Remember this little teaser during the last week of Me Made May?
The pattern has been released so I can announce it now… allow me to introduce the Bombshell Swimsuit, from Heather Lou at Closet Case Files!
And now, I’m going to post pictures of myself in a bathing suit, on the internet. Eep.
(Also, can we talk about how Landon laughed at me when he saw me tromping out the backdoor in this swimsuit with these shoes? Excuse me, but if I’m going to stand half-naked for pictures on the internet, I’m at least going to make sure my legs look AWESOME, ok??)
When Heather Lou contacted me about testing this swimsuit pattern, I hadn’t even finished reading the email before my yes response was being sent right back to her (ok ok… let’s be honest here, it was more like OIASDL;GAJSD;LFAJSDF OMG FUCK YES !!!!!). I’ve never made a swimsuit, although this year I was ready to try. I had bought some fun swimsuit fabric and lining while in New York, and had a 70s bikini pattern that I planned to make up. But have you SEEN this sexiness?! Bikini went on the backburner, Bombshell hit my cutting table.
I won’t lie, there was a minute there when I hesitated, and then got scared. Like I said, I’ve never made a swimsuit before, let alone any sort of lingerie. As much as I looove working with knits and stretchy fabrics, sewing on elastic with that a zigzag stitch is totally uncharted territory for me. Not to mention I didn’t have enough fabric to muslin this, so it was really a testament of trusting the pattern sizing, and crossing my fingers in hopes I got it right the first time.
Spoiler: I did! 🙂
This is PRETTY CUTE, amirite?! Let’s see, I sewed the size 8 – I fit exactly into the 34-26.5-36 measurements – and the fit is SPOT-ON. I did not many any changes to the sizing of this pattern whatsoever. Dreamy, right? I used a gingham swimsuit lycra for the suit, and a proper nude swimsuit lining for the inside. I put bra cups in the front to avoid any nippage. The only thing I did not do was use proper swimsuit elastic. Ahhh, I’m so sorry! Truth, I was pushing really hard to finish this before I went on vacation, and I didn’t have a chance to run to the fabric store for swimsuit elastic (if you are sitting here thinking, “wtf are you on, Lauren, elastic is elastic is elastic” let me tell you that swim elastic is different because it won’t break down over time like standard polyester elastic). I did have some cotton elastic that *said* it was good for swimwear, but we’ll see if that actually stands the test of time. If not, I can always replace the elastic later. Ain’t no thang!
I LOVE THE WAY THIS SUIT LOOKS ON ME, THOUGH. Look at how flattering it is – and fully covered! Like I said before, I was very hesitant to actually wear this in the water, for fear that it would… I dunno, disintegrate and float away into the ocean, maybe? Shouldn’t have worried, though, as this baby stuck to me like a comfy second skin and didn’t budge at all while I was thrashing around in the waves. And I felt SO SWANK sitting on my beach chair, reading a book and sipping a cocktail.
As far as the actual construction… I really should not have worried! The instructions can look a bit intimidating at first glance (Me: “OH SHIT what is all this elastic stretch percentage talk here I can’t math this HELP”), but each step made perfect sense as I approached it. Making this swimsuit was very intuitive – for someone who’s never made swimwear before – and there are lots of pictures and words in the instructions to guide you along and hold your hand. If you still need help, there is now a Sewalong to really clear things up!
(I don’t know why these pictures turned the color all crazy. Sorry.)
So… a little tip about those bra cups. I actually tried to buy them while I was in NY, but I got SUPER overwhelmed by all the options available (Sonja and Oona can attest to the fact that I was lurking in the back of each store, putting cups over my boobs and trying to decide was size to get! HAHAHA). I ended up going home with none. Fast forward to this swimsuit, and part of my freakout was that I didn’t have any bra cups to put in – and no time to order online, let alone go to the fabric store. So how did I end up with cups, you might ask? I went to the thrift store, grabbed a bikini top from the 99¢ section, and cut the cups out! They fit just fine and I know they’re good for swimwear because, duh, they came out of a bikini 🙂
Now here’s the best part – Heather Lou has graciously offered up a freebie pattern to give away to one of y’all! YAY!!! BOMBSHELLS FOR EVERYONE!! Don’t let yourself get scared away from the concept of sewing swimwear – it’s really fun and YOU CAN DO IT.
For a chance to win a PDF copy of the Bombshell Swimsuit, leave a comment here on this post and let me know what fabric you’d use to make it! If you have a specific fabric in mind, or just a color or pattern that you’d love to see it made up in, do share! I’m nosy and I need to know! This giveaway is open worldwide – as long as you have email and can receive PDF attachments, you can win this pattern. I will close the comments next Monday AM, 6/17, so get yer entries in while you can!
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
If you want to go ahead and buy the pattern, you can do so here ($10 only, hells yes). Thanks to Heather Lou, for letting me test this amazing pattern and also for providing a giveaway copy!
Good luck, y’all!
LLADYBIRD 
Wow this is great, i,ve never sewn swimwear, but would love to have a go, a nice ‘vintage’ floral, umm better go see what i can find 😉
Omg! I’ve wanted a swimsuit like this forever! I’d probably do boring black initially, but if it looked good on me (I have serious thunder thighs) I can see myself making it in a fun Hawaiian print and/or polka dots!
Wow, that is a bombshell suit. It’s super cute and soooo flattering. I’ve never attempted swimwear but this makes me want to try. Great job!
I would love to sew and sport a hot retro bathing suit!
Love this! I would go full on retro with a navy blue and white polka dot fabric–or maybe yellow… xo
Ack! I want this pattern so bad!!!! I would make it with the 60’s remants of a maxi dress I shortened into a mini made from SWIMSUIT FABRIC! I mean, a maxidress made from swimsuit fabric??? WTF??? I guess for those times when you get thrown in a pool wearing your glamourous gown…it’s purple with cool circles of varying sizes all over. I quite love it a lot and have saved it forever thinking I would do something like this eventually. Now that I can sew halfway decent (but have never sewed a swimsuit), I think I’m ready!
I have this neon pink flower print on a bright green background I’ve had in my stash since the beginning of time. I made a swimsuit that was too small before and then I gave up. But I’m willing to try again.
This is fabulous! I love how the backside actually looks GREAT instead of like a diaper (which is how I usually feel in a one-piece). I would make this up in a bright green or some kind of fabulous retro-style print.
I just LOVE the Bombshell and I’m now dying to make one for my sister, who would surely look almost as awesome in it as you do!
I’d probably go with red or purple because that would suit her best, and either a solid or, if I could find it, an awesome pattern in either (or both) of those colours. Love your gingham, so maybe red gingham like your blog background!
It looks marvelous, Lauren! Love the gingham.
(Don’t enter me for the pattern, just wanted to leave a comment.)
Are you sure, Peter? Cathy would look pretty stunning in this silhouette… 😉
BWA HA HA
Perfect timing! Your suit is gorgeous and fits you beautifully. I saw a review of this yesterday and immediately ordered fabric. It’s white Italian swimsuit nylon with gold metallic dots. I’d love to be picked for the pattern giveaway.
Ah, it looks amazing! If I was to make this, I would have to go all out in an ott tropical print (if only I could find one!). If not, I’d probably do the other extreme and go for a classic white for a Monroe-esque costume 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad that there’s finally a follow-up post on this pattern! I’m not sure what fabric I would use… maybe something navy/white nautical-looking?
Wow! Looks great! Your worries about it disintegrating reminded me of a story of my aunt who crocheted a cotton bikini. She wore it in the pool and as it dried it started to shrink and she just hopped around yelling.
I have never sewn a swimsuit before and have a tiny experience with knits. If I sewed it, I would probably go with a red solid or stripe. Although I am loving the scale of the gingham.
You felt swank wearing Bombshell and you looked it. Let me tell you! I really like your choice of words – “The instructions can look a bit intimidating at first glance (Me: “OH SHIT what is all this elastic stretch percentage talk here I can’t math this HELP”), but each step made perfect sense as I approached it.” I think this is a perfect thing to say to a newbie to sewing swinmwear and lingerie. It’s looks intimidating from afar but once you take each step one at a time, it isn’t so difficult.
If I were to sew this, it might mean I would actually wear a bathing suit! I’d have to go with a big purple print. hmmmm…..
