It’s not uncommon for those of us on the better side of fifty to have an articulated list of must-do’s…the proverbial bucket list if you will. Awkward photos of self in a swimsuit? So…not…on my list. But…here’s the thing…I was a pattern tester for Closet Case File’s newest gem, the Sophie Swimsuit, and I just couldn’t not share my results. So buckle up…you have been warned…the curves of a middle aged tween in a swimsuit just ahead…
So…when I first saw the line drawing for Sophie, I think my jaw dropped to my keyboard….oh, and…I might have drooled just a little. This is, quite literally, the suit I’ve been holding out for. As in waiting. for. years. It covers. It shapes. It’s gorgeous. And…best of all…it doesn’t feel even one little bit old-lady.
Things got a little tricky, however, when it came to fitting the cups. As in bra fitting, the cup size is based on a comparison measure between your under bust and your full bust. And…hello, wot?…I am outside of the cup range for my under bust size. {I still can’t get used to that new reality…my twelve year old self would be so thrilled.} To add to my troubles, the first draft had a few minor cup size issues {that have since been rectified!}…so…I had a moment of uncertainty panic about being able to get a good fit….amirite Heather? Now, don’t you panic too. Heather not only got me back on track…she also wrote a blog post with step by step instructions and pictures here {wish I had that when I was pattern testing, LOL} for altering the cradle to fit a larger cup.
Once I had the cup sizing perfected, I was able to sew up a muslin pretty quickly. But. Although the cup fit was spot on…the wires weren’t sitting against my chest wall. {{{Insert groan here}}} Heather and I agreed that a bigger bust would benefit from some under bust structure; either a shelf bra…or, even better…the bikini top. Now…let me think…when was the last time I wore a bikini? Oh right…that would be never. I opted for a power mesh shelf bra…which actually worked quite well…except that I made the elastic a little too snug. I could barely get the suit on. Taking it off wet? Well that’s just crazy talk.
While in bra shelf assembly mode, my brain was already scheming a View A/B mashup. Now this….this is my Sophie for the win combination. I love the sleek silhouette of the one piece and I love the support that the bikini band provides! I made the band a bit wider than the pattern specs so I could use a three eye closure.
I’ve waxed poetic about my one piece mashups, but I think my Sophie Tankini will fast become a favourite too. Tankinis are both pretty and practical. This is my first attempt…I’m super pleased with the bottoms, but the top needs just a little more tweaking. I did a standard slash and spread alteration, but I didn’t add quite as much ease as I would like in the under bust and tummy area. Good news though…I’ve got another in the works…at least mentally. And…I have the best intentions of photographing and sharing the modifications I make. I need just a little time though…a short breather from swimsuit making. My contribution to the McCall Shirtdress Sewalong has been waiting patiently for buttons and time is running out! All righty….I’ll be back before the end of the month with my polka dot shirt dress!
*My Sophie Mashup Part I now on the blog : : here
Meg says
All of your suits are so lovely!! I am waiting with bated breath for my Sophie kit to arrive!!
Julia @ When the Girls Rule says
Wow! These look great on you and so fun! They look like they offer some support too so important to anyone who wants to move in a suit. Thanks for sharing!
Julia
http://www.whenthegirlsrule.com
No Fear of Fashion says
Kudos on you for daring this. Although… you show such a good figure, you didn't have to worry. I am envious of your smooth body. Had to laugh over your remark about your 12 year old self. My 13 year old self would have been baffled over my shape now as well. Never thought this would happen.
Anyway, I think all three are beautiful. Didn't even know you could really sew these things yourself. Your favourite is the last one (yes it is very nice), my favourite one is the first one. Well done. I hope you win.
Greetje
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Ooooh….the kits are so beautiful!!! I was tempted, but I really have more than enough swimsuit fabric right now. Thanks so much Meg, and I look forward to seeing your suit!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks so much Julia! The support and stability is a huge point in favour for me too.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Greetje! LOL, I don't know if I have any photos of me in a bathing suit, and now these are on the Internet….hmmmm. Smooth body? Good lighting and careful photography and cropping!
I think you're right. The first one has fantastic colours and fits the very best! I think it will get the most wear this summer!
And I have used an English figure of speech…for the win…I'm not in a competition or contest. I {people} sometimes use that combination of words, borrowed from sports I imagine, to express a superlative, the best of something.
Anonymous says
love them all, but especially the Tankini!!! M
Melanie says
You even went in the water! Hahaha!! Well done! This swimsuit shoot is awesome, Sue! I love these suits, each and every one. I'm so sad, my boobs have never been properly cradled in a garment or had a shelf bra. 🙁 No wonder you're happy!
Truly, well done. Five stars. And you're doing another one? Hahaha. Now you have to SWIM or, better yet, just lounge around and order drinks and get lotion rubbed on you. Yes. Now I see where this is going…
Shirl says
These are gorgeous on you. Perfect, just perfect!
