Bathing Bombshell

When Karen proposed a Sporty Summer Sewalong, I originally thought, Hmm. 

I've been trying to get back into running lately, and while that's not going so bad, the idea of sewing running clothes really didn't do anything for me.

Even though I've totally oogled everyone's amazing XYT and VNA tops and not to mention the duatholon shorts that are longer-than-booty-but-shorter than bike shorts.  Those do make me consider...perfect running shorts that are long enough to prevent rubbing, but short enough to be cooling are truly rare birds.

So while I may yet get there, this summer is about taking it slow, and enjoying it.

Can you consider basking dock-side a sport?  

I really liked this pattern last summer when Heather Lou released it, but ahem, didn't get to it.

When I saw it was part of the Perfect Pattern Parcel, I took the plunge (ha) and went for it.  

Now I just need to make up some of the other patterns, or this goes down as the most expensive pattern yet!

 Well, if lounging dock-side doesn't count, I could always dive in.

You know, with the ducks.

Details

Pattern: Closet Case Files Bombshell Swimsuit

Fabric: 1< yards nylon/spandex and >1 yard swim lining, both from Girl Charlee

Notions: swim cups and swimwear elastic (cotton) from Sew Sassy

Time to complete: about a week of evenings

Notes

First off, there is a great sewalong on the Heather's blog that completely walked me through each step.  That doesn't mean I still wasn't worried it wasn't going to be a hot mess up until I was able to try it on.

All that gathering is thick, and I was worried it wasn't looking very neat on the inside.

Second, the directions don't call for stretching the elastic at the bust line, but I did, and honestly, I probably could have stretched it a bit more.  As it is, it doesn't gape, but I still might feel a little more secure if it fit a little more snugly across the bust.  Granted, I don't have a lot to fill out the top. That may not be a problem for others.  : )

Third, the directions call for using a zig-zag stitch for topstitching the elastic in place, but I used my coverstitch instead.  It did turn out very nice looking, except full disclosure: I could have stitched closer to the inside edge of the elastic, as it kind of tends to flip out.  Totally my own fault, though, as she clearly explains that in her directions.

Oh, and I added swim cups by sewing them directly to the inside of the lining.  An extra layer there never hurt anybody, if you know what I'm saying.

In any case, it is very comfortable, and I feel secure and sexy in it.

And isn't that what we look for in swim suits?