Finally, a swimsuit

It seems like I’ve been working on this project forever, and when I look back it’s been well over a month since I posted about my last attempt at swimwear.  For this top I turned to a pattern not designed for swimwear but one that seemed to have all of the elements I was looking for.  While I used this pattern as a starting point, I modified a number of features, particularly changing the construction order and method.  For one thing, I hand gathered the center front seam on the lined bra top as I found I had more control doing so.  Since no zipper was required I was able to simplify the construction details further.  I created my own straps and added a raw-edge ruffle along the bottom hem since I find the stitched hems I make on swimwear fabric are often not very attractive. 

The skirt is simply an elastic-waist A-line skirt, designed as a cover-up, not swimwear, since I did not install a brief into the skirt.  I will wear the top with a solid navy short-style bottom that I already own.

I tried my suit out this afternoon at the local spray park.  Here's an action shot:

I’m really happy to have it finished, not only so I can get some wear in before the end of the pool season but also because I have several other things requiring my attention in my sewing room and I hate leaving a project almost finished.  I have really been struggling to find time to sew this summer but have found that I can sometimes steal 15 minutes in the morning before my kids wake up.  I’m pretty amazed at what I can get done during several of those 15-minute sessions.  If you are having trouble finding your own free time you might try working in little blocks of time like this.