THAT IS EXACTLY WHY I RELEASED IT! Swimsuits for everybody! Every body!
I am thinking a non-retro color like Shocking Pink or Coral, or even Aqua. Love the look on you (and great shoes!!!). I’ve never sewn a bathing suit yet but why not?
Navy/white polka dots! Or red/white polka dots! Or stripes. Or blousy roses. Soooooo many options. But for sure I wouldn’t be as cute as you! You look amazing. As does the suit!
Wow, I love that pattern! I would definitely use a navy-blue lycra with white polka-dots. Or just plain dark green. Maybe both. 🙂
LOVE it. It looks amazing. Also: WANT it. I have two possibilities in my stash—hot pink and black stripes or purple and blue polka dots on black. ME ME ME.
Ooooh! me, me, MEEEEE!!!! 🙂
I have this coral and white diamond printed swimsuit fabric that I think would go great with this swimsuit! It would be my first swimsuit!
I love this! Your disintegrate comment made me laugh. The first time I made a pair of pants and wore them to the office, I spent the whole day checking my backside in the mirror of the bathroom because I felt sure the seat of the pants was going to fall apart under the stress of my tuckus sitting on it all day. They did fine, though!
rosiewednesday.blogspot.com
Of course I want it! I just happen to have a fantastic fabric: it’s 3 shades of blue stipes on white lycra…
I would use this gorgeouse black with multi colored streaks bathing suit fabric which I already own. I bought it at my local fabric warehouse which local rumor says the cirque de soleil costume designers also shop at. My daughter bought some amazing fabric there last year and the owners told here she might see the same fabric in a show in Vegas!
Your suit is pure awesome-ness! I have some navy with white dots, as well as a solid emerald green, swimsuit fabrics in the stash, either would make a perfect Bombshell Swimsuit, I think!!!
OHHH Love this swimsuit!! I’d probably make more then one version… maybe one solid black and one patterned purple? And maybe I’d play with it and make it work for maternity.. who knows!! And the advice to thrift shop for bra pads is SUBLIME!! What a great idea!!! 🙂
AWESOME!! I have been lurking around her blog for a while and saw the photos she posted of the AMAZING suit! I cannot wait to try it out! The first one I want to make will be straight up black. You just can’t go wrong with black. THEN I want to make one up in a navy polka dot and THEN I want one in a totally bad 80’s neon pink and sparkly gold stripe…! I see many, many, many suits in my future!
You’re such a Betty in that swimsuit, Lauren! And hells yes to wearing heels with swimsuit photos! heh
I can’t say anymore mega props than everyone who has posted before me, but it looks fab as do you.
I’m only just delving into knits so swimwear for me is a ‘next summer’ project. But if I made it, I have dreams of a strawberry red with a bit of sheen to it.
Wooot, pick me! I’d probably try something polka dotted. Can’t go wrong with some dots!
Aw, this is so cute! I think it would be awesome with a navy fabric with little hearts or anchors or birds or something printed on it. Not sure if that fabric exists for swimwear, but it would be super cute!
This looks amazing. A covering up(ish) swimsuit that doesn’t look frumpy – what’s not to love? I must say I do like it in the gingham – especially the black and white gingham that the camera made happen! -and I live in the land of Brigitte Bardot so gingham swimwear is de rigeur. However, just to prove I’m not a copy cat, I can also imagine it in small polka dots. Is there a limit to the amount of designs swimwear fabric comes in?
I love this pattern! I think it would be awesome with a navy fabric with little white hearts or anchors or birds or something. Not sure if that fabric even exists, but it would be cute if it did!
I love this swim suit and am really tempted to do it- I cant decide between a sophisticated deep colour like burgundy or a crazy bright floral print…
Wow, I just love this pattern and it’s already in my “to sew” list 🙂 It’s so flattering! I think I’d make the most of the retro look and go for navy or chocolate with white polka dots. Thanks for the giveway!
i’d LOVE to make this to cover up my (soon-to-be) post baby belly and in bright red it’d be an awesome way to not let it all hang out without looking like a wallflower.
plus i’d totally be afraid of my version disintegrating too – but is it not the coolest to be asked where you got something and to say you made it?
I’ve never sewn a swimsuit before!! I’d make a white one, for some reason they seem so chic…
Loved the pattern sew much! What put me over the edge was the Steel Roses Swimwear fabric over at Tessuti. Yes. I did that;) Lladybird, thanks for being a trailblazer for all of us.
This is perfect timing as I’m itching to make myself a swimsuit – I’ve already bought fabric – pink & black. 🙂
I would love to do it in black and white. I used to make swimsuits for my daughters but haven’t made any recently.
Polka Dots 🙂 Or do something color blocking with navy and white. Or maybe just edge the whole thing in white. SO many ideas for this classy little thing! How many patterns can you call classy AND sexy?
I’d love a chance for a PDF of this pattern! I’ve always wanted an itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini—but a bombshell suit would totally do! 😀
I’ve loved seeing this sexy bathing suit popping up all over my blog reader recently. It’s gotten me back into commenting instead of just panicking over how many unread blogs I have after the move. I’d love to make one in a bright aqua green.
This version is very cute! I want so much to do one! I think I would go with red. Maybe a red with white polka dot to be kind of classic. But I also like the print used by Novita. I would definitively like a print version… with red! Now I just need to find it!
Lauren, your suit is fantastic! I’d use something orange with lots of dots,
Sooo amazing! I like to cover up a bit at the pool, but still look sexy. I would use either a red or navy solid fabric.
this. is. SUPER HOT!!! I LOVE it! I was thinking of making myself a swimming suit and this is PERFECT! It looks like would be flattering on everyone as well. I would go for red and white polka dots – I’ve seen the fabric online and I’ve been eyeing it for a while.
Love it!! I’ve done many bikinis before,goes super fast when you have an industrial elastic serger no math!! But this one piece looks super nice!! I would make it in a super vibrant red with white piping, white tab at center front and white ties!
Love this!!! So cute! I’d go with navy with white polka dots or solid red.
I got some brown and blue Hawaii hibiscus print swim fabric in a mystery bundle from Fabric Mart that needs this pattern!
Ooh!!! I like your gingham version, but I might go for a solid sea green!
A few months ago I went on a cruise and I wanted THIS VERY SWIMSUIT in a green gingham. I couldn’t find one to fit me (same ole story with RTW, right?) so I thought I’ll just make my own. But, I could not find a pattern. NOW there is one, so I want to make this up QUICK!!
Oh, my goodness! I think this would look awesome in a smoky teal solid, or maybe teeny tiny stripes that would get all jumbly from the ruching. So awesome of you to post the pics, really appreciate seeing the back view (if I can say that without sounds like a total creeper – what I mean is I just wasn’t sure how the back would look because of the skirt front).
Polka dots! I think this adorable bathing suit needs to be made in a polka dot print! Count me in for the giveaway, ma’am!
Very pretty! I’m not entering for the give away. I have to many things on my to-sew list, let’s do that first 🙂
SUPER cute! Love the fabric you picked. I would pick something floral-y to make this suit.
This suit is darling, you look so great. I would probably make it in a solid, bright red or aqua.
How beautiful! I have a thing for black retro swimsuits. To me, they always look so undeniably classy. Jet black for me!
Love love love! You look so cute in your blue gingham!
I just ordered fabric for this suit — it’s a red with little white hearts all over it. Haven’t bought the pattern yet, though, so good timing with the giveaway. 😉
Seriously, every single person I’ve seen this on so far looks amazing. Can’t wait to make one!!
LOVE it! I’m thinking bright, fire-engine red….maybe even with polkadots?
Love your version! Don’t enter me in the giveaway because I already bought the pattern within seconds of reading her blog post. I’m so freaking excited to get started on it and a little scared shitless at the same time. I just ordered my fabric today…the cherry print – black background.
http://www.spandexhouse.com/search-result.php?pline=&searchKye=cherry+print
Yellow with polka dots, of course 🙂 That would be a perfect bombshell swimsuit 🙂 Yours is super cute too 🙂
OMG I’d love to make this. I’d go with statement red, and add a large corsage to the left of the neckline.
