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Mar
20
Scary, from Shaffer Sisters, is here to give you her “Flipped Creation”
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Hello,
I had almost a whole year to prepare for flipping this pattern and my brain has been every which way on what I would do, I guess you can say I have been flip flopping. With two kids I am often torn by which kid needs clothes worse, and which one I will take the time to sew for.
All along I kept these goals in mind for my flip:
- Show the versatility of this pattern as a unisex pattern, by making something unique and different for each kid. But things that could still work together.
- Flip it in a way that would be easy for others to duplicate.
- Meet a need for my family.
One day I was thinking about the name Beachy Boatneck and realized we don’t have many beaches around here but we do have a pool. Which the following thought was this pattern would be perfect base for a rash guard, and what a great unisex need.
For both rashguards
I made them smaller than the sizing chart said
because I wanted them to not be weighed down by extra fabric. To
determine the right size for a very slim fit, I measured their chest and then
divided it by 4, then added 1/2″ (seam allowance).
Equation looks like this:
(Chest measurement/4) + 1/2″ = width needed across the pattern piece.
I measured the width across one front pattern piece and found the size that was just larger than that number. To make sure it would have enough room in the arm hole I measured around
their armscye and did a similar equation to the width except taking in account that there would be two seam allowances to factor in. I was safely within the limits so I didn’t have to drop the armscye, on either one. To make sure it would be long enough I measured from the base of their neck down to their underwear line.
I also only used the front pattern pieces for both the front and the back. Ryder has a huge head and Boston freaks out about anything that is snug going over her head. I remember as a kid my least favorite part of swimming was trying to get the blasted swimsuit off. The wider neck hole really made it a breeze to come off but because the pattern piece has a very modest neckline they both had great coverage the whole swim through.
I also shorted the sleeve length for comfort and movement. I determined the length by measuring from the cap of the shoulder down to their elbow, then added 1/2″ seam allowance for shoulder seam (and on Ryders 1/2″ seam allowance for hem).
Equation looks like this:
Shoulder to elbow measurement + 1/2″ (shoulder/sleeve inseam) + 1/2″ for hem= length from top of sleeve arch to elbow.
I love alliterations! The fact that original name of Beachy Boatneck is an alliteration made me decide that each rashguard needed a unique alliteration.
Ryder LOVES anything momma made, and he is always pushing the limits of my creativity. He has a clear vision of what he wants and I try my best to catch up all the details that he gives me. When I get it right he gives me a big hugs, lots of hugs and I feel like Super Sewing Momma.
Last spring I found some yellow scaley swimsuit fabric in the 50% off red tag area. I knew it would be perfect for a swimshirt for Ryder. The black is a thicker performance knit, that I bought for this purpose and making exercise leggings for me.
The applique alligator on the bodice help pull the whole thing together (and it was requested by him). I cut a square of fabric out of the black fabric and then ironed Sewable Heat-n-Bond to the back.
To make the applique I found an alligator silhouette then put it in the middle of a circle and printed it off. I then traced this on the paper portion of the Heat-n-bond by following the lines of the template with a pink sharpie over the top of the paper. I then tried my best to cut it out.
Then I used a press cloth (so not to put a hole in the fabric) to apply it to the shirt and then finished it with a narrow zig zag (but longer than normal applique stitch because I didn’t want it to stretch out the shirt).
For the moment I am pretty sure it is his favorite thing I have EVER made him. Today he asked me if we could go swimming again, I told him no. He asked if he could put on his swimsuit I said sure. I love sewing for him. It is smiles like this that make it so worth it.
By far this was his most favorite photoshoot. I think we would both agree it was the perfect way to end to a sewing marathon.
Boston has unique sizing (tall and very slender) so sewing for her is almost a must. Feminine sewing is where I feel most comfortable, so I am always glad to be sewing for her. She has a bit of diva-ttitude and won’t let me try stuff on her before it is done, so with the help of my measuring tape I have to get it right.
The foil fabric I got from Walmart, I bought it to make a Elza dress, but then I looked at it and decided swimsuit. The paisley print was some that Momma Shaffer gave to me & the same with the fold over elastic (I love fabric handme downs).
I wanted to make Boston’s two sided so we would have two swimsuits in one. Which I am glad that I had that in my mind when I started because both of these swimsuit fabrics ran like CRAZY!
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| Sorry I didn’t get a picture of her in this side, but I don’t think she would have been happy with me disturbing anymore of her swimming. I do think this side will get great mileage this summer as well. |
I was working against the clock, to get every fabric edged stitched before they would run and ruin it all (just say I learned the hard way).
The Beachy Boatneck pattern uses a facing to finish the neckline, which would have been alright if Boston didn’t love to put her arm through neckholes. I knew after a few times the neckline would be stretched and all my swimwear work would be ruined.
I used flat fold elastic at the neckline to keep it tight throughout the season. I used it at the sleeves as well to coordinate with the neckline. It was a crazy easy to way to finish the sleeve.
I knew I wanted to put a ruffle on the bottom because I am a sucker for toddler swimsuits with ruffles (or really anything with ruffles). I shortened the bodice to make room for the ruffle.
The ruffle was made doubling over the foil ruffle and gathering. I then stitched it to the foil side. Then sewed the two bottoms together from the inside leaving a small whole for me to turn it. Then I hand stitched it close.
She thought the swimming was awesome (she has always loved the water), but she didn’t think too much of getting her pictures taken while trying to play. Through out the 2 hour swim she would put her hand on her shirt and say, “Pretty!”
The Beachy Boatneck really does make the perfect rash guard pattern don’t you think? I am excited to get lots of mileage out of these this summer in the apartment swimming pool. I am thinking that I might need one too, which is now a possibility when about a month ago Melissa released a women’s version of this pattern.
If you want to learn more about the bottoms that I made to match come follow our blog. It will information will be made available in the coming weeks.
With Love,
Scary
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“Flip this Pattern” voting will begin tomorrow, Friday, March 21 and run through Sunday, March 23.
And, in the meantime, link up your “Flipped Pattern”
{there are only a few hours left….the linky party ends tonight at 11:00 PM CST}.
What a great idea. Good job on both. The alligator is my favorite. Custom swim clothes is not easy so hats off to you!
The alligator is my favorite because it is Ryder’s favorite, He is so fun to sew for because he loves it all. While I was planning I wasn’t really sure it was going to give me the look I wanted but then once it was together I was in love and he was in love.
Really with pattern it wasn’t bad it was awesome.
You came up with such a wonderful idea ~ thanks for sharing all the details
Thank you it was so fun. And now I can say I have made my first swimsuits, one off the checklist.
These are so good!! I love that they hold their shape even when wet. Great job!! Your drawings are so good too
Thank you, I got Melissa’s permission to use her illustrations. I used Adobe Illustrator to color them and write. I really wanted it to be easy to duplicate.
With Love,
Scary
You beat us to ‘swimsuit creations’……maybe one day :)!
I hope you do one day. I know it would be amazing if you do. Just remember knit is not scary.
What a fantastic idea – I have never thought of making rashies! They look great.
Thank you Marisa. You should it has been so fun seeing the kids using them.
Oh my, what a great flip! I would never think of that… swimsuits? Never been there and I have no plans to… I love what you make!
Oh Sara,
You totally should it is really pretty easy. I would just suggest using a high quality swim fabric.
These are fantastic – what a great idea!!!
Thank you Angie. They have been so fun for the kids.
A momma made rash guard?, mom must be very sweet.