Hello Gems! July's mood is strictly summer fun in the sun. This month I took a little vacay with the fam and I created the perfect pieces to take along with me. It's been a long time since Iv'e created a swimsuit but Ive seen so many inspirational two piece styles and one piece styles this season and I knew it was time to create something for myself.
I used Mood Fabrics Full Burnt Ochre leaves UV Protective Compression Swimwear Tricot with Aloe Vera Microcapsules to create my swimsuit top. I love the super large leaf print! The color is so vibrant and the quality of the swimwear fabric is superb! It provides great coverage and stretch. I did line this piece in swim suit mesh lining also from Mood fabrics.
As for the construction of this piece! I started with a couple ideas and creative inspiration just sort of took the wheel. This top became a collaboration of a few different swimsuit styles that I've been coveting this summer. Sometimes it's like that though! Especially when I can't decide on one style. I end up with a hybrid design with a couple of styling options. And I actually love it even more that way!
I've noticed alot of ruffled sleeves and wrap tops this summer and I incorporated both styles into this one swim top. However, fit comes first in all pieces I create. Without fit, the design can get lost in translation. So I did include padded inserts and underwire in this piece that are removeable so that I can convert it to a front wrap.
This was a self drafted piece made with four drafted pattern pieces; front bodice, back bodice, shoulder ruffle and wrap straps. I cut mesh lining for the back and front pieces.
I prefer to mix up my swimsuit top and bottoms so instead of creating matching bottoms I matched it with a pair of black bottoms I already had and created a skirt coverup!
There are so many intricate designs that I could have created with this fabric but sometimes its the simpliest pieces that can bring your look together. And with Moods Ravello Floral and Fauna Mercerized Organic Egyptian Cotton Shirting I felt like keeping this design simple and letting the print speak for itself was statement enough!
Last summer I created a longer version of this skirt in solid black and it has absolutely been one of my most reached for pieces in my closet. Ive been wanting to make another one for a while but could not decide which print or color to add to my wardrobe. This fabric was absolutely perfect! Its a crisp, lightweight fabric with a cool hand. Excellent quality and the print is exquisite. It gives me fiery feminine vibes with the leopard print and floral mix. Such a genius mix of prints.
This is a pretty simple pattern to create. My first time making it I drafted it by using two straight panels and a waits band. This one I decided to use Simplicity pattern 9144. This has more of a circle skirt shade which I feel gives it more volume. I added a 10 inch ruffle to the hem and doubled the waist band to give it a paperbag waist. The best thing about this piece is that it doubles a a dress! I definately will be using it for both!
Just sayin... đâ¤
Until Next Time!
Marcia đ