I’ve been lusting over this fabric for a while, but haven’t been impressed by any pattern that would work well with it…until now. http://thefabricfairy.com/black-peach-chevron-swimsuit-fabric.html
I love your selection of fabric. I have been wanting to make a suit, but have not found the right fabric. I want to use something that is dark but not black and not shiny neony. I haven’t found anything in person and it is sometimes hard to judge ordering on line. I have a couple of patterns, but I like this one better than the others.
Oh my! This suit looks truly lovely on you.
I would love to make one in some nice shade of purple, although you have encouraged me to go find some nice gingham also. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
Looks like a lovely swimsuit! I would like to see this sewn in a bold floral print.
Looooooooooooove this on you! I’m so excited to make one (remember when you guys were looking at swim fabric and I was all, “Ugh, never making a swimsuit!”?)– it’s just so damn cute! I haven’t worn a one-piece since I was like 7 (figure you gotta flaunt it while you can), but I can’t wait to pick out some fabric for this sucker! Leave me out of the giveaway because I downloaded it the SECOND I saw that it was available for purchase!
I love this!! I would make this in navy blue and white polka dot fabric that I drooled over at Haberman’s Fabric in Michigan…So cute!
That is AWESOME. I too think it would look awesome in a bold floral like so (except, ya know, not upholstery fabric): http://www.finnstyle.com/unikkofabric1.html
I love this pattern! It looks really flattering and I’ve been wanting to try sewing a swimsuit! I think I would make it in a blue solid or possibly a blue print if I found one I liked!
I would love to try a swimsuit for the first time. I’d probably go for a solid red for my first try. Hey, I’m blond and curvy so I should just go for it!
Contact email: crystalamundson(at)att(dot)net. Thanks!
I really want to make this swimsuit! I’m thinking a red would look great, possibly with a large pattern print.
There’s a couple of swimsuit fabrics at the thrift store right now that I left behind because I thought, “when will I ever sew a swimsuit?” I want to zoom back there and get them in case I win this pattern!
I think navy with white polka dots….or maybe red if I were feeling brave.
Ahhh! I found this green apple swimwear fabric the other that would look so cool! Or the classic polka dot (although I think all of my swimwear is polka dots!) This looks super cute on you though Lauren!
Hey do you mean this? http://www.fabricland.co.uk/JOLLY%20024.jpg
I love love love this swimsuit …
If I make one, I’ll probably make a plain black one or a pale silvery blue …
Thanks for the chance 🙂
Gah, you’re such a doll! A badmouthed doll, but still 🙂 I’m making this one in a deep red (already decided to purchase it when I don’t win it haha) with maybe some cream details. So cute!
This looks so beautiful on you! I am now very tempted to make one for my holiday this year and am a little in love with this fun apple swim fabric http://www.fabricland.co.uk/JOLLY%20024.jpg
I’ve been waiting for this pattern ever since heather posted her first swim suit! being curvy, the full coverage is amazing and i’d love to make it up in some kind of deep purple lycra, the purple ombre fabric heather posted about earlier this week is especially tempting!
Look at you! You look awesome in this bombshell swimsuit 🙂 I would pick grey fabric with white or golden stars! I love stars so i would put them everywhere hehe
Thank you for this give away!
Aaaah, I pinned this bathing suit this morning because I just looove the fit! And of course I saw it popping up on your blog earlier as well. So great to see that even though you didn’t have any experience with lingerie/swim suits it turned out perfect! If I would win, I would try to find fabric with flamingos on it. Reminds me of summer time 🙂 Or, pineapples! Oh, yes please 🙂
I have no idea what fabric to make this in! I think I’d prefer a solid to better show off the ruching detail.
Perfect timing! I was just looking trough some of my old patterns to see if I have a swimsuit one that I would actually wear. This one seems to be perfect. I would love to give it a try. BTW, it looks great in you! I like the first pic, it has vintage vibe to it.
I’d make it up in a solid hot pink!
You look amazing, and those shoes really bring the whole thing together, haha. I almost died when I saw her release of it, so I’m hoping that if I make myself one, I can use it as an excuse to go somewhere where I can use it. I love how it looks in the kelly green that Heather used as an example, but I also really like this honeycomb print I found – http://thefabricfairy.com/honeycomb-swimsuit-fabric.html – except I’m pretty sure I’d look jaundiced in yellow. Oh well!
This is beyond exciting! I’ve been looking for a swimsuit that will cover my ‘Mammy Tummy’ without making me look super frumpy and nothing – until now! I’d already decided that I’d have a go at making my own and I’ve got some lovely black and white polka dot fabric but I’ve been uninspired by the basic swimsuit pattern I’d bought so I’d not even started. The Bombshell Swimsuit is crying out to be made!
I’d love this in navy with white polka dots!
I’d like to make it in a black and white chevron or a Hawaiian floral, probably both.
Love the suit! I would make it in a polka dot or a big Hawaiian print, I think.
Your suit is so cute! I bought some red gingham at Spandex House in January because my current suit (not made by me) is disintegrating and I need to dive in and make one. We could be gingham twinkies if I use this pattern!
of course I would have to make it in a polka dot! preferably white spots on a black background. ohhh but where to find this fabric!?? sourcing fabric and notions is the only thing holding me back from clicking buy already. i’m in sweden, and not every fabric store even ship there, and when they do it’s often sooo expensive. bah. but i’m quite lusting after this bathing suit! you look absolutely fabulous in it!
I remember how amazing I felt when I completed my first swimsuit! Congrats on a super-cute suit!
Love it! I think I’d use a large floral print – maybe in turquoise, if I could fine it!
I actually already cut out a bikini but got stuck on the elastic part. I can’t find any swim elastic locally. Perhaps I just need to make a new bombshell?
A cherry print would be cute and add to the retro look!
You look HOT!!! This suit totally reminds me of the one from The Notebook (“If you’re a bird, I am a bird.”) (http://www.craftster.org/pictures/data/500/29beach2_notebook.jpg) SO, if I had the chance to sew this suit, I think I would try to replicate Allie’s suit, and maybe even make an adorable head band, too!!
I would love to make a few in basic flattering colors like cobalt blue and red 🙂
Loving your suits, it’s freaking awesome. I’ve had my eye on this pattern since it came out (it ALL over Pintersest. Love it.)I’ve never made a swimsuit before either,so I’m super encouraged that you found it easy. I’ve been trying to find a suit in a black and white Ikat print, but had no luck, so that’s what I would make (if I can find Ikat print swim fabric!!). Great giveaway, thanks 🙂
This pattern is nowed Pinned. When I get up the guts to sew it, I think I’d want classic siren red!
This is probably the most flattering swimming costume I’ve ever seen Lauren – absolutely GORGEOUS! Please don’t enter me for the giveaway though, I know my own sewing limits! xx
LOVE your suit – so flattering! I’ve been looking for a couple of years now for a swimsuit that I can wear to the pool with my kids (ie not too revealing) that still makes me feel like a w-o-m-a-n. I’d really like to make this up in a blood red fabric AND something with polka dots (little bit of sexy, little bit of sweet).
Definitely red or some floral fabric! Looks perfect on you!
Yours looks gorgeous. I would make this in lame or something shiny.
Amazing! I was dying to know what pattern this was since the teaser last month. I’d probably make it in a black and white polka dot, or maybe red gingham.
I never wanted to make my own swimwear until I saw the testers of this pattern! So adorable! I am picturing it in black with oversized white polka dots.
I think I’ve said this already, but your version is super cute! Also? Holy shit that’s a lot of responses!
Anyway, if I were to win, I think I’d go with red, something about a sexy red swimsuit just turns my crank. 😉
This is gorgeous! I was also dying to know where the pattern came from when you first posted about it. It’s very flattering and classic, and it looks great on you! Covered but not matronly. Love it!
I want to make a red swimsuit SO BAD. I’ve gotten my pre-baby body back and I want to show it off in a hawt bombshell suit!!
Wow! You’re swimsuit came out amazing! I’ve actually been trying to work up the courage to sew my own swimsuit this year… but I haven’t yet. If I did win this patter, however, I would most definitely make it and wear it proudly! I would go for a super cute navy & white polka dot pattern or maybe something nautical with anchors?! Or – and this totally on the nose, but… – I would love to do a retro cherry pattern to go with this bombshell suit! 🙂
A giveaway? To win the pattern Lauren made her awesome holiday swimsuit out of? Count me in!!!
