, but I couldn't find a pattern for what I wanted! I decided I'd use one of her favorite patterns as a "block" and then transform it (that's the beauty of sewing, right?!) I started with the Antibes Rashguard top by Little Lizard King and chopped off the top of the bodice and then did the same to the sleeve heads as well. To finish it off, I added elastic to the top, straps and finally a waistband with 3/4" elastic to keep the suit in place when she jumps in the water.
The bottoms are the High Waisted Vintage Bottoms from the Laguna Pattern by Little Lizard King.
I love the full coverage this suit offers but still looks so super cute!! It's perfect for her fair skin and modest style.
... and then there's my tween whose style is not modest like her little sister. Hehe. She picked this fun Fuchsia and Black Painted Hearts (she said it reminded her of the watermelon suit I sewed for the RCF Swim Tour 2 years ago). I paired it with Matte Black Swim and Solid Black Board Short.
She requested a pair of shorts for her coverup so I modified the Beaufort Shorts by Little Lizard King and added fun ruched side seams. She always loves the little extra details. To modify the pattern, I straightened out the hem so there would be fabric to ruche. The construction steps were switched around too so I could hem the legs with the bias tape before sewing the outer side seams. Then I pressed the outer seams open so I could stitch the tie channels.
For her suit, I tried out a new-to-me pattern -- Panama by Striped Swallow Designs (this pattern was generously donated to me for this tour!). I learned a few new techniques too! I love when I can learn new tricks and tips. On this suit. the waist elastic is enclosed between the main and lining fabrics of the swim bottoms and it gave a really nice finish inside. I used the cutout detail, but I think I need a little work on the band because I lost most of the cutout when I attached it -- whoops! My daughter still loves it though!
The braiding detail on the back is what sold me on the suit! I'm really in love with this and it looks SO GOOD!! The suit comes in both the two-piece and a one-piece option. I omitted the pieced front, but will be trying it in stripes next time!!
WEEKEND BONUS: Save 15% in the entire SHOP!!
Use code: SUITUP2021
Find more inspiration here:
Sew Mary Mac Merritts Makes Wild + Wanderful Call Ajaire
Made by Kates Violet and Jewels Sweet Mama Life All Things Katy!
Intensely Distracted Pins & Pinot My Heart Will Sew On The Petite Sewist
All My Spare Time Kara Metta Handcrafted by RED Sincerely, Shantelle
Replicate Then Deviate That's Sew Kari Desert Blooms Boo + Lu
A huge thank you to our sponsors and don't forget to check out today's giveaway!!
Again, you can find the tour on Instagram with the hashtag: #suitupforsummer2021
Lowland Kids Gingham Hive Striped Swallow Designs Honeydew Kisses Little Lizard King
Jennuine Designs Greenstyle Creations Made for Mermaids Call Ajaire Hey June Boo Designs!
Sofiona Designs Love Notions Lil Luxe Collection Jalie Sweet Red Poppy
Posts
I love the idea of having a skirt out of board short material as a coverup. Once again, you're a genius! And omg....the braid on the back is so cool.
ReplyDeleteBoth suits are amazing!
Love them all but especially those black shorts!
ReplyDeleteThese suits are both so good! Love seeing your daughters different personalities!
ReplyDeleteThese suits are both so good! Love seeing your daughters different personalities!
ReplyDelete