Summer Bod and Tanlines

I don't think any woman really likes everything about herself in a swimsuit, amiright?? But with a custom swimsuit in a custom fabric, I think I can get past it! I recently tested out the Women's Mairin Swimsuit, and let me tell you - I'm in love! Seriously, there are so many options for me to make all the swimsuits that I can't wear in a year.

I don't know about you, but I really do hate shopping for swimsuits. One piece, monokini (do average people actually look good in those?), tankini, the ruffles, the straps, the different sizes, the everything! It can just be so exhausting not finding exactly what you want. So, like with most things, I like to make my own.

Last year I ventured out to make this swimsuit after searching Target for awhile. None fit me the way I wanted, and I just so happened to find the same fabric Target used (or similiar).

Here's the inspo:

Here is what I made:

Now this year, I was able to make a top portion. Leave me a comment if you like how it came out! Get in contact with me if you'd like your very own suit made - I promise it's fun!

For any of my sewing friends out there, the straps are a little finicky, but super rewarding! To hack this pattern, move your strap placement into center about 1 inch on each side. I put my straps up on my dress form, basted, then tried it on. It was a wreck because I stretched too much.

New plan.

Get the boyfriend to pin me.... which actually took a lot of convincing because he didn't want to pin my spine or his finger (both turned out fine).

When you place straps, put the bottom at an angle for the curve. Cut your top ladder piece so that it holds the two side straps together. This one is really your anchor. The others are just for pretty. Add in your center line, then the second and third ladder pieces. These ladder pieces should be a little larger than the width between straps, because again, they're just pretty. We don't need extra stress, just extra pretty. Again, keep the ends angled a bit.

I would not suggest a large amount of excess, as mine are just a little looser than I wanted.

Then sew those bad boys up! I used my regular machine for this portion. Don't hesitate to leave me a question or comment below!