I’m part way through making a swimsuit at the moment and when I was selecting lycra for it I found the most amazing aqua with white polka dots (I know, I know, lining essential!) but the pattern I have has no rushing and I worried that the polka dots would be larger over my rounder areas! All the rushing on the Bombshell wouldn’t distort the dots and it’d look sooooooo cute, not to mention that I’m hooked on making swimwear now!!!
I dunno, I love that gingham look. I’d have to say retro… I’d definitely go for a retro vibe, so solid black, yellow polka dots or gingham (red perhaps). In pink I would try out some hawaiian prints, but I’d rather keep the print small.
No need to enter me for the giveaway as Heather’s generously sent me a copy…but I just wanted to say how hot you look ;o) Love this little number on you and I too would totally wear massive heals for photos!
Navy polka dots for my “everyday” one and (stolen from Heather’s suggestions) http://www.lowpricefabric.com/p-4471-italian-swimwear-print-ml223200-white-metallic-gold.aspx for, you know, feeling like a 1960’s actress. Love you in the heels and swimsuit!
love yours! and how cool that you got to wear it on your FL vacation!
I alllllmost want to make this out of a silly patterned shark print, and I think I would if not for the back seam. But if I don’t go for that I saw one that’s black background with small multi-colored stars on it. thanks to both of you for the giveaway!
Hot hot hot… Don’t enter me on the giveaway as I already bought this pattern… It’s so cool
I would love to try it out in a matte black swimsuit fabric….the more of these I see, the more I am convinced I need one! I am a little concerned if it would fit though, I am tiny up top (the girls). But I’ll definitely give it a try if I win!
I would make it in pillar box red and look like the hottie from the Kellogg’s Special K advert. Yours looks bloody brilliant L, I’m well jel!
I NEED to make this. I’m thinking red and white polka dots. I’m going to NY in a couple of weeks, so hopefully a stop at Mood will happen!
Oooh I’m dreaming of it in grey with red piping and three tiny red buttons on the strip in middle of the bust. Great job, you look spectacular!
You are so friggin cute! Love the gingham. I’m dying to make it in gold lame. Go big or go home, right?
oh boy, i would love to make this pattern. rtw one-piece suits never fit me because i’m much smaller on top than on the bottom, but making my own TOTALLY SOLVES THIS. i would buy something like this michael levine fabric: http://www.lowpricefabric.com/p-4589-italian-swimwear-print-ml224050-blue-cream.aspx#
Wow, it is beautiful, stunning, breathtaking, you look absolutely fabulous.
I have been fearing to sew a swimsuit until today, but this result of your first experiment sreams ‘what are you waiting for!’. So I think it is about time, and if I would win it, the better.
I would sew myself a cherry red Swimsuit, a colour somewhere between screaming Ferrari red and dark burgundy red. Now I only need to find a fabric that matches the colour in my head 🙂
Hot damn, Lauren you look HOT! I was totally stocking this pattern last week on Dixie DIY’s blog when I saw what she was making for the sew-along. I would LOVE a copy of this and I already know what I’d make it up in. This simply AWESOME aqua chevron print at Girl Charlee Fabrics! http://www.girlcharlee.com/big-tiffany-blue-natural-white-chevron-jersey-ity-knit-fabric/famous-designer-p-7089.html?cPath=90_136
I hope I win!
OMG!!! I love your swimsuit! It looks perfect on you, & I’m crazy about the fabric. I haven’t made a swimsuit in 30 years ( I used to make them for my sister & I)! I would love to make this for next summer. I’m thinking about a red check or black houndstooth pattern.
would love to try my hand at this pattern… thinking solids
You look amazing only hope mine will be as good
I would LURVVEEE to make this is some sort of purple Hawaiian print swim lyrca!!
Don’t enter me because I know that I’ve worn one of my 3 swimsuits about 1 time in the last 8 years so I seriously do not see me making myself one, but I had to say OMGADORABLEONYOUTHEEND.
Awesome looking swimsuit! And you really made it seem so easy, I could probably make one. I would go with some type of geometric pattern, preferably with no white – swimming at the lake does not leave white on a swimsuit white for very long.
So cute!
If I look as good as you do… Heck I’d love to make it. If I found black and white gingham or polka dot… I’d make it in a whim. Would be great for my beach vacation… I’ve never sewn any underwear or swimsuit so it would be great to try
Bright lipstick red lycra for mine : )
This swimsuit is to die for!! I had one just like it many years ago and everybody made fun of me when I wore it. I would use a very brightly coloured stretch cotton for mine. I don’t like the feel of the nylon lycra. Not sure what colour yet. Would likely research popular colours and patterns from the 1950’s just to make it all that more fabulous! You look great in yours, nice job!
I would definitely consider a navy/white polka dot and explore the possibility of red piping/trim.
I love the vintage style and flattering fit of this! If I make this, maybe I’d make it in a polka dot! Yours looks awesome! Take that, bikinis!
Love it! I really like the blue gingham you used. I think I might make one in a Hawaiian print.
This pattern is so great! I love you gingham version. It’s such a flattering design – I think everyone’s make that I’ve seen so far of it looks great! I think I’d like a rich red lycra version myself. I think it suits the subtle sexiness of the design
It’s been a loooong time since I fell THIS in love with a pattern. Words can’t even. And I now have an overlocker! Trial by fire!
If I were to make it (who am I kidding, when I make it) I like the idea of ridiculous, fire engine, bombshell red or deep sapphire blue. I’d go for an outrageous print but I fear with all the gathering it would be lost and I’d want the awesomeness of this to stand out on its own.
Good work! and you are surprisingly reassuring that I CAN DO IT TOO! I love a polkadot floral fabric but who knows if anyone has one, I’ve never even looked at swimsuit fabric. But now I will because I CAN DO IT TOO! x
Gah! I love it! Awesome choice of fabric, lady. I’d love to make a B&W gingham one, if such a swimsuit fabric exists. x
I really loved this when I saw it as part of your MMM. It looks like it would be flattering even on my ‘not a size 8’ bod. I would make this up in a solid teal or cobalt blue with cherry print.
Wow, that swimsuit is stunning! It looks great on you. I really like that seam up the back. I’d love to make it in a nice hot red!
I love it! I was already planning on sewing a swimsuit this summer but was struggling to find the rut pattern, but this is it! I’ll probably use a deep red solid.
Hell yeah I would make this in red. Im in love with this pattern xx
I love! Why do some items seem like they just can’t be sewed. Like I guess I just imagine lingerie and swimsuits just grow in pods bc as a non-sewer, I cannot wrap my brain the thought of building one….from scratch. And if I try to wrap my mind around it, my head hurts. Im thoroughly impressed. Also, it makes your ass look great. Don’t make it weird.
Ok you’ve convinced me, it’s gorgeous. I would make it up in a vintage floral. I have some old bikinis I could chop up for the cups etc as well! Great work on your swimsuit. I love it.
Hmm, vintage suit, I would go for a solid French blue or a blue and white polka dot.
Totally gorgeous on you – in fact I haven’t seen anyone that didn’t look good in it! I would do a polkadot version
Your suit looks great! The bombshell looks good on all the blogs I’ve seen so far. I usually go for black swimsuits but I did just buy a black tankini so maybe I’d try red as it’s one of my fave colours.
This is a wonderful pattern and you look great in it. I’d be buying some of this lotus print swim fabric if I was making one. http://thefabricfairy.com/lotus-flower-swimsuit-fabric.html
I’ve never been interested in making swimwear at all…until now! Loving your fabric choice! I think I’d like to make one in a big bold red gingham, or perhaps to begin with just a classy black
Seriously where did you find gingham print swimsuit material?! Could it be any more cute? I made a swimsuit a little while a go and loved it. I would like to try another, please put me in the draw so I can be as fabulous as you 😉
It’s from Spandex House in New York 🙂
The swimsuit looks great! I’d like to make it in nice lightish blue fabric with quite large polkadots, I think. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂
Holy Crap! I now must make this in all the fabrics I have found, I will have about 10 different sets of togs but hey, when summer comes around in Australia we live in those things!
