One of the things I love about working with Butterick is that they’re so open to ideas. Last year when I proposed swimwear, I assumed they don’t include much swimwear for a reason. But they were more than happy to take the plunge (as it were). So I’m just thrilled to introduce you to our two new Lisette for Butterick summer 2016 styles: B6385 and B6360.
I’m always excited to introduce new sewing patterns to you, but I’m particularly pleased with how these two patterns turned out. First let me introduce you to Lisette for Butterick B6360: the Lisette swim dress/tankini.
Never heard of a swim dress before? Neither had I. Or at least I hadn’t heard of anyone wearing one in the past 100 years. As it turns out, there’s a brand new type of swim dress out there, and it’s quite versatile! It’s meant to go from the water to the boardwalk/lunch/car without requiring a change of clothing. The top is long enough to cover your back side (is this our preferred word for bottom?), but it’s cut to be feminine and flattering on top. Plus, it’s made of quick-drying spandex, unlike those heavy wool numbers of yore. (I must admit, some of those 1920’s wool swim dresses were cute. But really, unless you’re going to a costume party, just No. So hot, so itchy, and they took so long to dry….)
Anyway, I thought it would be fun to add a drawstring to the sides of the swim dress so you can also choose to cinch it up and wear it as a tankini, which means you have two options here: Eliminate the drawstrings and casings if you want just the swim dress or include them if you want the option to cinch it up into a tankini. Easy-peasy, right?
Also! This pattern comes in the full spectrum of women’s sizes! I’m always so, so happy when we can do this. This pattern is designed to be flattering and supportive, so if you’re full-busted I think you’ll be happy with this one. I like the little cutout below the bra hook in back. It lets you show a little skin without compromising on comfort and support. The pattern is constructed to include little pockets for removable cup inserts, too. Sometimes I wear them and sometimes I don’t, and the beauty of this construction is that you can add and remove them on a whim.
Seriously, I hope you’ll have fun with this pattern. I’m really so pleased with how it turned out. And look how cute the back is!
Moving on now to the second pattern, Lisette for Butterick B6358. This is the swimsuit I’ve been dreaming of for a few seasons now. I get so annoyed at swimwear choices and prices sometimes.
I wanted something with a little front tie detail, and I thought that it would be fun to add a color-blocking option as well. This pattern includes both a two-piece and one-piece style with the same details, and of course you can choose to sew either style as a solid or color-blocked version.
Remember that cute little cut-out at the back of the B6360 swimsuit pattern? I included it here too, but this time it’s on the bottoms. The briefs (ack, sometimes I just hate certain fashion words–can we call the bottoms something other than bottoms and briefs?) have a higher waist which meant I could include that cute little cut-out and a bow at the back, instead of boring regular swim bottoms. A little flirty, I suppose you could say. (Although flirty is another one of those words I strongly dislike. I sound really grumpy about fashion words today!) Oh, and the top has the removable cup inserts just like B6360. I kind of love the straps on both of these swimsuit pattern. There’s elastic inside the fabric casing, so they look great but can also be adjusted for a perfect fit.
Anyway, I’m seriously considering sewing both versions of this pattern. I haven’t worn a one-piece in years, but this one I’ll definitely wear. In fact, I’m headed to the fabric store this weekend to pick out my fabric, although I still haven’t decided whether I’ll color block them or not.
What about you? Which one are you going to make? Or will you sew more than one?