Swimwear help!

I don't do conventional swimwear myself, but I have heard recommendations up the wazoo for the Kwik-Sew swimwear book, and it's so flexible that it would be right up your alley to use it to make exactly what you'd like.

these folks here have a great selection of prints. Not UK.

I've found that kwik sew's swim suit patterns are by far the best.

Penny

paragon patterns:

they are having a 50% off sale right now.

I can't help you in general, but I can point out that there is such a thing as swimwear lycra. Here's a link to Textile Outfitter's stuff as a reference.

Mike

I suggest a two piece. I am very long waisted, so I know how frustrating a one piece is. The nice thing about bikinis is that you can usually get the top and bottom in different sizes, which I am guessing is the problem. I have found that ordering according to my different proportions works well.

Chlorine=resistant nylon lycra and elastics, doubled fabric rather than a full lining (the suit lasts about 3x the usual time). KwikSew book for patterns.

If you're desprate this instant, check LandsEnd... they do a reasonably good job, have a lot of body types, and the prices on clearance suits are pretty reasonable. The tugless tank is a decent suit at a decent price. If you're lapswimming, the colorblock tanks are good -- the high neckline doesn't scoop water.

I've looked at there stuff in the past. Thanks for the reminder! :)

I'd love some non-Lycra Endurance type fabric, if anyone knows where to get that.

Thanks, Penny! :)

Whoo hoo! I shall certainly consider that.

No. I'm a standard torso length and pretty standard size, except for the

32F chest! And the fact that my bum is no longer the firm, peach like thing of a 19 YO, but the well sat on and lived in one of a 49YO, and I do NOT like cheese wire bum exposure! Nor do I like the legs cut so high that I need a Brazilian or to go Japanese to keep the curly bits hidden! ;) Exposing my varicose veins and occasional broken leg veins is one thing, but exposing my abdominal scars, bum, and boobs, is not an option.

Hi Kate,

I would think that your bust size would be a major problem in a one piece, and I don't see how you could make this fit. I am also big busted, and there is no way I can find a one piece that works. As far as the bottom goes, full coverage with tight elastic in the back works for me, and making sure to shave the bikini line regularly helps in the front. If your bottom has a high waist,it should cover the top of your bikini line as was as a good bit of your abdomen. Do you really wear a one piece with your proportions?

Hi Kate,

I hope this works for you, and glad I could help. As I said, being disproportionate, I really understand>

Help? What did I miss?

Tresa, no offense intended, but Kate probably has forgotten more about fitting, and anything else to do with sewing, than you will ever know.

Doreen in Alabama

Well this old fart's opinion is that most women look far better in a simple one-piece. Even women with rather spectacular figures look classier in a one-piece. It's easy to look rather, umm... well... not great in a bikini.

A one-piece bathing suit is like the simple black dress and a string of pearls. Makes almost any woman look good - well, that and a smile.

Mike

PS - men should never get skimpy speedos either. Ughh..

I once made myself a swimsuit with a Stretch & Sew pattern. It was a one piece with a skirt and it was one of the best swimsuits I've ever had. I was surprised and pleased with it. I had no fitting problems - I took it right off the pattern and it worked.

Sorry i must have missed something. maybe she is the grand dame of sewing or something? i am 19 years old, and likely you are far older, so i have a lot more time to learn than you do. i am sorry that she has alzheimers and has forgotten so much.

and she is not any 32F, at least judging by her pix. LOL