After seeing all the beautiful versions of the Bombshell swimsuits all over the internet I had to give it a go for myself. I bought this vibrant red swimsuit lycra at Tessuti in Sydney at the meet up earlier in the year. My intention was to make a swimsuit with ruching through the body and a halter top. And then, as if she had read my mind, Heather Lou released the Bombshell swimsuit pattern! My only concern was the back ruching. No matter how many versions I saw, all with the back ruching, I just couldn't get my head around it. I didn't like it on me. I wanted a modern take on the Bombshell swimsuit so I simply used the lining pieces to cut the back fabric. Perfect!
I cut the top a size smaller than my waist and hips. The fit is good but I probably need an extra inch or more in the body length.
The bra cups, from Lincraft, are quite padded. They looked good at first but they've creased and marked with wear and storage and now are a bit lumpy. I'm going to unpick the bra cups and the top stitching as it is wobbly and the bra cups are too big. They are purely decorative and create more trouble than they're worth when diving under the water. I bought some slim bra cups from Clegs this week to replace these.
Project Details
Pattern: Closet Case Files Bombshell Swimsuit, size 14-16
Fabric: Red swimsuit lycra and beige swimsuit lycra (for the lining) from Tessuti Surry Hills
Notions: Swimsuit elastic and bra cups from Lincraft
These photos were taken at Pismo Beach, half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. We stopped for a weekend to relax and enjoy some quiet time in the sun. Unfortunately there was a dense coast fog for most of the weekend and it was too cold to enjoy the pool. The boys still went in but we sat on the side with jumpers and scarves to keep warm. The fog finally lifted on Sunday afternoon so I spent the afternoon in the pool with the boys.
The colours in this photo are a bit weird but you can see the gathering and the top. Next time, yes there will be a next time, I'm planning a polka dot version and a plain black version with the alternative top.
So, what do you think? Have you succumbed to the bombshell craze?
L x
This looks stunning on you!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a brilliant idea to take the ruching out of the back piece, this is the sole reason I haven't attempted this pattern yet so thanks for the genius idea!
Wow Leith - I'm so impressed with all your holiday sewing and your swimsuit looks great. I'm not a big 'retro' person so I'm not sure the bombshell is my thing, but I love seeing all the different versions. Great idea to use the lining pieces for a smooth back view.
ReplyDeleteI'd LOVE to sew this! Great photos, great sewing and you look AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteWould have to agree about the back pieces, and it looks great!
Wowser leith! You look great and I love the colour. So classic.
ReplyDeleteNow there's an idea, no ruching. The ruching is rather frightening isn't it? This is the next project on my list having picked up the perfect swimsuit lycra from The Fabric Store in Sydney on Monday. It's exactly what I was after, so can't wait to see how it turns out. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteOoh, lovely! I was also a bit undecided about the back ruching but I really love what you've done with yours :)
ReplyDeleteGirl, you are a total bombshell. I love the back ... Clever girl on making it work for you
ReplyDeleteAh, wow. That looks stunning on you! While I like the back ruching, doing the back does look much less fussy.
ReplyDeleteNice bombshell and you've chosen a great colour.
ReplyDeleteWow Leith, I adore this on you! I will also be succumbing to the bombshell craze - have pattern, have fabric, haven't yet had impetus - so I'm sure that I'll be picking your brain about it soon!
ReplyDeleteyou look stunning. well done :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful suit! I love that you eliminated the back rutching, great idea. I've made a number of swimsuits this summer but I don't plan on making this one. As lovely as it is, it's just not me. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat thinking on the back piece and it looks super flattering too! The colour is great on too. All up a winner :)
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog. Your last 3 posts are wonderful. I love the Saltspring dress, the Vogue 1250 and now this. The Bombshell swim suit is stunning. Following you on Bloglovin.
ReplyDeleteThis does look great. Yes I have pattern & fabric, with 2 little ones under my feet I'm having trouble finding the time!
ReplyDeletegreat version of this pattern, so cute
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!! the red looks amazing on you and the changes you made worked out great
ReplyDeleteYour version of the Bombshell is great! I like your idea of taking the ruching out of the back of this pattern. Love the colour too :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Glorious colour on you! I also love what you've done with the back - might refer to your expertise when I get to that bit! Nice work! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning on you - well done! Gorgeous colour on you, and great fit.
ReplyDeleteI really like the non-ruched back!
ReplyDeleteIt really looks great on you! I would like to have more 'support' in my next version. So need to work that out and also better bra cups as well. I really like the non ruching.
ReplyDeleteYou look hot! I am definitely going to pick your brain about this one.
ReplyDeleteHaaawwt!!! I'm in lust with your suit! And holy moley you pull off that bright orange red SO well. You know, the ruching at the back kinda put me off too. Had I known there was a lining piece (makes sense now) that was unruched, I would have been all for it. And glad to see the top can be altered for boobage coverage, too. I like a little more support than most sewists were sewing! You look amazing :)
ReplyDelete(Oops, I somehow missed this post.) Have to admit, this bathing suit pattern isn't my favorite on most people. But on you it looks fabulous! You got the bodice top to fit perfectly and not be too low. Also I love the smooth backside. Great job!
ReplyDeletegorgeous Leith!
ReplyDeleteWhat a 'bombshell' - you look fabulous!! So curvy and womanly. Fabulous!! Cheers, Karen
ReplyDeleteI love it with the simple back! If you make another I would suggest adding a little tension to your bust elastic to eliminate rippling. Otherwise, Red Perfection!
ReplyDelete