Readers, in one of those "only could happen to Peter" moments of which I experience so many, I was walking the dogs yesterday when what do I discover discarded at a nearby curb but a pile of clean swimwear knit remnants (above). I took it as a sign that I am aligned with my purpose.
They're not as high quality as the stuff I'd purchased earlier in the week, but all in all not bad. I've already made two suits out of them!
I started with the orange and black flame print, and this time made a standard Speedo-style suit (using vintage McCall's 3428).
Instead of lining the whole thing, I just lined the front, using the same fabric for the lining.
This time I added only one drawstring hole, which does the job.
I turned the serged edges under approximately 1/2" on the waistband and 1/4" on the legs. The edges of the lining panel don't fray so I left those as-is.
Ta da!
OMG: This, this and this!
Next, I took the neon green floral print and made a similar suit for Michael. Mikey likes it!
Finally, I made a square cut suit for Michael, using the grayish green Marc Jacobs floral print he favored. Rather than lining the whole thing, I created an inner brief with my lining material and inserted it into my outer suit. (This is yet another way men's swimsuits are often lined.)
Ta da!
By this point, I was really tired of sewing swimsuits, so I turned to something else: my purple and green patterned shirt from earlier in the week.
I felt it needed a breast pocket. So I made one. You'd need eagle eyes to even tell it's there, but it's a handy place to put sunglasses.
Last but not least, do you remember those 75 unclaimed patterns left over from MPB Day? Well, thanks to attendee Karen D., they have now been donated to the Queens Central Library Sewing Club. Off my hands and into someone else's!
Readers, this may be the last time you hear from me this month.
I wish you all a great end of August and, like the song says...
The swimsuits are cute, but your print-matching skills are legendary! Awesome stuff!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I have that flame fabric leftover from TeenTwo's Flame Boy era. Such handsome men in such well made suits! Have a wonderful time trying them out on the beach (and beware of swooning onlookers)! Use your sunscreen!
ReplyDeleteFire crotch!! The swim trunks are all splendid. I love Michael's flowered ones. Wow. that shirt pocket is almost an illusion. Great matching. No Sunday vlog this week?
ReplyDeleteObviously the universe wanted you to make more suits offering lycra in your walking path! Great pocket matching!
ReplyDeleteHave a great vaca, we'll miss you!
ReplyDeleteWow! A little fabric can make quite an impression.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holiday. Looking forward to hearing what you get up to in your togs (Aussie slang for swimming attire).
ReplyDeleteSpud.
You both look fantastic in your suits -- have fun soaking up the sun. Also forgot to post how much I loved your "new summer outfit". It is spectacular. (aside: I also click on alot of those "you might also like" links and somehow clicked myself to your ugliest pattern of 2012 and laughed myself silly. Thanks for all the fun and laughs in addition to the great sewing. )
ReplyDeleteYou both look great in those swimsuits. Enjoy your holiday!
ReplyDeleteYou both look great. The fabric Gods must be alive and well in NYC. Have fab hols!
ReplyDeleteWow, those flame shorties are the cats meow! Woo Hoo to the swim suite eye candy shots of you and Michael. Thanks for sharing all the info and shots of your construction of the suits. I like the use of the one button hole idea. Have a great vacay!
ReplyDeleteI concur. Woo Hoo to the swim suit extravaganza! I love the shot where the chihuahua is also turning his cute little backside to the camera along with Peter.
DeleteYou must live in a wealthy neighbourhood judging by what is discarded! Have a lovely holiday and I look forward to reading of your adventures on your return. Best wishes - Gemma (UK)
ReplyDeleteSssssssmokin'! Hit the beach.
ReplyDeleteI'm on fire! Looking good guys!
ReplyDeleteFrankie
http://www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk
How do you find time to sleep? Incredible!
ReplyDeleteThe pocket pattern matching is amazing, too. I do love that shirt.
You have incredible fabric karma! Michael is a good sport, too. Thanks for adding me to your blog roll! You've been a great inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering how that fabric will be when wet. I make swimsuits and there are so many new, nice prints in that type of fabric (called ITY sometimes) but I'm afraid they won't have the return properties when wet. That the suit will bag and sag because it's polyester spandex blend rather than nylon spandex blend. Plus usually the spandex content is much lower in the polyester based ones compared to the nylon ones where 20% spandex is kind of the base for swimwear use. Please let me know how your suits perform at the beach? I'd love to know what you think after a few wears. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou guys look great! Enjoy the vacation
ReplyDeleteWill the Sexy Men of MPB 2015 calendar arrive in stores in time for the holidays? ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat job and have fun on vacation!
wow - absolutely amazing - I feel truly inspired
ReplyDelete