I was thrilled when Heather of Closet Case Files asked me to test her fabulous new swimsuit pattern, the Sophie swimsuit, named after the elegant and tres creative Sophie, of Ada Spragg. Thanks so much Heather! I’m pretty chuffed that she continues to even notice an old hag like me.
The Sophie swimsuit is a structured bikini top optionally underwired and paired with high-waisted bottoms, or alternatively the same structured cup top as part of a one piece, boy-legged suit. I think it’s classy, with a modest retro-style chic, and it’s a beautifully designed and drafted pattern.
I’m also enormously impressed, not merely with the Sophie pattern although that in itself is pretty damn fantastic effort because it’s quite a complex pattern… in addition to that Heather is offering a package deal; the pattern, swimsuit kits with fabric, lining and all the bits and bobs you need to put it together, AND an online workshop; all designed to take the legwork out of tracking down all those bits and pieces you need, and to ease newcomers to swimwear-sewing painlessly into the whole process. It’s an absolutely brilliant effort.
Anyway, so this is me, modelling my two new bikinis on the delightfully sunny beaches of south-western Australia… HA! Obviously it’s the middle of winter here, and while it really was a beautifully sunny day and was actually quite pleasant out of the wind in the shelter of the rocks, where I am in the top picture; on the beach itself it was just a tad chilly mind you, just a teeny tiny tad… (read; utterly freezing)
Did I dive right into that invitingly turquoise water for a frolicsome dip? NO!!!! Since I’m the wussiest wuss that ever wussed I just got my pictures super fast and then threw on my jeans and thick woollen cardi again pretty quick! You can see that turbulent water and my crazy hair, it was blowing a freaking gale and the waves were booming and thundering onto the sand like the proverbial white stallions. I do love the beach in any and all weather, including wintery and wild; I love the sparkle of sunlight on the water, the swirling foamy shallows, and the crashing of the surf. Well, perhaps more so when I’m warmly rugged up snug as a bug in a rug, of course. Sienna loves the beach too, but it’s alright for her, in her thick fur coat! hehe, the things we do…
Anyway, on to the SophieS; yup, I’ve made two… both bikinis. It’s been an awfully long time since I’ve worn a bikini, eeek! but I chose view B because I’m still more of a two-piece bathers person than a one-piece-r. There’s the charcoal version at top, and also the pink/black colour blocked version, which was made first. Tester driven feedback called for a change in the shape of the cup so the second, charcoal, one is closer to the final version of the pattern.
Also; I should mention that in the final version of the pattern, the bikini bottoms have a slightly higher rise than mine do here, sitting just at/slightly above the natural waist.
It’s funny; when I finished the pink/black one I almost immediately took a violent dislike to the colours I’d chosen… It seemed a bit… I dunno, young and sporty? or something. Then I made the charcoal version. Which I really adore. When I took out the pink/black one again, to take photos in it, of course, you know the story, it didn’t look quite so hideous after all. I actually took quite a shine to it again. The pink seemed a bit warmer and less Barbie than I’d remembered it. I decided I might even like it better than the charcoal one. I don’t know. Oooh, I’m torn! Either way, I expect both are going to get worn this summer 🙂
Heather has introduced her own sizing chart for the pattern, which I think is a pretty good idea. You know, when you’re making something and you sometimes get too lazy or too cold to disrobe for proper measurements, and go with the same size you always take, or worse; what you think you are. I do find that when faced with an unfamiliar sizing chart, you’re more inclined to get out the tape measure and do a properly slow and careful remeasure, to determine your correct size. Which I did. So saying that, how do I feel the cups fit? well they both fit pretty good. Though I do feel like the cup on my charcoal one, while it fits me; is just a smidge on the scant side for my tastes, if that makes any sense. I believe Heather has upsized them on the final version, which I reckon is a good call. I am small up top but I still kinda like to have lots of coverage there, for personal preference. I might remake the charcoal bikini top, following the new sizing of the final version of the pattern. But maybe not ’til summer!
Fabrics and bits and bobs: the fabrics are from Fabulous Fabrics; who do get some very nice swimwear fabrics in stock during the season. I bought all these fabrics in previous summers, stocking up during sales. Stashing strategically, as you do 😉 Other supplies from my fast dwindling MakeBra basic kits; the underwires, under wiring channeling and the foam for the cups. The swimwear elastic, plastic swimwear hooks for the straps and back closures are from Spotlight.
These are adorable and look fabulous on you. I might just have to make one myself for an upcoming trip to Hawaii. Thanks for the inspiration!
Both suits look amazing on you and now I need to get a hot cup of tea so I can warm up after looking at these photos.
Sienna is a good girl, Roscoe would be wet!
Both lovely makes Carolyn! The charcoal one is elegant…the pink and black one very current looking! Of course the setting is the best…your beach shots always, always, make me smile. I wonder if Sienna was questioning your choice of attire, LOL.
