While not part of my capsule wardrobe, this swimsuit is a great addition to my clothing collection. Not only is the top a great swimsuit top, but it also will be a nice top for the summer. When I had the opportunity to test Peekaboo Patterns’ latest addition to their Bahama Mama collection, I jumped at it. I found the fabric at Hancock Fabrics’ closing sale, so it was waiting and ready to go.
Sewing with swim fabric is…challenging. Before my sewing friend, Melissa at Tales of a Tester, gave me a tip to use a glue stick to keep the fabric from shifting, I could have probably starred in my own HBO reality show: Rage Sewing with Ronda. Swim fabric is SLIPPERY. It wants to go where it wants to go. Once I was given the glue stick tip…my goodness! I could work with swim knit all day every day.
Maybe.
Peekaboo Patterns’ Bahama Mama Blouson Top (affiliate link) fits great. The pattern sews up easily, and you are walked through every step of construction. I’m impressed with how professional and secure the straps on this suit are. Any breastfeeding momma knows how important secure straps are. Once I had the glue stick trick in hand, it sewed up pretty quickly. The sizes run from XXS-XXXL, so there’s a lot of range in there. I did not have to do a full bust adjustment. The suit has a shelf bra, and there are instructions for adding cups, which I did not add. It can be worn as a workout top (particularly if you use power mesh for the shelf bra) or an everyday top.
I had to sew up some of the Bahama Mama Boy Shorts to match. These fit great, also come in XXS-XXXL, and the yoga waistband doesn’t slip or roll down – that’s a bonus. They are fully lined – and they sew up really quickly. I may make more just to wear under skirts on blustery days.
Oh, and I made the XXXL in both the top and boy shorts!
Here are more photos of the swim set. I think I look pretty good for the momma of 3, with one being almost 5 months old 🙂