I love these fabrics
http://thefabricfairy.com/white-polka-dots-on-red-swimsuit-fabric.html because polka dots are always hot
http://thefabricfairy.com/lemonlicious-swimsuit-fabric.html <- look at that awesomeness
http://thefabricfairy.com/kelly-green-swimsuit-fabric.html because green is fantastic
http://thefabricfairy.com/rich-red-swimsuit-fabric.html copy above
http://thefabricfairy.com/dark-purple-swimsuit-fabric.html this colour looks delicious
http://thefabricfairy.com/berry-swimsuit-fabric.html ditto
http://compare.ebay.com.au/like/281028520268?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes <- OMFG I didn't want to post this one in case someone nabbed it! Cool bananas
http://www.fabric.com/apparel-fashion-fabric-swimwear-activewear-fabric-printed-activewear-knit-fabric-animal-activewear-knit-zebra-turquoise-black.aspx this is just so cool I couldn't not include it
That is all so far, but I would love love love to win a copy, and if I don't I will definitely be buying asap even though it is winter here now 🙂
Ummmmm don’t hate me, but I just bought some of that floral/lemon fabric. It was too awesome to pass up!! Thank you for the link – and if you got some too, I hope you’re ok with being fabric twinsies 😀
This looks hot! Truly impressive make and a great fit. I’d love to make this up in a polka dot, maybe navy with white spots and even try to get some piping in there somewhere.
I’ve had swimsuits on my brain for the last week or so, and yours has finally made me start looking for swimsuit fabric! Hmm, I think I’d love this in a polka dot (despite my boyfriend hating polka dot – but he also hates when I wear suits that don’t show half my tits, so poo on him). Maybe burgundy with white? Navy with white? OOO green with sky blue!
Although you’ve proven that gingham is super cute…I wonder what I’d actually be able to find?
I am completely head over heals for this suit. All the more so, I think, because I have been having such a hard (read: BITCH OF A) time finding a suit that fits me that is not one of my old racing suits.
I totally covet a suit that looks as good on me as that one does one you. I work part-time at a fabric store, and have been eyeing this perfect dark, almost silvery, grey swimsuit fabric, BUT I have never even sewn with knits before, let alone tried a swimsuit. Do you think this would be a good project for me? Should I try something else first?
It’s gorgeous! I was already planning to make a bathing suit this summer as part of the Swim Sewalong, but now that this pattern is an option I just might have to make two! I’ve got some navy fabric that I think would be perfect!
Your swimsuit looks great! I recently bought some swimsuit fabric that is olive green with red cherries. It would be great for this pattern!
It is a beautiful suit and you look fantastic in it!!! Thanks for sharing and the wonderful giveaway.
I think it has to be red. Either solid red, or with black trim/straps, or with polka dots (black or white) but it has to be red. At least the first one…….. la la la….off to browse swimsuit fabric.
I would make it up in black because I am really boring in my choices of swimsuit fabric…
You look cute and everything, but this kind of takes the cake.
I mean cute IN everything.
It would be rad to win this… But it would probably be a while before I managed to wear it since it’s freezing cold and raining down here in aus at the moment. But still. I would love to have a pretty-but-also-modest swimsuit ready for next summer!!
Easy question: RED! I love how you put the bikini cups in. When I first saw the bombshell suit I really liked it, but I was concerned about the support for the girls. Problem solved! Thanks!
Ooh! I’d love to win a copy of the pattern! I have some lovely spandex from Spandex House and a spanky new Coverstitch machine to use.
This is absolutely-freaking-glorious! You look amazing….
I am so excited about this pattern! I wanted to make one with the thunderstorm fabric she posted on her blog… until I saw yours! Now I’m thinking retro….
I’ve already got some great swimsuit fabric in a geometric orange print and nude lining. There’s a vintage bikini pattern I had a mind to use it for, but this suit would be AWESOME! Thanks for the chance to win it!
Well, I’m on a spandex-buying bender despite the fact that I’ve never (yet) sewn a swimsuit. I already have mustard and white stripes, black and white polka dots, and a blue/pink/lime green floral in the wings, and I have a mint green polka dot, gold polka dot on white, and more in a shopping cart just waiting… It started with plans of making Ohhh Lulu patterns into swimsuits, and all of a sudden now there is the bombshell suit too! I would very much like to make all of them into a giant, impractical swimsuit wardrobe.
Oh Lauren!! I simply love your swimsuit!!! What a brave girl you are! Congratulations!
I was pining over a friend’s vintage swimsuit she thrifted, admiring the lowcut leg. Now I can make me own. Cobalt blue with some texture, not shiny. Thanks for the giveaway!
I was so excited when I saw this; thank you so much for offering a giveaway! If I made up this pattern, I would make a red suit. At my local theater, there were some badass 1960s red sequined leotards and I’ve wanted a red one piece ever since. 🙂
So exciting! I’d make it up in a lovely kelly green with white polka dots (if it exists out there)!
This suit is awesome! Wish I could have one before a trip to Florida at the end of the month…leopard print or purple gingham I think.
Are you sure sure that this is your first swimsuit? Beacuse this looks freaking AHMAZING! Look at how evenly the elastic is sewen! I most likely would eff up royally my first swimsuit! Thou I have been trying my hand at sewing bikini bottoms…
If I had the chance, I would make it in blod red. Have you seen SatC movie 1? Miranda wore something similar to the poolside in Mexico.
Anyways, your suit looks amazing and can we talk a second about these shoes?! WOWSA!
Metallic! I would make one of these babies in metallic!
That suit looks amazing on you!
I have been thinking about sewing a swimsuit this summer. First, I would figure out if I can make it a tankini. I’m not cool with the prospect of being completely naked in a public beach restroom when I have to go 🙂 I would use 3 solid colors to make a nautical color blocked look: navy for the bottoms and bodice, rust for the bust, and marine blue for the straps and center-carrier. I think I might modify the straps so the run at an angle along the underarm area all the way to wear the currently attach to the top. I’m a pear shape so I could use more interest at the bust.
Well…since I already have a green Esther Williams style swimsuit (which has my boyfriend calling me Beetle)….I would have to go with…blue and white polkadots I think. If I could find it!
What an awesome prize. I hope the pattern doesn’t require an overlocker.
An overlocker makes things neater, but it’s not required. I actually only used mine for doing the inside seams – everything else (basting, gathering, sewing on the elastic) was sewn on with my sewing machine 🙂
I would definitely use a navy and white gingham. This swimsuit is just adorable!
I would make this adorable swimsuit in a yellow fabric with white polka dots.
Ohh! it turned out sooo nice! i would go crazy with my fabric, maybe a giraffe print?! thank you for the giveaway 🙂
You’re great with that swimsuit, Lauren! I have a bit of a phobia of swimwear, but with such a swimsuit I would be able to overcome that! (both making and wearing) I would make it in an orange fabric with polka dots (if I can find that here in Belgium)
This swimsuit looks fab on you, Lauren. I would love to make it up in polka dot (coral ground with white dots?), tropical or large floral. Question: just how tight is the leg? I am working on saddle bag reduction even as we speak!
It’s not tight at all (speaking as someone whose thigh size means leg openings can be tight)! Plus, you can adjust the amount of elastic around the legs if you need to make them looser (or tighter, if one is on the opposite end of the spectrum!).
This swimsuit looks FANTASTIC on you! I’ve got some espresso brown floating around here I’d probably use. I think–I’ve never sewn swimwear before; I don’t know if it’s suitable. (Pun not intended!)
Your swimsuit looks great on you! I am scared to sew with knits but I would love to have a cute suit like this for myself. (Guess I need to get over that fear!) I would love to make this in a solid knit in a fun color like bright blue or red.
I have exams in a week and it’s winter in Australia, but that is one amazing cozzie!
Heather Lou suggested a metallic lame version, which sounds pretty nice, so I think I’d either go for that, or a chunky, dark and light green stripe. If it can be found!
I’ve been wanting to sew a rouched swimsuit for a while now – especially after trying on a royal blue one last summer – which cost $300!!! I don’t know of any shops in New Zealand, let along in Wellington, that sell swimming lycra so I’d probably have to try my luck with online stores from the USA or Australia – I love your gingham one so I’d go with either that or a jewel blue or green
I have some gorgeous emerald green swimsuit fabric that I bought in 2006 and I still never made a swimsuit….I blame it on not finding an awesome enough pattern. Problem now solved!!
I would love to make a swimsuit that awesome! I would make it in a red polkadot fabric, it should be so nice!
