Swimwear as Outerwear

Ages ago I said that I wanted to make a playsuit/romper/jumpsuit/whatever you want to call them (personally, I'm not a fan of any of those names).

I had this vintage seersucker from the Two Squirrels shop that was begging to be made into some sort of one piece suit type thing.  

I used vintage McCalls 5829, a bathing suit pattern. It was pretty straightforward to sew. Initially, I made it a bit tight. I guess, because it's a bathing suit pattern, there isn't  much ease in it. You wouldn't want much if you were going to wear it in the water, of course, because it would go all saggy. I have to say, I'm pretty pleased about the invention of lycra because I can't imagine it being very comfortable to swim in something made of heavy cotton. Since I wasn't going to be doing any swimming in it, I let the seams out a bit so I could actually breathe while wearing it.

I didn't have enough fabric to match the print but I'm not too worried since you rarely find RTW clothes with the print matched these days.

Grumpy is my default face

I took this photo a couple of weeks ago when it was far warmer. I'm back to wearing cardigans and thick tights now. I don't mind though, Autumn is my favourite season. 

Scarf: Op shopped

Sunglasses: Vintage shop

Belt: Op shopped

Tights: Farmers

Shoes: Golden Ponies

Dreaming of Playsuits

Thanks for all your thoughtful comments on my last post. I enjoyed reading them. 

I haven't been sewing much lately. Uni is hectic. I have essays, exams and a dissertation. While I don't have time to sew, I have still been thinking about what I want to sew. Specifically, I've been thinking about playsuits. I used to hate them (and I still hate the word rompers), but playsuits have grown on me. 

1950s Pucci Playsuit

I love the shape of this one from the 50s. The print is great too.

Andi B. Goode

This 1930s one is fabulous too. I like the shirt-type bodice.

Mena of the Sew Weekly

The bodice detail on this one is nice. I think it's made from seersucker.

I have a couple of playsuit patterns. Well, technically, they're bathing suit patterns, but can you imagine swimming in something that is made of denim or cotton broadcloth? They're on the list of recommended fabrics for both these patterns.  

I have some seersucker in my stash that will be perfect for a playsuit. Now, I just need to find some time to sew it.