Raspberry Creek Fabrics Swim Tour
I’ve been quiet lately on the blogger front. Our family has been pretty busy with life and that’s left me a little on the dry end of creative juices. Today I’m coming back from winter hibernation to share swimwear… How funny is that?!
I’ve done very little swimwear in the past… In fact, when Karly of Paisley Roots asked about joining in on this tour I basically laughed at her. We both know swimwear isn’t my jam. Then, I found out from Tami of Sew Sophie Lynn that Raspberry Creek Fabrics was sponsoring this tour and I just had to jump on. I suppose the best way to get better at a skill that’s lacking is to practice… at least that’s what I tell math students in school. So here I am, practicing what I preach. I’m attempting a skill I’m not great at and growing everyday in the art of swim knit sewing. #lifelonglearner
Before I start sharing all my creations for this fun swim tour, be sure to check out all the sponsors! So many great designers supported all the creative sewing going on for this tour. And of course, don’t forget to snag up your favorite swim fabric from the tour from Raspberry Creek Fabrics!!
and 15% off SWIM ONLY from Jalie code: SWIMTOUR15OFF
A huge thank you to all of our sponsors!
Boo Designs / Sew A Little Seam / Titchy Threads / Simple Life Pattern Co. / Jalie
Little Lizard King / Made for Mermaids / Love Notions / Striped Swallow Designs
Patterns for Priates / Violette Field Threads / Wardrobe By Me / 5oo4 / Sew Like My Mom
For my swim projects I began by selecting my fabrics. I happened to notice that so many people that made multiple suits coordinated their prints. Their kids are all going to look so adorable on the beach this summer. I have to tell you… The idea of coordinating never crossed my mind. Why didn’t I think of that?! I just saw what I liked from the Raspberry Creek swim prints and thought of two suits that I could make with them. So here I am. Two kids, two uncoordinated suits. I’ll probably be judged on the beach this summer.
For my first suit I used the Striped Swallow Designs Into the Blue for the floral and stripes combo I selected. I’d been watching this suit since it’s release and was so excited to see that SSD was sponsoring this tour. They provided the pattern to me as part of the tour sponsorship. I was pumped! This pattern has two option for the back bodice. There is an open back and a closed back. I had selected this pattern for Peyton, so I let her choose the option. She selected the closed back. Proud mom moment as she went with the more modest route. Though, I think this suit is super cute with either view option.
Overall this suit came together very nicely. There are quite a few tips on blending sizes which was helpful. My model is a size 6 width and size 8 length. I did quite a bit of blending here. The next version I make, I’ll probably go with a size 7 width to give a little extra room.
Overall, I’m slightly disappointed in my craftsmanship on this front stripe. Boo! If I had just cut it a smidgen differently that un-even cutting wouldn’t even have been noticed. It’s glaring at me as it sits currently.
For my second, and totally un-cordinated suit, I used the Boo Swimmers Pattern with this super fun Citrus print. This was also sponsored by the designer. Let me just say…. If you are staying away from swim because of bindings (like me) this pattern was super helpful. There are so many helpful tips on how to do the bindings well. It doesn’t matter if you are sewing with a serger or a sewing machine. There are tips for everyone. I feel like when I was finished with this suit I was making legit bindings. I should also mentioned that I used probably an entire stick of Elmer’s glue to get this project finished. That stuff is SO handy when it comes to bindings!! Check these bindings out!
If you aren’t familiar with the Boo Swimmers pattern it’s totally loaded. It could be your one stop swim pattern for the rest of time. I had originally planned to make a rash guard with this pattern, but ended up changing to the tankini top and the contrast briefs because the directions for bindings were so good. Overall, these two pieces were a great fit and both the twins tried them on and said they were comfy. Presley commented that she wished her belly was showing more. That was her only critique. I just know she’s going to give me a run for my money in a few years.
Well, that about wraps up my two creations for Raspberry Creek Fabrics Swim Tour. I do hope you will take a moment and let me know which suit is your favorite in the comments. I’m still undecided. I think I’m leaning towards the citrus pattern.
