Saturday, May 15, 2010

My "To Sew" List is Growing!

Yesterday at work, at colleague asked if I've ever made swimwear.  Being rather buxom on top, she hates the frustration of trying to find a very specific suit that meets her needs.  I told her that I never have tried it, although I'd heard from many other sewists how easy it is to do.  I own Jalie 2447, but never got the courage up to trace it off and try it out.  I did a little research, and after finding a swimwear pattern with her requirement of an underwire, decided to give it a shot.
My plan is to cut the one piece as a tankini (using the measurements and bottom from Jalie 2447).

I've located underwires (thanks, Summerset!) and she wants a simple solid, black suit, so I can get the fabric easily (and fairly cheaply).  I need to discuss price with her, but since she's paid for a custom suit before from a special boutique, I'm sure she's prepared to cover my time.

There was a swimwear sew along at PR in 2008, and there is another going on now.  I have a couple cuts of fabric from the co-op that I got really cheap, so I can practice on mine first.  I'd love to make one for Little Miss Princess, but suits for her are so cheap in the store...

Then, I got another sewing job at work!
I had some fabric on my desk that I was trying to decide what to make with it, so I asked my senior girls in 6th hour.  "Top or skirt???"  It's from Gorgeous Fabrics, and I love a good woven with a little stretch...
One of the girls went crazy over the fabric and begged me to make her a skirt.  "How much would you pay for it?", I asked.  After a brief pause, she replied, "$30.  Can it have pockets? I'll pay $40 for pockets."  Hmmm... let me think about this.  A simple mini skirt with pockets using a yard of fabric, and I get $40?  Sure, why not?  It'll pay for the skirt I'm going to turn around and make for myself!!!

As I sat with my Burda binder, looking for the right pattern to use, I found myself saying, "Gosh I love that.  I was going to make that.  Ooh, and that, too.  That would be perfect for that other fabric I have..."
I started a list so I can quickly refer back, but there's nothing really quick about it.  There's 4 UPO's at the top and 9 items on the "Wish List", not including the swimwear.  I'd better get sewing!!!

12 comments:

Branka said...

Ahh.. that's exactly what i thought when i saw this GORGEOUS fabric, a skirt with pockets!
Can't wait to see it, have a happy sewing weekend!

KID, MD said...

That's going to be a fun skirt, and I'm excited to see how the swimwear goes. I haven't delved into that one either... I have that problem when I flip through my Burdas, too. I want to sew everything!!

Gorgeous Things said...

This is also a great skirt - with pockets!
Burda 2/10 104

Rose said...

The skirt fabric is gorgeous! I look forward to seeing the products from your sewing list!

Amanda S. said...

I love that skirt fabric! Also, 9 projects in the wings is really a tiny tiny list. When I purchase fabric, I usually do so with a particular style in mind. Then I place the fabric with the pattern (or a printout of the Burda page) on top and put it in a drawer. I'm sure there's over 75 projects waiting for me in such a manner. 75! And I keep buying more fabric!

Michelle said...

Good luck on the bathing suit! I have never even considered making a swimsuit. I'll be watching to see the finished result!

Sue said...

I am about to dive into sewing swim wear. I bought myself a new cossie last year and was mortified at how much it cost and as we plan to put a swim spa in before next Summer I really want a 'wardrobe' of swimmers (but won't pay the price for RTW).

Watching with interest...

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

I'm contemplating making a swimsuit too - can't wait to see how yours turns out. Thanks for the info about the swimsuit sew-along - I had no idea!

angie.a said...

ooh I want that fabric! And a swimsuit please. :D Actually, I am going to try a suit again this year, I've made one before (a few times!) It really is pretty simple. I have some fabric in stash and several patterns, but I was really wanting to try that retro BurdaStyle pattern...i don't think it's free but it's a cheap download (and maybe I'm wrong and it IS free.)

Gail said...

It takes more than one lifetime to be a sewer!

Robin said...

Ooh I LOVE that fabric from Gorgeous Fabrics! I look forward to hearing more about how the swimsuit goes. I was going to make myself a swimsuit as I have a pool and I have a never ending need for them, but I found a new one on Athleta.com that I loved. Usually I only buy one new one a season as I have so many from prior years that are still in good shape.

amber said...

My "to-sew" list grows waaaay faster than I can seem to sew projects. Ooops!