Finally, a swimsuit I think I would be ok to wear! I would probably make it in some form of aqua blue or purple.
I had a hard time searching for some swimsuit fabric and especially lining, but now I found a red fabric with white polkadots and I think that would be perfect! Love your version!!
Ahhh!! This suit is amazing! I would definitely sew it in a floral print.
I loved this when I first saw your beachy sneaky peek!! It’s fab and it’s too cute. If I somehow don’t win the giveaway ( mathematics is surely not in my favour) I’ll buy it as I have my fabric….just posted in my blog this weekend, pale blue with cute vintage floral….
Looks great on you! Love the pattern. Polka dot would be adorable… I’m curious if chevron would work with it. Well have to see!
TOTALLY FAB!!!! LOVE old swim suits but if I make this one…I won’t have to deal with that old bone in pointy wiring in the boobage! Awesome!!! THANKS! kimi E
It looks awesome on you! I’ve been thinking about making this swimsuit as I already have my fabric picked out, when I was at Mood I got a lycra with a missoni print, wanted to post a link to their site, but I can’t find it online..
Enjoy the summer with your totally cool bathing suit!
VaVaVoum! I want in!
I was also thinking of making a bikini this summer, but after seeing this beautiful bombshell I want one! I saw a gingham last weekend. One in blue and the other in pink. Difficult decision 😀
Thanks for modelling the swimsuit. You look awesome in it! If I would give it a try, I would try to find some dark red or navy fabric for sewing it.
Your gingham version is really cute, so I’m being swayed by that, but if I were to make this I think I would have to pick this pink snakeskin fabric, mwa ha haaa. http://www.funkifabrics.com/rub193-reptile-skin-pink-digiflex.html
Some white bug-eye sunglasses and I’d be all set.
I would do this in a red and white polka!
Hey, what a fantastic pattern and fabric. I would never have thought about making my own swimwear but your post is so inspiring I would love to give it a go. I think I would try it in a darker colour with a little floral print. Possibly something like this http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/798234391/Floral_Prints_Nylon_Spandex_Blue_Swimwear.html.
I have a length of an Aztec print swimwear fabric in my stash that I am eager to use. Conclusion: please, pickmepickmepickme!!!!
This is ridiculously cute – you’ve certainly inspired me to make one! The gingham does work really well so i’m thinking pattern…. and I have had cravings for a chocolate coloured swimming outfit… If I’m picked I will tart trawling the internet for such a fabric!
Oh I want it so bad! I have some Navy swim suit fabric lurking somewhere in my stash that’s been begging me to sew it up. but I’d probably have to nab some coral to make it in as well. Or try some color blocking. COLORBLOCKING, FTW.
Sewing a swimsuit is on my to do list for this year. I figure if I start soon it’ll get done in time for the Aussie summer 🙂 I think this would look awesome in a black Lycra with a cherry print. Really play up the 50s pinup style.
Hot stuff! I’d go for bright hawaiian print on a black background.
yellow polka dot? if such a pattern on swimwear fabric exists? fun pattern! would love to give it a whirl 😀
I have some yellow with black polka dots! It would be ADORABLE!!! ❤
OK it’s killin’ me girl. I NEED this. I’m thinkin’ RED!
Love this suit and pattern. The blue gingham is awesome!
Love this! You look awesome, and I totally love the gingham! I love me some polka dots, though, and am now envisioning a version in this aqua and white dot:
http://www.hartsfabric.com/swimwear-knit-mini-polka-dot-aqua-71226.html
OMG!
I love it!!!
I would do some intense color blocking!!!
Oh nos! You already picked my preferred colour.
I saw some ripper wild paisley-inspired swimsuit fabric the other day. But what I’d REALLY like to use is a navy blue gingham with cherries on it that I saw in ye olde fabric shoppe.
I just saw the most awesome fabric at Hancock- it was cream with a black geometric Art Deco-ish design…it turned out to be swimsuit fabric so I didn’t buy it (I had never considered making a swimsuit before)…..but it would be PERFECT for this swimsuit. So…PICK ME, PICK ME!
I love this pattern. As a mom over 40. I feel this an appropriate swimsuit but still feels cool and glamorous. I would like to say I would sew it in some fabulous print like the ones on The Closet Case Files Blog. I really love the white with gold , but sadly, I am more boring and would wear a neutral,Navy, Black or White. Love The Suit…I may venture into swimsuit world this summer, or maybe join the sew along. Thanks
Love!!!! I wish I was bold enough to doba fun bright color like hot pink but id probably do something in a dark color. A navy blue or black. Maybe red?!
The suit looks great on you!! I’ve always loved this look.
BTW, swim suit elastic sucks. Almost as much as clear elastic. Take it from someone who has used it to make many. It breaks too easily. It breaks down too easily. It doesn’t stand up to time. Regular elastic is the BEST. I think the way regular elastic is woven together helps it stand up to tons of chlorine and wearings better. And if the elastic breaks apart in a little place it’s no big deal usually since the weaving will still be held together and it’s sewn down. But the swim suit elastic just breaks apart between the sewing. UGH. It’s awful.
P.S. I’d LOVE to win the pattern! 🙂 And I’d totally do whatever print I felt like having it in at the moment. Or maybe x5. Because you can never have too many suits in FL! ;D
Wow! I love this swimsuit 🙂 I would totally use a polka dot fabric with this style. Great job, Lauren!
Gah, after seeing this I’d use as close to the same fabric as I could! Or green polka dot.
*LOVE THIS*. The second I saw you modelling this suit, I got excited. I’ve been looking for exactly this pattern online for some time and I’m super pleased someone finally made it.
For fabric options, a poly/lycra stretch ITY would work, yeah? There’s some cute animal print options or polka dot goodness that I’m seeing online… I feel like leopard print would be very Bettie Page.
That is one cute swimsuit. I have some yellow I would use to make a muslin. If I was able to make the straps a different color that looked good with my face, it might be an actual keeper. Otherwise, I’d wear the crap out of something turquoise. Maybe with some bright pink polka dots….
I’d probably choose something polka dotty!
Just beautiful! Totally love it:-). If I were to win I’d make it in peacock blue…..
Light blue polka-dots:)
I’ve never tried making a swimsuit but I’d love to make a green bombshell swimsuit, with blue polka dots (if I can find the fabric I have in mind). Thanks for the giveaway !
I’d probably make it in coral. Since I already fulfilled my need for a blue bathing suit. Love it!
Cute swimsuit! Love that you used a gingham print. I need a one piece swimsuit in my life and would love to do a solid color… perhaps purple or pink. Thanks for the giveaway!
You look great in this swimsuit pattern! Maybe I have a chance of looking good, too. I’m going to make it in a black and white tropical print. I have the swimsuit fabric – just have been fearful of actually doing it! Anyhow, please enter me in the giveaway.
I think I’d make it in a gingham or chevron pattern. so pretty!!
Bought the pattern, just bought a red bandanna print on Ebay, but I think I want a gingham too. I haven’t worn or have had to wear a bathing suit in years and all of a sudden I want to make two of them? YES!!!!!!!!!
iT’S JUST TOO CUTE!
Even though I won’t look as cute as you Lauren this would be a really fun make. I would like to make it in red but once I got to looking at fabrics who knows what I would actually decide on.
I’ve always wanted to make a swimsuit…
As a test, I have some nearly florescent orange (dark orange) with black swirly stuff on it that I have been planning to try a swimsuit out of. For some reason, I bought two yards of the stuff. To make a bikini…. Still don’t know what I was thinking. I love this suit. Love it!
I’ve been hoping for this pattern ever since I saw Heather Lou’s navy bikini ages ago. Now I have to pluck up the courage to tackle a swimsuit… If fabric were made to match my imagination (alas), I would use a navy printed with different knots all over it, and make the bikini bottom and a sweet little bra top. Love your version, I love this pattern. Great work!
Wow you look great in your swimsuit! I think I would go for a tropical print so I can drink as many mai tais as I want!
I WANT ONE! I’d be tempted to find a mega-eighties print to make it up in.
This is a fantastic suit!! I can’t wait to try it, I’m thinking a cherry or lemon fruit print is necessary.
LEOPARD.
I was looking for a vintage inspired suit pattern the day of the release and got soo excited!! Love your version think I want polka dot or a great coral color!
