The Sewing B*tch

Readers, you know I avoid vulgar language here at MPB.  Unlike some other bloggers we know and love who swear like sailors, I never use the f word, the c word, and usually avoid the b word.

But sometimes only strong language will do, and trust me that sewing a reversible vintage Forties two-piece bathing suit is a b*tch.  All those little things we get away with on normal garments -- unfinished seams, raggedy linings, botched hems -- you simply can't get away with if you're planning to wear both sides of the garment. 

Compared to the bottom half of this swimsuit, the top (which I covered yesterday) was a breeze.

Notice that there's a center elastic channel that must go through both sides.  I didn't mind black thread on the plaid side, but I didn't want it smack in the center of my insect pattern.  So I used different colored thread (light brown) up top, and left the black in the bobbin.  Yes, it takes time but it looks much better.







Somehow the plaid matches almost perfectly.



I'm proudest of my side zipper, which is lapped on both sides.  Obviously it has to be zipped from the inside when the plaid side is out (and hence the zipper is inside out), but the underside of the zipper is hidden.





Maybe someday I'll do the side lacing the pattern originally called for; I just doubled the width of the side panels and lapped the edges (on both sides) on top of the gathered front and back panels.



Here's how I finished the bottom.  I didn't want to add black seam binding just to the leg openings.





Anyway, the swimsuit is all finished and ready to be modeled by you-know-who someday soon, I hope.

Some new acquisitions:

I received this today from Amazon -- it's sport elastic and it has channels you can sew through, so you can stitch elastic to your boxer waistband and the elastic will still recover fully.  (That's what I've heard anyway, and thank you to reader Lynn for telling me about it, unless, of course, it doesn't work.)  The elastic is super-soft, which is a relief, since I never got to touch it.





A few days ago on eBay, I won this vintage 1975 Valentino men's coat pattern in a 36 chest -- and apologies to anyone who may have bid against me.  I love it, but why does it make me think of Felix Unger?



I found another photo of the coat from the side (on the accompanying womens pattern). 



Finally, MPB reader Ellie told me about a woman whose picture she'd seen who could be my cousin Cathy's doppelganger.  Her name is Violaine Bernard (oo la la) and she's the fashion director at Velour Magazine here in NYC.   There certainly is a resemblance, though I suspect Violaine is a few years older.  Can you pick out the real Cathy Lane?







Readers, I am afraid you will be on your own till Sunday, September 10th.

Please don't forget to visit my blogroll friends and feel free to dig through the archives in my absence; a little light vacuuming is also appreciated.  I'll still be fielding your comments of course -- which, as always, I not only read, but also correct and grade. 

Have a great week everybody!

P.S. -- Cathy's Ob/Gyn says to that the blessed event is expected on Monday -- LABOR DAY, can you believe it?