Summer by the Lake Swimsuit GIVEAWAY!!!! CLOSED.

August 14, 2008

beachballBelieve it or not, this was perhaps the most difficult thing I've ever sewn. No, I take that back. Next to the kindergarten pinafore, this was the most difficult thing I've ever sewn.......due to the fact that spandex was created in the bowels of hell. No kidding. For reals. If you've ever tried to sew spandex together you know what I mean. The material reeked havoc on my sewing machine. Every other time I'd try to start a new line, the bobbin would snag the thread or the thread would fail to catch at all. And when I'd try to stretch the fabric....snap....and I'd have to start all over. UGH. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as spandex thread? That might have helped. Three bag fulls of hell shreds later and this was what emerged.

What I had in mind was a very retro looking bathing suit, the kind you see in sepia photographs. I compromised somewhere between the top and the bottom. And considering the material, it came out surprisingly similar to my original sketch. The era I was going for was "Lake Wobegone" although the setting in my mind was a summer vacation somewhere in the Poconos.



The colors I chose were very classic. Red, blue and a dirty white. The suit is pinched at the waist by a red and white striped belt with an anchor buckle. I was so thrilled to find the buckle in my local sewing outlet which carries these out-of-date oddities but absolutely no spools of thread or any of the normal fabric store staples. It's a strange place that smells funny but I like it. I added a "boy short" bottom to the legs and rouched the red and white striped sides. The straps start out from the outer edges of the top like a lot of retro bathing suits and tie at the neck like a halter.





Okay, but seriously, my favorite part of this swimming suit has nothing to do with the suit itself. It's the darling little head cap that I
found online. I have to admit, Lily hated it. She cried when I first put it on her head as it covered her eyes. After I sewed the top to fit her tiny scalp better, she merely tolerated it until I told her she could take it off. Paired with the blow-up ball all things came together like Beach Blanket Bingo.

One more thing, I had Lily wear her underwear underneath the bathing suit so as to keep it *new*. If you know what I mean;)





Seeing as this is a very stretchy material, I'd say it could fit anywhere from a 2T-4T.

And one more thing, for real this time. I noticed someone commented on Lily's shoes in the last post and I was so giddy that someone noticed. It may seem like I have a shoe f
or every occasion but in reality it's always a dilemma. I never have an appropriate one for the dress and make many fruitful trips to the thrift store. I get quietly thrilled when I find what I'm looking for. So, yes, thanks for noticing:)

Last day for posts is Tuesday 8/19/08. Winner will be announced Thursday morning!


As usual, if you would like a chance to win this swimsuit just link back to this post. If
you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

Create a Link!








138 {comments}:

Dawn Elizableth said... Best Blogger Tips

It is so adorable! 1950's here she comes!

Eva said... Best Blogger Tips

Good heavens that's fantastic!

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said... Best Blogger Tips

Absolutely adorable!

Sarah-Jo said... Best Blogger Tips

ndo0qbpllcoooohhh aaaaahhhh thats sooo adorable Kathleen!
Well done tackling spandex your a very brave lady hahaaha
I love the colours and the halter neck but yes I agree with you the swim cap is TDF! pity Lily wasnt a fan huh:(
hahaaha Im the one that mentioned the canvas shoes and they were perfect! ha!

Good luck to all who enter:)

Sarah-Jo said... Best Blogger Tips

sorry about the start of my comment hahaha my lil girl wanted to help me type!

Refugee Crafter said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh I love it! I want one in my size!

green girl said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm so glad you noticed my comment about her always having shoes to match! :) And I'm happy to know the thrift store is coming through for you. They are great places.
I love the suit. I have a great old sepia picture of my mom in a similar type of suit. I've never sewn spandex, but the stretchy stuff I have sewn was a beast, so I can imagine your misery.
I think it goes without saying that I'd love to win.

sarah said... Best Blogger Tips

Your daughter is so cute. I love all your photos!

Emily said... Best Blogger Tips

Me and (mostly) my sister have sewn lots of swimsuits over the years...The key is a stretch needle! Absolutely a MUST!! Your swimsuit looks fantastic! Especially for a "new" spandex sewer. Way to go!

The Blaisdell Family said... Best Blogger Tips

How adorable is that suit??!!! And have you ever thought about being a professional photographer?? You are amazing!

