Frozen Berries, my Bombshell Swimsuit

Hi dears,

I made this swimsuit a couple of years ago using the Bombshell Swimsuit pattern by my dear Heather from Closet Case Files. This piece is inspired by frozen berries, which are perfect for refreshment in the summer heat. I LOVE IT!!

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Here are some of Heather’s versions:

The entire blogsphere has made this pattern and the reason is pretty self explanatory, the design is vintage and beautiful, it works great on every figure and the sewalong is the best. Here are a few pics of them (links in caption).

http://www.adaspragg.com/2013/08/12/bombshell-this/

http://handmadebycarolyn.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/white-bombshell.html

http://www.cashmerette.com/2014/08/a-fun-bombshell-with-sad-ending.html

http://www.clothhabit.com/i-heart-norma-kamali-a-bombshell-suit/

http://dixiediy.com/2013/07/dropping-bombshell.html

http://loransworld.com/somewhere-over-the-rainbow-and-the-swimsuit-that-nearly-brought-me-to-tears/

http://lladybird.com/2013/06/10/the-bombshell-swimsuit-a-review-and-a-giveaway/

http://gingermakes.com/2013/07/24/i-made-a-swimsuit-whaaaaaaat/

http://www.missmake.com/2014/07/closet-case-files-bombshell-swimsuit.html

https://themodernmantuamaker.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/my-bombshell/

http://seamstresserin.com/bombshell-bikini/

http://tanyamaile.com/2013/07/04/my-bombshell-swimsuit/

http://thatmoxiegirl.blogspot.ca/2014/07/bombshell-swimsuit-by-closet-case-files.html

http://www.paunnet.com/2013/06/bombshell-swimsuit.html

http://starcross-sewing.com/category/swimwear

http://teaandrainbows.com/2013/06/27/peacock-bombshell/

http://thegeekyseamstress.com/2014/07/10/june-challenge-hello-bombshell/

http://thesewingaffairblog.com/?p=131

http://sallieoh.blogspot.ca/2013/06/bam-im-dropping-bombshells.html

https://threedresses.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/front-bombshell.jpg

http://www.bimbleandpimble.com/amanda-vs-the-bombshell-swimsuit/

Don’t you love them all?

The construction:

I drafted the pattern in a size 18 and then did a 2″ FBA.

I’ve written a few posts on how I modify patterns for my body. If you are interested in reading them, you can follow the links below:

1: Determining your bust apex

2: Choosing your pattern size and planning the pattern adjustments

3: Finding the pattern apex, your apex on the pattern and planning the pattern adjustments

For my swimsuit, I highered the back to get more coverage and supportby about 3″.

I copied the cups from one of my favourite bras and built them cups in poly-laminate foam padding from Bra-makers Supplies. This time around, the seamless pieces were attached  with a 3 step zigzag. I attached them to the bodice following the sewalong instructions. My garment is lined with the same powernet as my other swimsuit, and the main fabric was purchased from StretchTex, a specialized fabric store around Chabanel. This time around, I did ask the attendant about fabrics appropriate for swimsuits!

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BTW, have you seen Caroline’s Montreal fabric shopping map? If you are around, you should definitely visit!

The result:

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Needless to say I ADORE it! ❤

I recommend it to anyone who wants to feel sassy and gorgeous!

Thanks Heather for drafting this baby and making it available for the world to enjoy!

Next time though, I would like to add some more room and support to the cups. I may add some boning at the sides as well as underwires. On that note, here are some resources that may be useful to do that:

Jen from Cashmerette wrote a post on how to do an FBA for this pattern. If you require FBA, you will likely require cups, and I’ve found a mini tutorial on putting a bra into a swimsuit by Jen as well as a few other useful resources on underwires and attachment of swim cups here. Tasia also wrote a post on pear-shaping the pattern.

That’s it for today folks!

I hope you are enjoying the weather! My bougainvillea is flowering! ❤

Isn’t it lovely??

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Do you like my swimsuit? Have you made this pattern before? What are some of your favourite summer activities?

❤ M