Wednesday, 29 June 2016

1960 Vintage Swimwear

My latest vintage pattern find was for a bikini circa 1960. I wanted to have a go at making one but I wasn't so keen to wear a flower pot on my head.


I ordered swimwear fabric and powernet lining from The Sewing Chest. The fabric piece was a second because it had a pale blue colour run in it but with the swirly pattern it wasn't noticeable at all. The fabric was thicker than I thought it was going to be which I was relieved about. Overall the thing that pleased me most was that it was £7.00 for a really large remnant piece.
YUCK! it is curling out and looks like a bad bra not a bikini.

I used a bra making method for applying elastic using a 3 stitch zig zag which is a pig to unpick if you decide that in the end it looks rubbish - which it did! The method on the pattern was a bit more crude. The pattern is from 1960 so the use of stretchy fabrics and elastics is not as complex as today. So I unpicked the whole lot over several weeks: the arm holes, neckline, under bust, leg holes, waistband - it was tedious to say the least. Later I applied the elastic in a different way with my serger then topstitched which was much better and they were a super comfy fit.

However I couldn't save the top, when I applied the elastic the second time by turning over as above it made it way too small because I lost seam allowance all the way around so I had to sacrifice the first one as 'learning' and make another. 

I made four modifications - I took some depth out of the shorts, my body is far too short for those in the pattern picture, they would have been scraping the bottom of the bikini top! I took a tiny bit out of the leg arch, added a clasp to the back of the top to get it on and off easily and after much angst I eventually added underwires which sorted the whole droopy bosom thing out really well.


 

I feels great on and all stretches out brilliantly. In my head I reckon I look just like the woman on the packet anyway so no need for a photo really! This one is ready for the suitcase.


Vintage pattern swimwear, now there's a pledge.


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14 comments:

  1. Jackie29 June 2016 at 12:21

    That is fab Jo. I have terrible problems buying bikinis due to bust size. Looking good xxx

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  2. mamasmercantile29 June 2016 at 13:16

    You never cease to amaze, a beautiful make. Swimwear patterns are about the only thing that I haven't got in my vintage pattern collection.

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  3. Jackie29 June 2016 at 14:29

    Looks good the colour is great. Well done. Jackie

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  4. Carolyn29 June 2016 at 16:26

    Yes, very cute! You're ready for the beach!

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    Replies
    1. Jo29 June 2016 at 17:52

      Inspired by your swimwear modelling Carolyn so I was feeling quite brave. The problem is we live in land locked Shropshire - no beach for us!

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  5. Christina30 June 2016 at 09:51

    Wow Jo, you look even more fabulous than the model on the pattern packet! Fantastic work. I really admire your sewing, I aspire to your level of work one day in the future. Have a great beach holiday. x

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    Replies
    1. Jo30 June 2016 at 17:18

      That is nice to hear from the woman who has made a duffle coat - respect!

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  6. Ingrid K.30 June 2016 at 17:49

    Hello Jo,

    Well done for another successful make! I'm sure it must fit you a lot better than the ones you can buy and it looks fab! :)

    Thanks also for sending out my prize (the clock kit) so fast, it has safely arrived. It is a lot larger than I had anticipated, so I still need to find what will work best. (I will blog about it when I'm ready...)

    Have a nice weekend,
    Ingrid xx
    Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

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  7. Amy at love made my home30 June 2016 at 21:24

    Fantastic Jo! Your sewing skills know no bounds!!! You could beat all of the sewing bee competitors hands down!! Enjoy wearing it and the holiday too!

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  8. Gracie Saylor30 June 2016 at 22:11

    My friend Paula who sews suits for synchronized swim teams uses the serger and topstitching method, I think. You should see her sewing set up. I think she has three sergers! You modeled your great sewing beautifully, Jo. Have fun swimming! xx

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  9. kathy30 June 2016 at 22:52

    Well done you it looks fantastic and you to if i may say so. Lets have some lovely weather.

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  10. Meredith1 July 2016 at 16:09

    You look wonderful in that brilliant new suit!
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  11. Summer Flies3 July 2016 at 08:57

    This looks terrific! What a great pattern and your bikinis looks so good on you.

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  12. Jill at emeraldcottage6 July 2016 at 22:40

    I want to say you are very brave posting pictures of yourself in a bikini, but that makes it sound like I think you are brave cos you look bad - you don't - you look amazing! Well done on that alone! And the bikini is pretty clever too
    Jillxo

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