Where do you get time to sew, find props for the pictures and drive to all these amazing locations for your pictures?

And HOW do you get your daughter to take pictures so well? Maybe she's just use to it:)

You are so talented!!!

Rubyellen said... Best Blogger Tips

Kathleen!!! puh-lease!!! i will change my name... make a new blog!!! PUH-LEASE!!!!!!! I know it may not be fair, but heck, life isn't!!! This would be worn and then framed and hung in Brave's bedroom! This is the perfect thing that I was looking for to hang up in her room!!! Come on... True's got a grosgrain fabulous, Brave needs one too!!! PUH-LEASE!!!! I am seriously begging and gravelling (not sure how to spell that one), but i am doing that one too!!!

Maluhia said... Best Blogger Tips

Would you be interested in a knit japanese fabric? Email me if you are. I would love to send you a yard of it and see what you come up with and it would be for you to give away.

You are a fantastic seamstress!

Jonah

Doty Family said... Best Blogger Tips

LOVE IT!!! You are amazing. My Piper would look so cute in it! Crossing my fingers and hoping for some love. Thanks!!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

ok I'm nuts. But i think I heard mention of stretchy thread on Project Runway. I know, I know, I can't sew myself so I like to pretend that I know what I'm talking about. :)

Christi said... Best Blogger Tips

I love it. You are so amazingly talented. The swim cap is soooo cute!

Bunny B said... Best Blogger Tips

Super adorable!! Blogged!

bunnybx at gmail . com

Patrizzia said... Best Blogger Tips

The cutest thing I have seen in a long time!

Becky said... Best Blogger Tips

that is too cute for words! I absolutely love it and it's little vintage look!

Celia said... Best Blogger Tips

The head cap is what I liked most! lol...

kg said... Best Blogger Tips

Just came across your blog..love it!

Renae said... Best Blogger Tips

Spandex can be a bugger to work with. I've made tons of swimsuits over the years and if you aren't using a stretch needle make sure you do--they make a HUGE difference. That said, even using a stretch needle I have still found that sewing on spandex will skip stitches at times. I too having been trying to figure out if there is a better method for spandex and haven't found anything...yet.

Andrea @ Momma in Flip Flops2 said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh... this is so cute. why do i say that about all your stuff, because it is so stinkin' cute and that little cap just makes it.

ty and megs said... Best Blogger Tips

wow! that is darling!

Lyssa Beth said... Best Blogger Tips

Super cute!! I linked you on my site too:
stufflyssamakes.blogspot.com

Chelsea said... Best Blogger Tips

This is really cute. Like, REALLY cute. I wish it was easier to find adorable swimming gear like this. Maybe those patterns you think you could make eventually could start a little sooner ;)?

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I think a previous commenter mentioned the special needle for spandex, and I think that if you can sew it on a serger, too, that would make a difference (but maybe not). You've done better than me, because my own bathing suit is still in pieces after a disastrous attempt at putting it together earlier in the summer. I've yet to pick up a ball-point needle, but intend to do so next month. I'm in Texas and we can swim almost year-round.

wen

Desiree' said... Best Blogger Tips

I give you major credit for atempting this!! I wouldn't touch spandex with a fifty foot pole. I do remember reading somewhere about special thread for spndex, maybe fabric.com?
Very cute and retro. Love the pictures, made me think of a fifty's vaca by the lake.

Desiree' said... Best Blogger Tips

I give you major credit for atempting this!! I wouldn't touch spandex with a fifty foot pole. I do remember reading somewhere about special thread for spndex, maybe fabric.com?
Very cute and retro. Love the pictures, made me think of a fifty's vaca by the lake.

BabyPop said... Best Blogger Tips

Love it your suit are really fun. I think my mother had one just like it. The hat OMG!! I want one!
Stretch needle and wooly nylon thread more forgiving it you use a serger with a safety stitch is key. I will also use a double needle for top stitching.

Shay said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh how adorable!! Just so sweet!

joolee said... Best Blogger Tips

Love it!

None said... Best Blogger Tips

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!!

Monica said... Best Blogger Tips

For all teh hastle it gave yah it turned out beautiful!!

Definatly another job well done!

~Monica~

mere said... Best Blogger Tips

I would need a matching suit for me- this is the most adorable suit I have ever seen!

