Welcome! I'm thrilled to be a part of the September Showcase hosted by the lovely ladies of Frances Suzanne. I chose to sew the Cosi Swimsuit pattern by Sewpony Vintage, which has deservedly been super popular around blog land. *I received a complimentary copy of the pattern in exchange for a pattern review but all opinions and supplies are my own.*
Supplies used:
Cosi Swimsuit pattern
silver polka dot on black fabric and lining purchased at Joann
swimsuit elastic purchased at Joann
regular polyester thread (the outdoor/heavy duty stuff gave my machine and me fits)
ball point needle (I opted to finish with a zig zag stitch instead of using a double needle because I couldn't find my ballpoint double needle)
wonder clips
walking foot
View:
view d- one piece with ruffle. I chose to make the straps non adjustable
Size:
I sewed a size six for Ansley because that's how big her chest is. It is not super snug and that's okay with me. She actually measured a size seven but I'm glad I didn't make her a size seven. There are instructions to try the swimsuit on and adjust for the fit you intend which is wonderful if your model is available. I would find this difficult if I was sewing for someone who didn't live nearby.
Favorite parts of the pattern:
the variety of views and customization options- gathering, one or two piece, color blocking possibilities, different straps
the fit- LOVE the modest leg and coverage!!!!
notches and other pattern markings so everything lines up as intended
ability to print which view you want and not have to waste paper
A few tips:
I wish I had basted the lining to the swimsuit before sewing the elastic in for the legs. I will definitely do it next time.
Refer to the table at the beginning of the pattern that tells you which pages your instructions are on. I was sometimes confused if I should be reading up and down the columns first or in the boxes left to right. It would've helped if I had colored or highlighted the sections that applied to me.
I overlapped the chest and leg elastics by about 1/8 inch because when I didn't and I stretched the elastic to sew it, there was a tiny gap of unelasticized fabric and it bothered me.
Misc:
The waist ruffle is about 1/8 inch shorter than the pattern calls for due to user error. (d'oh)
Conclusion: I would definitely sew this again!! The pattern is rated intermediate and it helped that I've made a swimsuit before but an advanced beginner could do this. Check out the discount codes available for this pattern and several others here. Thanks for stopping by!
Zigzagged topstitching.
Little bow in the back in case I want to let the straps out. (I might cut this off later but I like it for now).