Shirl
Sheila says
OMG, a polka dot shirtdress? Okay, a little distracted over here – you just drop that little bomb at the end!
Back to the suits – WOW, these are fabulous! I like that they all look different but all fit you so wonderfully. As always, am in awe of your sewing skillz, Sue!
Gillian says
I'M SO IN LOVE! These suits look amazing! You look amazing, too. And kudos to your excellent photographer for the splashing shot! All three suits are just so pretty!
Suzanne Carillo says
Oh my gosh! Was the water cold? I'm damn impressed you got in!
I cannot believe how well you managed to make these. I adore a bathing suit with a bra closure. Pretty much the only thing that keeps me locked and loaded.
My fav is also the last one, but they are all very cute. Kudos!
bisous
Suzanne
Connie says
Sue!!! Dammit! Not only are you super talented but you are so gorgeous. I Loooooove these suits. I wouldn't attempt to make a swimsuit in a million years. These are beautiful. Gosh. I have not seen any that cute in, like, forever. And I have been looking. You could start your own bathing suit business. You really could. I am blown away.
Heather Gibson says
I think these all look amazing on you Sue!! I really want to sew a new swimsuit too, but I just haven't worked up the courage yet. You are definitely inspiring me though….
Crab and Bee says
Middle-aged tween! That made me smile. I love your suits!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw…thanks bunches!
PS I admire K that much more since taking these swimsuit photos!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Mel! Ah….how I miss those more simple times, LOLOL.
And yes, I officially have more swimsuits than the number of times I went swimming last year, hahaha. This year I declare the year of the swimming locally….even if there is no pool boy waiting for me to snap my fingers.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Shirl! I'm thinking of one with ruching in the front similar to your pretty suit.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hahaha…it's coming soon! SOON!
And thank you Sheila! I know how keen your eye is and your compliments mean a great deal to me!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Gillian! Remember to self…head on over to your blog to get my dare!!! Sorry, I've been busy recently and haven't taken the time, but I'll be there soon!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Suzanne! Our beach is so shallow that the water warms up pretty quickly. I did take a full dip after the camera was put away. It wouldn't do to have a photo of me emerging from the ocean covered in seaweed LOL. I'm so not Bo Derek in TEN, hahaha.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw…thank you so much Connie! The gorgeous I owe completely to clicking 'warmify' on my photos LOL. I have to agree with you about RTW suits. I was checking out suits to see the methods used to add bra-like structure and a lot of them were striking….but not cute like I like!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Heather! Remember that swimsuit fabric is stretchy and pretty forgiving, so it's definitely worth giving it a try IMO. And you know {other} Heather's instructions are fantastic. Check out your local thrift store…maybe you'll find some fun fabric. My pink with turquoise animal print suit was from fabric bought for $1.99…and it was a big piece.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…hoping for a little distraction…not from the suit, but from me…via humor. Thanks so much for the kind words Morgan!
Anne says
They're all fabulous! Love them. Do I need one? Should I make one? Questions, questions. I think you've sold this pattern to me! I find it hard to get RTW as I have a very long torso, so just need to find a reason to make one! Holiday…
pao says
Wow, you made a bathing suit. suits. And cute ones that fit and everything. You have amazing sewing skillz, Sue. I'm in awe.
Louise Perry says
Wowzers Sue, How brave are you with these photos? They all look amazing. See what you mean about using all those pieces for colour blocking and design. Such great work and fabulous photos.
Vix says
Wow! I'm sitting in a cardi, cold, tire and miserable and you come along and brighten up my day! Those cossies are wonderful, that first photo is pure art and the back fastening with the cheeky peek of back is lovely! xxx
Melanie says
Hahaha. I can picture you emerging with seaweed instead of cornrows. I'm not laughing AT you; I'm laughing WITH you.
Meigan says
I love the tankini! That would be my perfect suit. Thanks so much for sharing. All of these look great!!
Flo says
Awesome! Looks like you had a lot of fun with this pattern with fantastic results. Now I know why you were pinning all those swimsuits on Pinterest! You look great in all of the photos.
Rebecca Burnett says
Wow! These are just fabulous! I love you're fabric combinations and the tankini looks awesome! You look fantastic!
Carolyn says
OH! you look too too fabulous Sue!! I love all your colourful and playfully patterned combinations, and they all look to be masterfully constructed too. All absolutely gorgeous, and you in them too!
fabric epiphanies says
I love this and yes, being another middle age woman (although under 50) I love seeing it worn by women in my age bracket! I have been mentally planning an underwire bra like suit for this coming summer because well it is perfect for those of us that like to keep everything in its place. Now I don't have to draft my own wooh hoo!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Anne! I don't want to be labelled as an enabler, but….having a one of a kind handmade swimsuit is something we shouldn't feel guilty about treating ourselves to…LOL. And yes…think HOLIDAY…
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Why yes I did Pao. I find the names we use for bathing suit/swimsuit etc. so interesting. I admit, I use the word bathing suit. Is that a generation thing? A Canadian/Chicago thing? Or does swimsuit just sound classier?
