A sunny swimsuit

I have a gorgeous one piece bathing suit from Seafolly.  It's beautifully made, fully lined and includes an underwired shelf bra for extra support.  It's also a complete pain to pull back up into place once it's wet.  I wanted a lovely little bikini to wear in the backyard swimming pool which would make bathroom breaks a breeze.  Enter the Sunny Top from Sew Swimmingly and the Watson bikini pattern from Cloth Habit.

Let's start with the top.  I bought this bikini top pattern as soon as it was released thinking it would work for my daughters and for me.  According to my measurements I'm an XL, the largest size this pattern goes up to (I wear a RTW 12D/34D).  Essentially this is a pretty quick and easy sew, but there were some things with the pattern and instructions I disliked and after swimming in the top I'd make changes in the future.

 My first issue was with the pattern.  It says to cut 1 of the side cups, when it should say cut one pair or cut 2.  A pretty basic mistake that I picked up as I was laying out the pattern pieces (this may have been fixed since I bought the pattern).

I found the style of the instructions a bit odd.  It was almost like there was a summary statement and then the step by step instructions, which I found confusing rather than helpful.

Some information appears to be missing and at times the instructions don't appear to match the accompanying images.  When attaching the elastic around the straps and neckline, the photos show the elastic starting down from the top edge of the straps, but this isn't referenced in the instructions at all.  I started the elastic 3/8 inch down from the top edge and this worked well. 

I also found the images for this section confusing.  The instructions state that you place the lining fabric and outer fabric together and then attach the elastic, but the lining fabric isn't shown in the accompanying photo.

The extra wide neckline is lovely, but those straps aren't comfortable for lots of swimming.  I found that they tended to rub the under arms.  I would also prefer that the bottom edge was finished with an elastic band rather than a self binding - it didn't feel particularly secure.  Once wet, the top rode up at the back and I wonder is that's also because there's no elastic in the bottom to help it stay in place.

If I make this again I would use a self lining, as there was no way I could find to stop it peaking out when you finish the edges as instructed.  I would also reshape the neckline to move the straps further towards the center front, curve the top edge of the bust in a little bit more to make the fit more secure, add 1/2 inch extra length and finish the bottom with elastic.

I may tinker with this pattern and make it again if my daughters want it, but I'm not sure I'd make it again for me.

The bikini bottoms couldn't have been more different.  I sewed these up in a medium with a couple of simple changes.  I added 1/2 inch to the back rise graded out to nothing out the side seams, I removed the front crotch seam and fully lined these.  Totally love them.  Comfy to swim in and I love the way they look.

Such a long post for such a small pieces of clothing!  I love swimwear and I'm hoping to make up a few more patterns before summer is over.

#2018makenine and other goals

I like the concept of nominating 9 projects for the year so I've made a #2018makenine.  I've already posted it on Instagram but I thought I'd recap here and capture a couple of other goals too.

Let's start with the other goals.  Like so many others my stash is overflowing and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by it.  As I was scrolling Instagram over Christmas I found Katrina's stash diet and decided to join in.  I have fabric piled high on an armchair in my sewing room and I won't be buying any other fabric until it's cleared (my cupboards are also overflowing but I'm trying to be realistic and set small, achievable goals).

This year I'm also saving for a coverstitch machine.  I've wanted one for a long time, Wade even told me to just go out and buy one, but I want to save for it and get the satisfaction of doing this on my own.

Finally, here's 9 projects that I really want to make this year.

True Bias Lodo dress - I already have the pattern and the fabric.

image via

True Bias Lander Pants I have the pattern and need to dig through my stash to see if I can find the right fabric.

image via

Swim Style Chic Bandeau Bikini - Pattern purchased, fabric in the stash, just need the findings.

image via

Grainline Studio Cascade Duffle Coat  I have the pattern, fabric and toggles.

image via

Grainline Studio Archer Shirt I have the pattern and some beautiful linen and I hope to make a start this week.

image via

Orange Lingerie Esplanade Bra Need to buy everything for this one - will be later in the year I think.

image via

Cloth Habit Harriet bra  I have the pattern and I have the fabric and findings.

image via

Style Arc Ziggi Jacket (in leather) I have the pattern.

image via

It's a bit of a challenge and I'm keen to get started.  It will be interesting to see if the plan changes as the year progresses.  Do you have sewing plans and goals for 2018?