Wow you look fantastic I defiantly want this pattern LOVE IT.
I’m also not entering for the giveaway. Too much on my plate at the moment and I’ve got more bathing suits than I have time to wear them! However, it looks fabulous and hooray for getting past your fear of sewing it. Feels good, right? I love the bit about where the cups came from, you’re very smart.
so cute!!!
well if i dont’t win the pattern i am def gonna buy it.
can’t wait to make this in a fun Hawaiian inspired floral print 🙂
That is probably the best looking swimsuit ever made! I’ve only seen one other type of suit like this one sold online, and it cost $80!
If I had this pattern (after having a huge heart attack) I would definitely make it with a navy or cherry red and white polka dot print. Something deliciously retro! 🙂
I have recently gotten back into sewing clothes, discovered Me-Made-May, and, subsequently, your blog. I have really enjoyed reading up on your posts/projects.
I LOVE your swimsuit. Oh my goodness, I was stalking the website for days waiting to find out where I could get the pattern! I literally spent a sleepless night dreaming about it…all because yours looks amazing on you! I think I’ve got my dream fabric narrowed down to three choices: polka dot (because, duh, polka dots are awesome), a turquoise/aqua gingham (because, as I said, I LOVE your version, and, I would never have thought to use a gingham), or cherries on a black background (I saw that somewhere in my fabric search). I wanted to buy the pattern the instant it came out, but, I got scared; your review makes me think maybe I will be able to make one
This is so cute :). I’m seeing these pop up all over the place, and getting all envy-pants. I have a grape purple w/ white polkadots fabric which sure feels like swimsuiting, just sitting in my stash since I bought it online not knowing how swimsuity it was, hahaha. Maybe having this lovely thing on would make me less awkward at the thought of going to the pool… isn’t it sad, we’re so trained to be selfconsious about things like that? I know I don’t judge or pay any attention whatsoever to other people in the pool, yet I still feel like they would be all secretly staring at me. I love the water, and I haven’t been swimming in close to a decade because I have big squishy thighs that society tells me are undesireable. Screw that! Now I’m depressed and angry, and I’ll add going swimming to my list of terrifying things that I’m making myself do in the name of personal growth. I don’t know why I’m rambling…
Ugh, your gingham version is SO cute! I also love Novita’s floral version, but I’d be tempted to use a navy with polka dot straps. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
(I’m crossing my fingers for your elastic longevity!)
I’d love to make this in a bright blue with white stars. I’d feel like Wonder Woman!
That swimsuit is awesomesauce. I wonder how the top would adjust to fit my stupid large boobs?
That swimsuit is totally freaking adorable! Great job! I’ve been thinking about attempting a swimsuit this year too but haven’t decided on a pattern yet. However I have found the most perfect aqua with tiny white polka dot fabric. I think it would look awesome with the retro look of the bombshell suit. Glad to hear its not too fiddly to put together.
Seems like the perfect swimsuit pattern! Your version is lovely. I’d love to have a retro style swimsuit. I’d probably make it in a gingham also, as I love gingham. Maybe red, black, dark blue or dark green. Or a check like here, that would probably be great too: http://pinterest.com/pin/54113632992133305/ (lovely!). Thank you for the giveaway!
I love this swimsuit, so difficult to find a cossie I like so I’m definitely in for the giveaway 🙂 I’d love to make it in a red and white polka dot. I used to have some material like this in the stash but gave it to my sister… wonder if I can get it back? He he
I would pick a navy and white stripe knit for this swimsuit.
Just can’t help thinking it needs to be GOLD! With gold platform shoes, gold flower head peice or even a turban. Perhaps even a gold cuff… I am going all out Jane Russell here. I have dark skin with a warm tone and a good deep tone gold would look pretty nice.
you look awesome! i’d love to try this in a really loud color, maybe red or hot pink?
Well I love the gingham! But I’m rather partial to polka dots at the mo so I guess I’d probable go for that. Love this swimsuit since I first saw it on your blog. I never considered making swimwear til I saw it! Looks a great flattering vintage style.
That’s an awesome pattern! I have some rainbow/black giraffe-type lycra that I bet would look pretty cool sewn into this swimsuit.
love!!!! thanks for the giveaway. i need a swimsuit and am terrified of the ones i have seen in shops.
Your gingham suit looks great!
I would love to make this in a navy blue with daisy print. Only I would have to find that fabric first.
What an adorable swimsuit! Would love love love to have this pattern on my sewing table! And without any doubts it would be red, like blood red. To awake a goddess in me, you know.
This is so adorable! You did a beautiful job. I’d definitely wear that all summer. Awesome giveaway, too! I think I’d make the pattern up in a retro floral print swimwear material I have in my stash. Either that, or a solid teal material.
Love this so much! I can’t wait to try this out! Totally sexy! meoooow!
I NEED THIS SWIMSUIT. Seriously! I would make it some show-stoppingly bright colour that says ‘notice me’
Hi Lauren — I love your blog! At first I thought of making this swimsuit in a classic navy with white dots, but then I found some spectacular mini-floral print lycra that looks rather lovely. Maybe I need to make both?
oh my lanta!!!! I DO want this!!!!! Never mind sewing for the kids I want to sew for myself!!! and I love your ginham version… But I would be limited in choice of fabric as per living in canada… but I love the gingham. I might try to find a solid hot pink though… oh please please be kind to me random org!!
I’d love to make this in a pretty moss/sagey green!
Oh.my.god. I have a hot pink/white hibiscus flower print bathing suit fabric I bought YEARS ago just waiting for this pattern! Wow! If I don’t win, I will totally be buying it! Woo hoo!
What an awesome pattern! I think I’d try a nice, safe solid first, unless I found a fun weird patterned fabric. heh!
I’ve had my eye on this beauty since a week or so and been dreaming about what colour I would choose. Since I haven’t found any patterned swimsuit fabric, I’d have to choose a full colour and I’m steering toward something cheery. Maybe grass green?!
i would make it in a polka dotted fabric, which i know is done a lot, but that’s all i want when it comes to swimsuits. I have an instant crush on this pattern and can’t wait to make it!
Love your gingham version – I’d totally rip your idea off for my swimsuit. That or a pink/grey floral.
I would love to do it in a teal ombre
I would love to make an all red or red gingham version!
I live this suit. I’d love to make it out if something with a tropical floral print in greens and pinks (perfect colors for Miami). Or maybe an all yellow swimsuit…
Love that pattern — super flattering, and you look so cute!
For reasons unknown, I think I would go with polka dots for mine. (Unless I could magically find a fabric with ducks holding umbrellas, in which case I would go with that. Maybe I need to rethink my bathing suit, here…)
I’ve been thinking that this is the year to try a swimsuit! I’m partial to a Hello Kitty fabric I spied online but didn’t get. If I win the pattern I’ll look for a Hawaiian Orchid fabric that is still available.
What a gorgeous little number! I would love to sew this up for my trip to California next month 🙂
ohhhhhh this is soooo cute! last year i splurged on a “seafolly” swimsuit. Very similar to this pattern, and I got it in a blue-white gingham. Love it.
If i’d pluck up the courage to make the bombshell swimsuit I think I would either go for a dark blue -white polka dots fabric or a red-white hawaiian floral.
Last year I picked up burgundy print swimsuit fabric on sale with no specific plans for it, hoping that something inspiring would come up. Well, it just did! I really love your gingham version.
It is beautiful! Love love it! Honestly, if I was lucky enough to win the pattern, I would go with a gingham too! Love the look, so retro! A gingham in dark pink or berry. …….Or a dot fabric…..
Love this swimsuit! I’ve been wanting to sew a swimsuit for awhile now. First I would make it in a navy blue, then probably some sort of bright floral fabric.
OK, I’ve been buying swimsuit fabric for years and haven’t made one yet. Lycra fabric makes pretty good tennis skirts though, so it hasn’t ALL gone to waste.
I’m dying to try this pattern! I’d make it in a hot cherry pink 🙂
I love this style of bathsuit! I would make one in an emerald green to go with my auburn hair and fair skin.
I’ll make mine in some aqua/turquoise fabric. Good colour for summer and one of my favourites.
Oh ya, ya!! I’ve never tried it either, but I really like the gingham. I’d give that a whirl for sure!!
