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Seamwork 09 + A Vintage Inspired Swimsuit

seamwork-issue-09-cover

The August issue of Seamwork is up and ready for you to read!

In this issue:

01-shibori

03-august

Xtabay-04

04-bts

Some favorite quotes from this issue:

“Vintage clothing is made to last. If you care for it properly it is an investment that will last for years to come.” -Liz Gross, Collecting and Caring for Vintage Clothing

“Discovering Esther was like swimming on the back of a kaleidoscopic sparkle pony.” -Minka Wallace, Esther Williams: Million Dollar Mermaid

“Learning to sew as an adult has taught me, as in life, there is often no right way to achieve something. There is almost always more than one way to successfully complete every task, and more than one way to learn how to do it. Don’t let that overwhelm you. Let it excite you! ” -Brooks Ann Camper, Pressing Forward

And here are the two new quick-to-sew patterns in this issue:

mojave-time

Simplify your summer wardrobe with Mojave. Mojave is a pullover, kaftan-styled dress that will take you from beach to cocktails. This warm weather staple epitomizes the essence of summer ease with its flowing fit and casual yoke.

Try sewing Mojave in a sheer cotton voile for a sophisticated beach cover-up. Sewn in linen and styled with a leather belt, this dress becomes the perfect casual frock. You can even make this two-hour project before hitting the pool on Saturday and wear it for mojitos with friends on Sunday.

reno-time

Who doesn’t loathe shopping for swimsuits? The choices in cut and color are limited, and cramped dressing rooms with fluorescent lighting are anxiety-inducing. The overall experience can leave even the most confident person feeling defeated.

The solution? Make it yourself!

Reno is a flattering and comfortable swim top that can be made in just three hours. The seamed cups provide soft shaping, while the wide neck and back ties offer ample support. Stays stabilize the bust and sides of this vintage inspired swim top, leaving you confident to swim and frolic in the sun. Pair Reno with Dakota (from issue No. 9 of Seamwork) for the perfect summer duo.

dakota-time

Wear a two-piece with confidence when you sport the Dakota swim bottoms. The cut of these vintage-inspired swim bottoms is equal parts Esther Williams and modern beach goddess. Version 1 of these high-waisted swim bottoms features feminine hourglass seams that are perfect for color blocking, while the simple lines of version 2 are perfect for a fun print. Pair Dakota with the Reno swim top (from issue No. 9 of Seamwork) and release your inner bombshell.

You can visit Seamwork.com to read the issue, download it from the current issue page, or subscribe to get the patterns.

Haley Glenn

Editorial Director

Five years ago, Haley left the apparel industry to join the world of home sewing. She has been empowering women to sew ever since – first through years of in-person teaching at Sew LA, and now through her writing at Colette. Haley writes tutorials and articles on our blog, teaches sewalongs, and writes and edits for our magazine, Seamwork.

Comments

Becky

August 1, 2015 #

Another home run – and I have barely even started reading! Congrats!

Charity

August 1, 2015 #

Love it! And your model is strikingly beautiful!

Mary

August 1, 2015 #

Mojave reminds me a little of some Japanese pattern designs I’ve seen. I think it would also look nice as a tunic top layered over a tank top. Very nice.

Tracy

August 1, 2015 #

So excited about the shibori article! And where did you find the fabric for the Mojave? It’s gorgeous.

Anne

August 2, 2015 #

I really love the Mojave pattern. As always, I will make a FBA: do you have any clues on the best method to do it ? I was thinking about the pincess seam method, am I right ?

Jeri

August 2, 2015 #

Anybody having issues with downloading the instructions for Mohave? I tried on both my tablet and desk top with no luck.
The instructions show up on my tablet but only through page 9.

Jeri

August 2, 2015 #

Finally got it to work, must have been an operator error :)

Jessica

August 2, 2015 #

Everything in this issue is gorgeous! I would like to make Mojave with that same “photograph” fabric. I know I have seen it online, but can’t recall the designer. Can you post the name of it? Thanks.

Gretchen Potts

August 3, 2015 #

Have a look in the Swatch Service section of this months issue, I think its listed there

Gretchen Potts

August 3, 2015 #

Haley

August 3, 2015 #

All the fabrics used for Mojave can be seen in Swatch Service we used fabrics 3, 6, and 11 to create this months samples.

meg

August 2, 2015 #

Seriously hoping that swimsuit pattern name is a Magnetic Fields reference :)

Haley

August 3, 2015 #

It absolutely is, glad you appreciate the reference.

Gretchen Potts

August 3, 2015 #

Im so excited to try the swimsuit top…..first attempt at swimwear! However Im a little stumped on what size to choose. My bust size is 36…..but my cup size is D which puts me at a pretty big size spread…..any suggestions?

Haley

August 3, 2015 #

I would try cutting the XL to accommodate your bust, then reducing at the side seams if necessary. Sewing a mock-up out of knit fabric can also be helpful for determining fit.

Francesca

August 4, 2015 #

Another lovely issue and gorgeous patterns, thanks:)

Shannon Snyder

August 4, 2015 #

Each new edition of Seamwork is such a treat! I love the Mojave and can’t wait to stitch one up. I notice the Reader Deals section is gone this month, any hope of seeing those again?

Amalie

August 23, 2015 #

Haha was the swimsuit name inspired by the song “Reno Dakota” by the Magnetic Zeroes?

…wait just read up in the comments… so it is! Love that song! And the swimsuit looks great!