Okay….hope that mug of tea warmed you up good!
Well done for braving the weather for the photos…..love the high rise bottoms.
I love this style of bikini. While I like the idea of a bikini, I always feel self conscious showing too much skin so this style is perfect! I am hoping it would lend itself to being made as a tankini as well. I am looking forward to the spring so I can give the pattern a go.
Both of yours look fantastic but I think I like the bright one best or maybe that is just because it is winter and I am yearning for bright colours again!
both fabulous…. but the pink one looks so beachy….. seeing your photos not unlike here… it was midsummer last night and we often try a picnic or walk for the late sunset at 10.30, and we all had to wear winter hats and windsheeters………..
Both utterly gorgeous – I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite. I have to say that high summer in the UK looks no better than your winter at the moment! At least Sienna is enjoying it
I didn’t comment on your last undies post but they are truly beautiful. You really have got your entire wardrobe covered in self sewn now.
Love this swimsuit!
I really like both of these, the bra is very flattering on you. Not sure how any of them would look on me, but I am watching these bikinis hit the world with great interest!
Both are lovely and beautifully modeled. You certainly go to extreme lengths to create these fabulous photos which we all appreciate, I’m sure. Looks like you are set for the summer.
They are both lovely. 🙂
Super chic! I love them both. I absolutely adore high-waisted bikini bottoms.
You look absolutely fabulous in both those swimsuits Carolyn. I love the charcoal one. Feeling inspired, thankyou!
Old hag?? Never. You look amazing! I was quite excited to see this pattern pop up – until I remembered it’s still winter. I made a bikini with the Boylston bra and soma bottoms last year, which was good, but i would love to try the Sophie one piece. Well done for braving the elements to bring us the news on this lovely pattern!
Two very nice bikini’s! I should take notice: It is summer here and I could use a well-fitting, flattering bikini…
I actually prefer your colour-block version, the “pink” looks more coral red than pink to me (which is always a good thing), the sporty-ness of the color-blocking creates a nice contrast with the lady-like style and (like you) I prefer the higher curve of the cups.
Both of your bikinis are really beautiful. I quite like the pink and black one, it is an interesting mix of retro and modern! Thank you so much providing us with your beautiful beach fotos. I cannot believe you were able to get them in winter!
I wondered too if Sienna wasn’t questioning your choice of attire! She seems to glance back at you like, “What the heck is she up to NOW??” Really funny 🙂 Love both your suits – I have QUITE a ways to go on skill before I’d take on a swimsuit! Yikes – that super stretching fabric lined?! and fitting that top – well I can’t even imagine it at this stage 🙂 I love both of them on you! Nice rise on the bottoms and the tops give you perfect coverage.
thank you so much Kathleen! I’m sure Sienna wonders what the heck I am doing a LOT of the time!!
LOL “old hag”! I’ll bet you turned a few heads when you were modeling your swimsuits and not just because it was winter.
hehe, thanks Morgan! fortunately I was the only person in sight on the beach, probably would not have dared to do this otherwise!
Completely agree with SaSa that your pink/black version is an excellent mix of retro and modern! That one is my fave of the 2 actually. And totally appreciate what you do for all of us….. taking beach/bikini pictures in the cold of winter to share your work and thoughts. You must love us an awful lot. We certainly do love you! 🙂
I love the look and just bought the pattern. I’ll try the one piece first. It calls for lining, but I don’t like the feel of 2 layers in a swimsuit. Did you line the bottoms? How do you fall on the lining question?
thanks Nancy! I do not usually fully line my swimsuits, however I did for the pink/black pair following the instructions in the pattern. That extra layer of fabric does make them feel just a touch on the thick side, as a result, could be because I’m not used to it.
I didn’t line the charcoal bottoms except for how I would usually; which is a “panty liner” in the crotch that extends up the front panel., reason for this being because I was just running them up to test the new cup of the bikini top and just wanted to streamline the whole making process.
Having said that; I think I do prefer this easier, lighter feel of a reduced lining, could be because that is what I am used to in my bathers though.
I hope that helps? 🙂
This style looks beautiful!
What wonderful swimsuits! You look great.
I like both your version. I think the height of your bottoms looks better than in the official version.
I wouldn’t say that the color is pink, to me it is more red than pink and I think it looks gorgeous, especially on you and in combination with the black. The fit looks great too, oh and thank you for taking these beautiful pictures, that was totally brave, and I appreciate them!
Love them both! Well done!
Love the style of this kini! And you did an amazing job with them both. So neat! I’ve only ever sewn the bombshell but coupled with seeing this I’m very tempted to sew some more swimwear. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Both are gorgeous!
I know everyone would agree when I say “A sewing goddess!”
Beeeeeautiful! I love both your versions. The all-solid is super svelt…so professional! x
Love it! Not sure a two piece swimsuit is still for me, but the one piece has my attention.