You look adorable in that suit. If for me, I think I would make it in some black and white pattern, if for my daughter I think bright orange or green would be cute.
YES! I’ve been seeing this swimsuit all over the internets, and everyone looks so sexy! I want to be part of that crowd – lol 😉 I would have to go with some navy and white stripes, or maybe an emerald green? So many options! Also, great, improvising with the bikini cups – that sounds just like something I would do!
I LOVE the swimsuit and you look really amazing in it!I’d never sewn a swimsuit before,but I’d love to try this pattern!When I first saw it my first thought was:”I want this in a bright red color!”
Gorgeous! I love everything about it! I honestly don’t know what color I’d made it in–black, turquoise, coral? Yellow? Maybe I’ll make a bunch of them!
Ledys
ledys(dot)e(dot)chemin(@)gmail(dot)com
I love the pattern and your version is so cute! I’ve been thinking of trying a swimsuit for a while now and this looks like a great pattern!
Looks great, I’m excited to add this to my to-do list!
Welp, I’ll give this contest a try for a win! I’d love to use a floral fabric for this swimsuit!
If I could find it, I’d love a cream fabric with big rose posies all over it! Something a bit retro looking to match the retro feel of the pattern.
This swimsuit looks fabulous!
I love the gingham you chose too.
I’d love to make this in fabric with a lot of green. Not a solid. Preferably with a motif. Maybe a floral one, somewhere between Liberty and Hawaian.
Thanks for the giveaway!
What a fun swimsuit! And love the model poses with your fun shoes.
I would love an opportunity to win this lovely bathing suit.
I’m picturing a wonderful pastel or sea-green. 🙂
I love your gingham suit. I recently saw a white bombshell suit, and I know this sounds crazy and daring, but I think I would try to sew up a white swimsuit!
I love your swimsuit! I bought a similar style swimsuit last year at Old Navy but of course the fit isn’t perfect. It was red with white polka dots and if I were to make the suit, I’d probably do polka dots (I saw a beautiful royal blue and white polka dot fabric) or out of a solid ox-blood coloured fabric I saw at the fabric store last week!
I JUST bought a suit like this at A Girl Is A Gun in NOLA, navy blue with white trim and a red anchor hanging from the mid-bust loopthing. It’s the best!
So if I could make my own version, it’d be something LOUD like white or fuchsia. 🙂
I spent too long contemplating this but ultimately I have to go with: http://www.lowpricefabric.com/p-5033-italian-swimwear-print-ml228120-floral-multi.aspx
I love this suit and would really like to make it up in a vibrant magenta fabric.
Hmmm… I’d go for a solid. I think a deep forest green with a lush sheen to it. Yeah, that sounds pretty good!
Wonderful pattern, finally a bathing suit that hugs you all around!
Woah! I love this pattern and you are very beautiful 🙂 I would use a floral print or a solid. Maybe I’d have to make two?
Holy Moly. I don’y know about what fabric, but a dark emerald color seems like it would rock that pattern and my pasty wonderbread white skin well. Thanks for offering the giveaway!
I would either do a bright emerald or black and white polka dots, or both!
YES! I have some swirly swimsuit fabric waiting to be cut into! (Also, apologies if this posts twice, wordpress keeps telling me it failed to post)
Wow, that looks AMAZING on you! Great job as usual! I’m on the hunt for a yellow & white Hawaiian print lycra for a swimsuit…. and a swimsuit pattern! If I win I’d certainly try that swimsuit pattern with the Hawaiian print!
I’ve really wanted a black bathing suit for awhile…what a great pattern.
I have no idea whether my sewing abilities are good enough to make a swimsuit but holy cow I want, no I need that pattern. I would love an all white swimsuit but probably not the most practical colour!
I’d love to make this in a forest green or dark navy. Or maybe eggplant purple? Definitely something solid, the first time around!
Boring but I’d love to make it in navy or deep purple! I’ve never shopped for swimwear fabric before lol!!
Gorgeous! I want to make one too! Maybe in raspberry red, or a black and white polkadot. Or maybe a plain white, or a navy blue… Or all of the above. 😉
Can I copy? Blue gingham? O rmaybe, blue red.
Hm… I think I’d go for something with white polka dots…
Can just imagine the look of your partner – lol! I would go with a teal fabric first – awesome!
This pattern is absolutely adorable! I don’t know what color I would make mine, but there would *have* to be polka dots!
Thanks for your great blog. I discovered it recently, and I’ve enjoyed snooping through your archives.
Ooh, it’d have to be a blue nautical themed pattern one that you could wear gorgeous red wedges with. I’m away to look for the material now because a winner or not, I will be the proud owner of this pattern! :o)
LIme green with white polka dots or maybe navy and white stripes. I’m definitely making this pattern at some point!
Your gingham version can’t be topped! But maybe a navy fabric with small white polka dots
I LOVE the gingham, and would definitely like one in the same (I’m so unoriginal). Polka dots are always great for swimsuits, too. I’d like something bright blue.
I’ve been dreaming of doing a swimsuit in a vintagey floral print (not hawaiian flowers… more like roses!) But it seems tough to find swimsuit fabric. I did find this lemon and flower print and it’s pretty dang delish!
well I got this swanky duct tape today that’s black and white gingham with cherries on it and right as I was buying it I was all “I wish I had a swimsuit in this print!” but if I couldn’t find that, probably just black or some cherry print for a legit pinup look 😉
I’d love to make it in black.
Oh, fabulous swimsuit! I’d love to give that pattern a go. 🙂 I have some red-with-white-floral-print swimsuit fabric that’s just crying out to be made up all retro-styles.
So cute! I’ve made several swimsuits in various patterns but I think I’d go for a polka-dot this time – I’m really into dots!
I has a fabric special swimsuit with stripes black and purple for 1 year but no model. the pattern is attractive.
It is a very lovely suit! I know it’s cliche, but I am really drawn to polka dots at the moment, I just can’t decide whether it would be in red, blue or teal.
Wow, what a fabulous bathing suit. When I first saw the pattern I had some concerns whether it would work for someone with a smaller bust but I am almost convinced it’s going to suit me. I bought a bright orange striped fabric years ago and never dared to sew it up into a bathing suit. I think it would be perfect for this pattern.
I love this swimsuit! I think I will sew one from a red fabric with white polka dots!
You really look stunning in that one! And it’s so brave of you to model like this. Unfortunately I will not do the same if I win. I live in Sweden and I sew leotards for my girls. Spandex and lycra are really expensive here so I buy all my fabric from the US. http://www.spandexworld.com is heaven on earth regarding spandex fabric. Before I make this wonderful bathingsuit I’d browse their website for a fitting fabric. If I don’t find any this time, I’ll use one that I already have – it’s printed to look like denim and then it also has printed, glittery dots in fuchsia. I think that one will go as well with the pattern as your fabric do.
Looks amazing on you! I love the gingham and the pattern is stunning. I’ve never sewn anything like it but now I’m envisioning making myself one in white.
I hear retro bombshell and I think leopard print! How hot would an animal print vintage style maillot be strolling the beach with some sexy white sunglasses to complete the screen siren look! I’m loving just the thought of it…..
OMG! Yes please! I would love to rock this number. It’s freakin’ extra cute. Deff in a great red!
Great swimmers – I can see it in yellow, don’t ask me shy?
shy = why??
Very cute swimsuit, I would enjoy to make this for the summer!
I would love to win this pattern. Your swimsuit looks fab (and your legs look awesome!)
Thanks for the opportunity! I would make this in a navy or black lycra.
Oh man, I am loving this bathing suit way too much! It’s so hard for me to find one that fits right, I feel like fitting it myself would help a lot ♥ I’m pretty boring and might go for polka dots (an obvious choice), but I’d really love something sugary sweet and pink and cute!
I haven’t worn a swimsuit in years but I think I might actually feel comfortable in this. i would love to make it it red gingham or maybe pure white – probably both!
I would make it in this http://www.spandexhouse.com/pictures.php?pId=6387 or this http://www.spandexhouse.com/pictures.php?pId=6386, or both!!!
Polka dots!!! Although your gingham version is awfully cute, too!
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Totally adorable. My mind is mostly occupied with warmth right now, but come summer I’ll start to think about these. The shoes are a perfect match!