Your Name said... Best Blogger Tips

My niece saw this swim suit and FLIPPED OUT! She wants one very badly. Super cute!!!

Jobonga said... Best Blogger Tips

I feel your pain. I just sewed myself a bikini and every stitch was a battle. I love your site.

Stephanie said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this suit...retro such a good idea for little girls! If I win I won't have to worry about my girl's little bum hanging out.

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said... Best Blogger Tips

How creative you are! I love that, so patriotic too!

Jessica said... Best Blogger Tips

oh, i think my niece would look adorable in this suit

A and a said... Best Blogger Tips

you DO take really good photos and your daughter is so adorable! your daughter seems to be the same size as mine so i'll be checking your site often to see your talented works in hoping that i will win some of them someday!!!!

betje.com said... Best Blogger Tips

I just LOOOOOVE every single design!!! Can't you sell te patterns online? Or write a book with patterns and how to's? Or both??

Positively Creative! said... Best Blogger Tips

This is ADORABLE...you are very talented!

studio wellspring said... Best Blogger Tips

oh. my. you are one incredibly talented and amazing lady. i just discovered your blog and am in total awe of what you do here. everything is so fabulous. serisoulsy. and this swimsuit? you deserve a big huge shiny gold trophy for this. absolutely fabulous to the 10th degree!

Nicole said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow, I am seriously impressed. I can only imagine how difficult that would be! I don't think I'll personally ever take on spandex! But way to get through it, the suit is adorable. Nice job.

Tiffany Winters said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! And what a beautiful model you have! I am impressed. The suit, the idea, your blog. WOW! It's sweet of you to do this for complete strangers. Really, that's cool!

Sherry said... Best Blogger Tips

I love the suit, but your right the hat is just so cute!! My kids would have cried too!

Have a wonderful week!
Sherry

John and Marissa said... Best Blogger Tips

WOW! That is the cutest suit! Lots of hard work paid off... The swimcap is so fun too.

Stacy said... Best Blogger Tips

I am in love, I think I truly NEED this swimsuit. My fingers, and toes are crossed for you to draw my name.

Claire said... Best Blogger Tips

How absolutely devine is this swimsuit! Your model is even more devine!

Syntax and Salt said... Best Blogger Tips

This is adorable. My daughter has a kind of retro/vintage look, and I think it would be adorable. As always, your talent is amazing and your daughter makes a lovely model.

Kari said... Best Blogger Tips

You are a champ - spandex is evil. Your photos are awesome too. Lily will have quite the treasury to look back at when she's older. Also, am I missing where you post the winners names, or do you just contact them directly?

Tatum said... Best Blogger Tips

that is so so cute! You are so talented~!!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

What a swimsuit! Super cute!

Rebecca Ramsey said... Best Blogger Tips

Lordy lordy, could she be any cuter? I keep thinking I've seen the cutest possible picture of your sweetie, and then you post something like this!
Love her in that bathing cap!
Becky

tiffany... said... Best Blogger Tips

i have to say... i don't have any children... and, probably won't for awhile... but, i love your blog and everything you make! you're so talented and i'm always checking in to see what awesome creation you've come up with!
(p.s... please don't enter me into the contest...)
thanks for sharing your amazingness with us all!

jordan said... Best Blogger Tips

oh wow, this is amazing.

Tamara Mitchell said... Best Blogger Tips

You are so talented! I love this!!!

Tamara Mitchell said... Best Blogger Tips

I also meant to tell you that I got awarded the mommy blogger award and I passed it onto you through my blog because you truly are one of the most talented mommies!

Enjoy!

cowboybunny said... Best Blogger Tips

I love fifties vintage style! This swimsuit is just unbelieveably adorable! I have a daughter who is two and I would love to see her in this! The swim cap is perfect with the suit as well.

HilLesha O'Nan said... Best Blogger Tips

Very cute...and retro!