May Plans and Me Made May

I'm really happy with the way my plans for April helped me make the most of my sewing time so I thought I'd do it again for May.

We have a lot of commitments in May so no weekend sewing time.  It's also the annual Me Made May challenge which I want to participate in, but don't want to feel pressured to take a photo every day or try to churn out new items just so that I have something new to share.

images via Tailor Made Shop

I'm generally wearing at least one item I've made every day, and it's just as likely that I've made my entire outfit so that's not such a challenge anymore.  Lingerie making has been on my to do list for a couple of years so I thought this was the perfect time to give it a go.  New undies can be sewn up pretty quickly and I'm told bras don't really take that long either.  I know I have a steep learning curve ahead of me but I'm excited to get started.

images via Evie la Luve

To get things started I purchased some bra kits from Tailor Made Shop (she has the most beautiful kits).  Top of my list is the Orange Lingerie Montgomery Briefs (check out Norma's Instagram feed for pure lingerie beauty).  I'm also really keen to try the Evie la Luve Esme and Bella undies.  The Watson Set is still something I'd like to sew up and I have a really lovely kit from Blackbird Fabrics that I want to use - time to stop stashing and start sewing.

So here's my pledge for Me Made May:

 'I, Robyn of Sew Love Red, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '17. I endeavour to wear at least two pieces of me made underwear each week and sew one new bra for the duration of May 2017'

I certainly won't be posting modeled photos of my pledge items but I will share the finished items.  Are you playing along?  

The real deal

The lazy days of summer are over, life has kicked back into full swing and just like that my sewing time has vanished!

I'm hoping I can find 20 minutes a day just so I feel like I'm making progress.  So far I've managed an hour in the last two weeks so I've got some work to do!

But this post isn't about my lack of sewing time, it's a short and sweet update about the 'real' versions of Jalie 2564.

I've made three matching singlets and ladyshorts using Art Gallery cotton/elastin and I've got to say that this fabric feels fabulous, it's soft with great stretch and recovery.  The designs aren't ones that I'd wear as outerwear but I love them for pyjamas.

I made a couple of minor tweaks to these versions.  I added an inch to the length at the hem and shaved about a quarter of an inch off the side seams at the bust only.  I'm really happy with the way these have turned out.  Unfortunately the hot pink fold over elastic I used on one version is really poor quality and doesn't stretch and support the way it should.  I really need to replace it but...I'd much rather make something new!

I feel like I have sewing ADD at the moment - I keep starting projects and then moving on to the next thing.  Time to finish them off so that I can actually wear them.

Trial run - Jalie 2564

Why is it that everything feels like it wears out at exactly the same time?  My sleepwear of choice is a singlet top/camisole with built in shelf bra and a pair of boyleg shorts.  When I went to replace my well worn PJs I discovered that a single tank top was over $30 which felt like a ridiculous amount for what it is.  You know the feeling - you know you could make it for less than it costs and choose whatever colours/patterns you like (irrespective of whether you actually have the time or energy to do it).

Being the great procrastinator that I am I put off doing anything for another 12 months and my pjs were disgusting - the elastic had completely gone, they were all stretched out of shape and you could see through the fabric.  So. Bad.

Enter Jalie 2564 (I couldn't find it listed on Jalie's website) which I bought years ago in anticipation of making my own singlet tops.  For my trial run I used a foil print stretch cotton from Spotlight and fold over elastic from Etsy.  I was tossing up what colour elastic to use but in the end I figured anything Mickey Mouse needed a touch of red.

I wasn't happy with my initial application of the fold over elastic - it made the neckline look really baggy so I ripped it out and followed this tutorial from Emerald Erin and it worked a charm.

To finish the set I sewed up a pair of the Cloth Habit Rosy Ladyshorts.  Couldn't be happier with them and I'm so glad that I fussy cut Mickey.  One of my girls even asked for a pair so I must have done something right!

After sleep testing these my only adjustment would be to add about another inch in length to the singlet top/camisole.  I bought some beautiful cotton/elastin Art Gallery Fabrics  for the real deal, hopefully I get a chance to post about them later this week.