The Granny Smith Swimsuit

Is that the real name? Nope, but the lime green color gave me no option for a different title. Yes... the swimsuit is finally complete! I have to say, I love swimsuits. I'm like a little kid when it comes to these things. Some women have a thing for purses, others for shoes... mine, swimsuits. It's true. My addiction is what lead me to stitch up one that was not an option for purchase. I mean, where else can you find lime green roses on a ruched one piece that's not high on the leg or skimpy?

Going on, I would like to say that I shall enjoy this swimsuit as much as possible because I don't plan on making it ever again. It has to be the biggest butt ache of a sewing project I've ever done. Three needles later and a trimmed up swimsuit ~ the steps were simple to follow,however..... something was missing from this pattern. Precise measurements. To sum up the experience : The moment when you go to place the pattern pieces together but the notches just don't match up. Well, have they ever been 3 inches off? You spend a couple minutes, contemplating is it fixable or should I just eliminate & start again? The good thing, it was fixable. Here's a look!

After cutting out the pieces, the first step is to create the gathers in the chest area.
All gathers are doubled.

Okay, so here's the area of concern. Almost a total of 3 inches taken off the back side? That was the difference between the front and back pieces. To fix, I centered & pinned my front to the back and trimmed away the excess material. I also snipped another inch and a half from the front crotch area and bottom back so they matched up.

Making the bra lining was easy and smooth sailing. 

It didn't call for it but I used the zig zag stitch to flatten the darts since the fabric was thick. I loved this in that it gave a little more reinforcing.

Looking like a swimsuit!

 For the leg holes, I used a delicate, lacy elastic so that when it was folded inward, it left a scalloped edge.

There are less ruched edges than I would've liked. The fit is comfy and I do believe the built in bra support has something to do with it. Also, I don't think I will buy another swimsuit pattern that is split down the center. If you have any of the slightest 'pudge' in the belly area, the center seam enhances it. 

Here's to learning something new everytime!

Happy Trails till next time!