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said... Best Blogger Tips

adorable..I can imagine the pain and headache of sewing but it looks sweet

Princess Golden Hair said... Best Blogger Tips

so incredibly adorable. I think lily would look tres cute in this suit

ms-texas said... Best Blogger Tips

very cute suit -

Project Couture Vintage said... Best Blogger Tips

Ok, I live in Arizona, we swim through October, it's still over 100 degrees out, and I seriously have to have this swimsuit!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

it's wonderful! and that cap!!!!!

idahomom said... Best Blogger Tips

The next Michelle Phelps. Adorable.

mushbelly said... Best Blogger Tips

So adorable! I can't believe you go to all the work to make this stuff - and then just give it away! What possesses you? You are so talented. Thanks for sharing your talents with the rest of us.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my goodness, I am so glad I found your blog, I have read for the past hour! You have wonderful creations and I will check back often! Oh and that swimsuit...to die for!!

Stacey said... Best Blogger Tips

That is the cutest swimming suit I have ever seen. I would love to win this one. You are very talented! Thanks for sharing that talent with the rest of us!

binabug said... Best Blogger Tips

awesome swimsuit esp for a young lady

JLYNNF76 said... Best Blogger Tips

So cute and such patriotic colors.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

This suit is too cute and so is the little girl.
~Gem

yellowlabs said... Best Blogger Tips

So cute!

madangle said... Best Blogger Tips

love the red white and blue colors, also love the swim cap

Miss Spoken said... Best Blogger Tips

I love it!! My own bathing suit is actually quite similar.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

redron said... Best Blogger Tips

want to win this

Meredith said... Best Blogger Tips

Too darn sweet!Tiny olympiad in training!!

Annie1 said... Best Blogger Tips

You are a talented seamstress! I've not ever sewn with Spandex, because, franky, it scares me!!

See, you are a brave, super seamstress!!

This suit is really so adorable.

Thanks.


nancyrobster@gmail.com

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Your blog inspires me to sew. My daughter is six months old, but I make her grow into these items. I absolutely love to see the beautiful clothing your create. Thank you so much!

bison61 said... Best Blogger Tips

the suit is so sweet and I love all the photos

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Bethany said... Best Blogger Tips

You are totally amazing! I keep coming here because Ruby Ellen is in love with what you make!! And I have to agree!!! So put my name in and I'll enter for her! The poor girl is groveling now!!! ;)

vboackle said... Best Blogger Tips

i like the swim cap.

Linda ★ Parker's General said... Best Blogger Tips

I have you linked on my blog.
looking good!!!1

Liz said... Best Blogger Tips

I love it you are so talented!!

NesieBird said... Best Blogger Tips

These photos are SOOO CUTE!!! Lovely suit!

Bobbi & Noe said... Best Blogger Tips

That does not sound like fun to sew! It looks awesome though. Great job!

andi watkins said... Best Blogger Tips

okay it's my first time here so am i crazy? well maybe.. but dont judge me and i wont judge you {well mabye just a lil' bit if you are seriously just making one of each item and giving it away... thats insane!} I totally want to buy everything and so will everyone i know! please let me know if there is a way to purchase these fabulous clothes. LOVE THEM ;)

andi watkins said... Best Blogger Tips

BTW... I forgot to mention because i was kinda having a small heart attack during my last post...but I LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures as well! you are a very talented lady. kudos to you and all that you do!

Hetal said... Best Blogger Tips

this look so adorable. great job!

herry123_us@live.com

Charmaine said... Best Blogger Tips

Just discovered you... I think your blog is fabulous!!

Ninjaguy4567 said... Best Blogger Tips

I just have to say, WOW. You are simply amazing! You were mentioned on Mom Spark, so I came on over for the first time and I just love you. Now all I need is a little girl.=) Do you ever create boy's clothing?

You rock.

RBS said... Best Blogger Tips

Darling, darling swimsuit. I just love it. You are a talent!
Roxanne

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

This suit takes me back! I LOVE it!!
Thank you so much for the chance!

bjgardella@iw.net

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said... Best Blogger Tips

vbthanks for the contest

richelle jean said... Best Blogger Tips

i LOOOOVEY LOVEY LOVEY LOVEY DOVEY DOVEY LOVE IT!

i want my niece to wear it!!!!!!!!!!

:]

kygirl said... Best Blogger Tips

How sweet is that, my niece loves it,

Brittney said... Best Blogger Tips

this is just perfect for my darling daughter kate!

tatertot374 said... Best Blogger Tips

Thank you for having this! This is absolutely adorable for my 2 year old daughter. Thank you!

mogrill said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow great contest! Thanks for the chance.

