Looking Ahead to a #Belle View

I visited the Flojo stand at the trade show on Monday and it is heartening to see how UK craft business' have developed in just one year. They used to have one line - a vintage knicker kit - but now they have many patterns and kits for sale. 

There was much excitement on Monday as their new pattern had just arrived from the printers, the Belle swimsuit. I was more than happy to accept a gratuit copy of the pattern in view of the fact I had just booked a holiday to the South of France and I knew I had swimwear fabric languishing in my stash cupboard. 

The pattern has gathered sides for a flattering tummy, with a front skirt that is not too long. There is a gather at the bust centre. The straps are perfectly angled which are comfortable.

The back is not too low so the front does not pull down. The bust is lined and elasticated for support. The pattern is graded in double sizes from 6-20 and printed clearly on tracing paper. 

You can make the whole thing on a regular sewing machine following the instructions in the pattern pack but I did use my overlocker for the legs and skirt front because ... well... I could but it would have been fine with a zig zag or twin needle sewing.

When I make it again I will make the bust band a little bigger because the seam sat a little high across my bust rather than under it but all breasts are different so I guess each and every maker will have their own mods to make. I would also add a couple of foam pads to help the bust shaping. I was going to do it then realised I couldn't get inside once it was complete Doh!

Just carpet pictures today, February in the UK is not a time to be modelling swimwear!

Thanks Flojo, I love your new pattern. Jo xxx