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Yeppers…it's done…and I'm someone who fairly dashed from the pool or ocean to my towel to cover up, LOL. Well…I never said I was a logical thinker.
Thanks so much for your compliments!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I was beginning to think I wasn't going to get outdoor photos…we've had a fair bit of rain and chill here too. The weather has only recently warmed up. Well, you've got another festival to go to…and hopefully the days will get sunny and warm. xo
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Meigan! Aren't tankinis great…especially if one is going to be in a suit for more than just a single swim.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
LOL…you know all my secrets Flo! Yep…I'm all about cute cat photos, my dream cottage, etc. etc…..Thanks, as always, for stopping by.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Hi Rebecca! Thanks so much for stopping by! And thanks for your kind words.
I will be off to visit your blog and see your Sophie Swimsuit too!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you, thank you, thank you Carolyn! Your Sophie Swimsuits are perfection! And modeled beautifully! I'm in very fine company!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I was *this* close to drafting my own too. And…like you say…wooh hoo for not having to do it!
Margo Bergman says
You are absolutely beautiful! I live these suits and your mash up is perfection!! And that first picture is my favorite!! Hot stuff!!
amy mayen says
I love your 3 hook band, amd the prints you chose for both suits!! You're miles ahead of me in cup fitting; I hope to catch up soon!!
dan says
Oh, what a surprise! I am envious … a colouful, well shaped swimsuit is a must to feel comfortable on the beach … you have sewed lovely pieces and they fit you perfectly!
Janet says
Gorgeous suits! Thanks for sharing.
Hana Velvet Ribbon says
Ohhh.. these are gorgeous! You look great in all of them 🙂
No Fear of Fashion says
I might have said it wrong, I like the blue with pink suit the best. Which is technically the second photo on your post. Don't ask me why.
The first photo is brilliant. Give your husband my compliments.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
I was thinking just the same as you. The 'first' first one doesn't really count, LOL.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw thanks Margo! LOL…I just couldn't do photos as lovely as yours. Only tight shots to minimize the aging body.
I still want to try bottoms using your method.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Amy! It was fun working with foam on this suit…not something I've ever thought about adding to bras. I forgot to mention in the post that I paint my hook and eye closures with acrylic paint. I'll be sure to mention that in the next, more detailed post.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Dan! I imagine that you have the chicest swimsuits on the Med!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you Janet! I think it's nice to share sewing results for a new pattern. Happy you appreciate it. 🙂
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Hana! It's been fun creating them and I'm happy to have a selection.
Abbey says
You look FABULOUS in your new suits! I am really impressed with the fit you achieved, too: your bikini/one piece mashup is definitely giving me some copycat inspiration. =)
I eagerly ordered one of the swimsuit kits and am looking forward to trying my hand at swimwear sewing. Thanks for sharing your versions with us!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you so much Abbey! The kits are/were great…almost sold out now. Everything in one tidy package, wrapped up in a bow! Will look forward to seeing your make if you decide to share!
sewmanju says
Just seen these: how did I miss them? You look fabulous. The suits are gorgeous. I look forward to seeing how you made them.
Jessica Cangiano says
Sensational swimsuits! From the punchy, cheerful hues to the classic silhouettes, they all look jaw droppingly awesome and are uber fun to boot.
xoxo ♥ Jessica
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thank you! I woke up this morning excited about my next one, so things should come together quickly!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks Jessica. I hope to do a vintage-y inspired one one day too. Maybe…just maybe…a long line two piece.
lp says
I have been waiting for someone to make a tankini! That is what I really want in a suit–a supportive and cute tankini. I also really like your mashup. I'm so glad you shared!
Sharon says
You look fantastic in your swimsuits, another on the other side of 40 really appreciates seeing it.
Oh a tankini thank you this is my preference and I do have the Sophie pattern so looks like I need to start working on the fit.
Abbey Dabbles says
I know it's been said already, but it's worth repeating… All three of these versions are AMAZING!!!! My fave is the pink/blue nautical print one with all the fancy pattern matching. And I love it when a sewist covers how she had to finaggle a pattern to work with bigger boobs.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks so much! I'm just about to get started on my next documented make. Of course, the biggest hurdle is choosing the fabric, LOL.
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Thanks so much Sharon! The tankini is a very doable option with the Sophie pattern. So yes….the fit is your first step. Then you're practically done!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says
Aw…thank you Abbey! When I saw the pink/blue fabric in the thrift store, it made me so happy. It's just a fun, fun print! Adding the bikini back really did make it work for me!
Louisa says
So cute, Sue! Your photos are to be proud of, no regrets or embarrassment allowed. I love them all but tankini version is nearly exactly what I've been looking for myself. Brilliant mashup! Now I need to buy that pattern. Not that I swim much being super sensitive to chlorine. The ocean is good though even with the seaweed!