Ang said... Best Blogger Tips

That is about the cutest thing I have ever seen! Lucky for me I have a two year old cutie! Thanks for the contest.

kamewh said... Best Blogger Tips

How adorable!

dhunt said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm so glad you noticed my comment about her always having shoes to match! :) And I'm happy to know the thrift store is coming through for you. They are great places.

Millie said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my goodness!!! How freaking cute is THAT??!! Oh I just love it! Thanks for the chance to win!! Wow I love it..
cadewill14[at]yahoo[dot]com

said... Best Blogger Tips

please enter me in the giveaway, thanks1

Kari said... Best Blogger Tips

I can't believe you made that! Wow! It's adorable!!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Just adorable!

agordon10 said... Best Blogger Tips

My daughter would love this.

sewingmema said... Best Blogger Tips

Retro swimsuit for my granddaughters!

The Royal Family said... Best Blogger Tips

how cute, I love it, nearly old fashion style!!!

snowmermaid said... Best Blogger Tips

You did an amazing job!I made a bikini when I was 17 and the first time I dove off the diving board the top split in 2!Luckily, it was a backyard pool and I was alone!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

It's so adorable. Thanks for the entry. angel_2417@yahoo.com

Rachel said... Best Blogger Tips

These pictures are too cute. My little girls would never sit still long enough to take all those photos. Too cute!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I'd like to win this cute swimsuit for my great-niece.
-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

cman said... Best Blogger Tips

Please enter me :)

Tasha Early said... Best Blogger Tips

TOO CUTE!!!!

ldrnc2000 said... Best Blogger Tips

Cute, cute suit! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

bemi said... Best Blogger Tips

how cute!

Melissa and Nate said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow, that is a beautiful swimsuit!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

LOVE IT!

Teri said... Best Blogger Tips

This would look so cute on my granddaughter.

Nana*2*4 said... Best Blogger Tips

Very Cute!! My niece will be adorable

bfox74 said... Best Blogger Tips

My grandaughter will look quite retro in this suit!

Sulane said... Best Blogger Tips

This swimsuit is so cute and I love her little flower hat! So cute!!!

LBSGONE said... Best Blogger Tips

This would look so awesome on my granddaughter.
cherylfrancisco@hotmail.com

LINDALSHOT said... Best Blogger Tips

Very, very cute!

Erica G said... Best Blogger Tips

That is the cutest suit I've seen in a long time! I love it!

Cheryl said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my goodness isn't that purty!! Great job!

Karen said... Best Blogger Tips

So Cute !

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Adorable swimsuit! My daughter would love it :)

absolutestacie@yahoo.com

Donna said... Best Blogger Tips

It is really cute.

Jen D. said... Best Blogger Tips

So cute...definitely reminiscent of eras past. I love the swim cap as well.

lilyk said... Best Blogger Tips

Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!

Simona Gargiulo said... Best Blogger Tips

Sorry, not models but patterns!!!;-)
Simona

Simona Gargiulo said... Best Blogger Tips

mmmmmm I don't know whats happens to my first message!!!:-(
It sayed...what a wonderful dresssss!!!
It would like very well on my girl!!!;-)
Where I can found the patterns of your spectacular jobs?
Kisses and hugges,
Simona...from Italy

Christina said... Best Blogger Tips

Hi Kathleen,

I added a link to my blog of your lovely swimsuit design, with one of your photos (which I also love!) - I hope you don't mind.

You have such a great talent - it is always a treasure to visit your blog. When I saw my name in the Winners list - I was amazed!!! Wow, my niece will look so super-sassy at the beach!

Thanks so much!

Christina
www.modernfrill.com

pbnjammy said... Best Blogger Tips

aaaawwwwwwww.... your site is like cuteoverload except for a super cute and photogenic daughter and the cutest clothes all rolled into one!!! you have to publish a big and juicy lovely coffee table book now.. to go with my other lovely picture books of babies and animals. :) love the photography as well!!!!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Can some one tell me where i can find this place. Want to make a purchase !

~Celeste~ said... Best Blogger Tips

I saw this adorable swimsuit in the Artful Blogging Mag when I picked it up the other day and had envy! I was wishing I was that small and cute:) I draw and paint in my spare time and did a little illustration based on the picture of your daughter holding the ball. I'd love to send you to original! I'll post a picture on my blog so you can have a glance:)

You do really beautiful work!

 
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