SEW ALONG: GERTIE CHARM PATTERN: Esther Bathing suit

 

The idea

What idea, I was waiting for Gertie to publish a bathingsuit pattern for a while. Here it is. Better than I thought it would be, and scarier for sure.  The green one is a muslin/size test. 

The pattern

Meet the amazing Esther Swimsuit! It’s structured like an evening gown to flatter your figure, while still being fully functional for a day at the pool or beach. The Esther Swimsuit has an interior foam bra, boning, flattering corset-inspired side seams, and tons of figure control with the use of a power mesh underlayer. We even added a back bra band so that you feel super supported in your suit.

And because we love to give you options, Esther has several interchangeable bottoms. The panty is the classic full-coverage bottom, and you can add the skirt on top for an adorable look. The bloomer bottom was inspired by one of my favorite vintage suits, and it gives you an hourglass shape by creating a curvy lower half.

Additional info:

• 2-20 and five bust sizes (A-H). I'll make a 16 D-DD and grade to 18 in the waist. (Gertie''s patterns run bigger than Big 4)
• Recommended Fabrics : swimwear lycra/spandex and power mesh for lining (is a very sturdy lining to create the hourglass shape.
  
• rated 4 out 5. The written instructions are fairly elaborate. Also there is a step by step (2,5 hour long) video tutorial on Patreon.
• PDF or Print pattern here on charm site
• Video on Patreon: more info here

The fabric

• ca 1,5 meter spandex from Budgetstoffen.nl
  
• ca 1,0 meter spandex tule lining from Budgetstoffen.nl
• ca 0,1 meter polylaminate foam (for the cups) at Lingeriestoffen.nl (also for all other notions)
  

 

Cutting the fabric.

I was left with a lot of extra fabric and this is something I am not used to with gertie (as she usualy is on point with her fabric requirements). She did 'group' the pattern pieces as there are a lot of options and she can't give a fabric layout for all possible combination. That means there was a seperate layout for the bodice, one for the slip and one for the skirt. So when I put all these pieces on one layout I could save a lot of fabric (0,9 meter)

I cut a cheap lining from tulle mesh to save some money for my muslin. 

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