Skulottes, Coverups, and Links

The start of a new week! I just got off the phone with a friend who called to ask if I saw what happened in downtown Chicago last night. I did. It looked like something out of a Mad Max movie. We talked about it, and then I told her to turn her television off. Not that we shouldn't be informed, but we don't need to hear the same story repeated time and time again. 

It seems that the world is a mess at the moment. In some respects, it is. But, there are also wonderful people doing incredible acts of charity. On Saturday evening, I had to go to the grocery store. As I was coming home, I encountered a type of street party. People were spaced apart, wearing masks, and on the front porch of a house, there was a band playing. What really caught my eye as I drove past was a tip jar. So many musicians are hurting. They NEED to play, they NEED to work. Seeing someone open up their front yard for a lovely summer evening concert, and offer a bit of normalcy for some who are hurting, absolutely heartwarming. Of course, this is but one small story. But, this is what I want to focus on, not crazy gang of looters, and thieves. For a time, they may be winning. But ultimately, they won't. History has taught us this time, and time again.

I have to apologize as I have been very slow about getting my 1 Year Challenge pictures up on the blog. I'm happy to report that I'm doing well. I haven't missed a day :) And the best part is that I am truly discovering what I actually have in my wardrobe. I know that may sound strange, after all, I made all of it, I know it's there. But, being so focused has brought about a clarity that absolutely delights me. 

Yesterday we finally had time to enjoy being on our boat. It was horribly hot out, so the boat was truly wonderful. What's better to wear on a boat than a bathing suit and a coverup?!!

I originally posted this coverup 9 years ago. Wow!!!          

Here is the coverup I made to go with my suit. The piece is so very easy to make. There are only 2 seams, and better yet, it's just a rectangle. You can find a link to the instructions HERE.  

I did do a video, but I am having a difficult time getting it to my computer. But, if you pop over to my Instagram account, you can see it. 

You may remember that I made this suit for a Sew News sew along. It's the Soma Swimsuit from Papercut Patterns. 

The big hit of the week was this piece that I did for my Fabulous Free Pattern Friday series. I called it a skulotte as it's a bit of a cross between a skirt and a culotte. You can find a link to the super simple instructions HERE. I also did a video that you can see on my Instagram page. 

I had this on when I went to the grocery store on Saturday afternoon, and the lady who checked me out commented 3 times on how lovely I looked. Made my day!!!

My wish for whoever drops by today is that you will be able to find joy in your day. Take a few minutes and look around at all that is good. And maybe...turn off whatever you use to obtain news. Just for today, give yourself a little break. 

Happy Sewing!!!

Rhonda 

The Suit That Made Me Cry

A late Wednesday check in. Hope you've had a lovely day. I found out that I have to get a urine sample from my dog first thing tomorrow morning. I made the comment to the vet that it will make for a great start to the day. He said, "look at it this way, the day can only get better!" Let's hope :)

So, the suit that made me cry and want to throw my sewing machine off the side of a mountain is now complete...and I love it!

My final post for the Papercut Patterns Soma Swimsuit is up on the Sew News blog and you can find it HERE.

I took A LOT of liberties with the pattern. With all of the sew alongs that I've done for Sew News, I always try and think about the sewist who doesn't have a store near by, and if they do, maybe one that's rather lacking in supplies. The pattern calls for the bodice of the swimsuit to be finished with foldover elastic. I used foldover elastic for the suit that I made for the magazine, but one issue is what if you can't find elastic that will match your fabric, like in the case of the metallic fabric that I used for this suit. 

The pattern also calls for a special ring for the straps. Here again, this may not be readily available and if you don't want to order your supplies, what can you do? I used a ring I found at the hardware store for the first suit that I made and for this suit, I was especially lucky and found this great hook that perfectly matched my fabric. I was ready to give up, but while I was in line at my chain fabric store, I just happened to notice these little flashlights with the hook attached. Score!!! 

I look at it this way, it's a swimsuit, so why not take a few liberties?!!

Pictures of me in the suit are coming up this Friday, along with a coverup. You may....or may not!!! want to pop back for that :) Actually, I REALLY like the suit and it looks fabulous on. Can't wait to actually jump in the water.

Be sure to pop over to Papercut Patterns as they have a number of new patterns up on their site that really look like winners.
I especially like the Bowline Sweater. 

With whatever project you are working on, just remember, just because the pattern recommends a certain product, it doesn't mean that you can't think outside the box and come up with an alternative. Sometimes the alternative is a whole lot more fun! 

The Papercut Patterns Soma Swimsuit Sew Along/Adding Bra Cups

This week's sew along post for the Papercut Patterns Soma Swimsuit primarily covers adding bra cups. In my opinion, a suit just looks better with bra cups, but then, that is my opinion :) 

We also go over the super simple method of lining the bottom of the suit. You are going to love this step as the bottoms are sewn together and lined all at the same time! 

As you'll see in the post, the first trick to setting in the bra cup is to make sure that the cup does not flatten out while pinning it in to the lining.

After the cup is pinned in, it's just a matter of a simple zigzag stitch around the edge of the cup. You can see the entire post HERE.

Adding cups to the suit is one of those steps that gives your garment a polished look. Again, in my opinion :)

The final post will be all about elastic. There's quite a bit of elastic in the Soma Swimsuit! We'll go over setting in the elastic around the leg opening and how to get that smooth look in the front and the cupping that is needed in the back.

Happy Swimming!

Rhonda