Burda Style For people who sew
Description
Second time I’m posting this as this site never seems to be happy to let me update my photos! Anyway…
I recently made this delightful 50’s style cotton bikini for my friend Joyce. I used printed cotton and white cotton lace (both bought at op shops aka “thrift stores”). This is a replica of one I made for myself during summer, although mine was made from an old 60’s dress (same colour and print).
To make this I modified a 70’s halter top and shorts pattern. The halter on the pattern was a bit too skimpy for my liking and the hook and eye closures are actually really annoying when worn. So, I increased the height of the cups (and added ruffly lace edges for a cutie-pie vibe), and extended the bands so they could be tied at the back and around the neck. The halter was a bit fiddly, especially where the bands were attached to the cups – lots of matching of curves and hand stitching (slip stitching facings etc). Although it is definitely worth the effort.
The shorts are quite simple: high-waisted with darts and a back zipper. I added lace ruffle bits to the leg sections to match the halter. I think this also creates a bloomery feel without the puff-puff of bloomers.
I will attempt to post some better photos at a later stage… _
I do hope Joycey digs this little ensemble!
Material Notes
2nd hand printed cotton, 2nd hand cotton lace trim, 2nd hand zipper
Difficulty
Intermediate
Categories
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Jan 31, 2011, 06.04 AMby Dan Barker
Sooo cute! I love the vintage style. Check out retroswimwear.com, they have adorable retro and vintage swimsuits!
1 Reply
Mar 1, 2011, 02.27 AMby olystyrene
Thank you :)
Jul 26, 2010, 03.33 PMby lastephanie
red is such a fabulous color, beautiful job i love it.
1 Reply
Jul 26, 2010, 11.29 PMby olystyrene
Thank you muchly! Red is always a winner in my books!
Jun 16, 2010, 10.47 AMby integerclub
OMG yes mama-san, I do dig it!
xxx
1 Reply
Jun 16, 2010, 12.40 PMby olystyrene
Hells yes! I can’t believe you found this! Actually, I wanted to warn you to check you mailbox cos it should arrive in the next couple of weeks!
xxx
Apr 15, 2010, 01.29 AMby Laura Baker
HAWT! i think im in love with this project! great choice of fabric, too!
1 Reply
May 24, 2010, 12.37 AMby olystyrene
Thank you! I love when amazing second hand fabric finds you!
Apr 14, 2010, 10.11 AMby helenadoll
aww it’s so cute and playful, she’ll love it!
1 Reply
May 24, 2010, 12.38 AMby olystyrene
Ooooh I do hope so!!
Apr 13, 2010, 11.58 PMby rugrat
I can remember my mother wearing something very much like this during those hot Texas summer days. I am 61, fat and sassy now, but have 6 grandaughters now – Thank You for the nice memories. You sew wonderfully!
1 Reply
Apr 14, 2010, 12.16 AMby olystyrene
haha! what a comment! ;-) you’re welcome and thank you!
Apr 13, 2010, 07.23 PMby misahpea
Love it! I think 50’s bikinis are awesome— yours is fantastic. Are your shorts self drafted?
1 Reply
Apr 13, 2010, 11.05 PMby olystyrene
No, not self drafted. I used an old 70’s pattern and adjusted it to Joyce’s proportions (although I don’t know whether it will fit as she lives on the other side of the world!). But the pattern is VERY basic – darts at front and back, back zipper and waistband with button.
Apr 13, 2010, 05.11 PMby nenasew
Awesome suit. Love the red polka dot.
1 Reply
Apr 13, 2010, 11.05 PMby olystyrene
Thank you!
Apr 13, 2010, 01.24 PMby littlewren
This is adorable! my sketchbook is filled with diagrams of possible 50’s/60’s style swimwear… my suit needs an update! I’m excited to see you used cotton not stretch fabric… how well does it swim? I figure if it’s made well enough it should stay put and that is the point of having stretch, right? It looks Beautifully made- no doubt if yours will stay in place! I LOVE the polka dots! I’m a big fan! :)
1 Reply
Apr 13, 2010, 11.13 PMby olystyrene
Thank you muchly! I can be very pedantic when it comes to sewing… ;)
I find that cotton swims just fine; it will stick to your bod-bod in a way that lycra doesn’t, but not uncomfortably so. I’d wear undies under the shorts still if they were made in a light coloured fabric, juuuust in case…
Apr 13, 2010, 12.57 PMby katensew
I love it — but I like 50’s outfits anyway. It seems that retro will be the rage !
1 Reply
Apr 14, 2010, 12.16 AMby olystyrene
Yes, I am in love with all things 30s – 50s! Timeless elegance!