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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I DID IT! I finished the bathing suit pattern... and of course, there's a giveaway...

It's done!
(You can't see me, but I'm doing my victory dance, and it's one of those really good, embarrassing victory dances.)
So after weeks of work, lots of swearing, paper cuts, marker stains, headaches, and bottles of wine, I have this to show for it:

Bathing Beauties Sewing Pattern

It's a 1940's style one or two piece bathing suit pattern that I modeled after several of the vintage patterns in my collection. Version 1 is a fully lined one piece bathing suit with pantie underlining. Version 2 is a two piece/ Bikini/ Bra and skirt. The bra is faced, the skirt also has a pantie underlining, and tie belt.

I'm really, really pleased with how this one came out, and I also found a great tool that let me save the file at only 3.7 mb! That's the same size as one of my tiny 5 page pdf patterns. Yay! I won't have to email it in 2 parts!

You want one don't you? I thought so. So of course there's a giveaway in here. 
All you have to do is...

1. Become a follower of A Few Threads Loose... and leave a comment saying you did. If you already follow, you can leave a comment about that too. The more, the merrier!

2. For another entry, you can "like" A Few threads Loose on Facebook... and leave me a comment saying you did.

3. You can also mention A Few Threads Loose or the pattern on your blog for another entry.

4. And lastly, I really want to know what you look for when you are buying or sewing a bathing suit.  I personally think that what you don't show can be just as sexy as what you do show. I want something that covers my bum properly, makes my thighs look smaller or hides them altogether (while I'm dreaming) and I have to have a big floppy sun hat to match.

I'll announce the lucky winner some time in the first week of September (we're moving to a nicer house nearby and I'll make the announcement once my computer is unpacked.)


Good luck!
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38 comments:

  1. Brittany_Va-VoomVintageAugust 23, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    I want one! Another amazing pattern, well done!! Congrats on your new home as well. I hope the move goes smoothly :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. MollyAugust 23, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    I just became a follower, that is a great pattern! I look for the magical "good fit" but also an unpadded top. I hate having to wring out my boobs when I get out of the water. That's not really classy, but otherwise, they never dry!

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  3. WashugirleAugust 23, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    It makes me wish I knew how to sew. The bathing suit looks so cute. And I believe would fully cover my bodacious hips and bum.

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  4. LLADYBIRDAugust 23, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    WHOA! i am ridiculously excited about this pattern!! aerfhghg if only summer wasn't almost over (well, in america i mean). put me in for the giveaway - i'm already a follower :)

    as far as what i look for in a bathing suit... i'm gonna be frank here. i like suits that make my boobs look good. haha! bum coverage is nice - i don't want perma-wedgies while i'm trying to walk around. oh, and padding in the top - not a lot, but enough so people can't tell whether or not i think the water is cold :)

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  5. AlyssaAugust 23, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    I'd never seen your repro patterns before, but I favorited your Etsy shop, because I'm sure I will buy one at one point! I like that they are in PDF form.

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  6. AnonymousAugust 23, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    I would love to be entered in this giveaway. I follow you. Dangtryagain@msn.com

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  7. DebiAugust 23, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    YAY! Count me in! I'm already a follower but I'm going to 'like' you on facebook too!

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  8. midevaAugust 23, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    It's great,I.m a follower.want to win but will probaly buy it,live in Hawaii,aways summer.Will link to my blog if I can figure it out.

    ReplyDelete
  9. A. HurtAugust 23, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    I'm already a follower :), but I will mention the giveaway on my blog tomorrow! I'm a sewer, but haven't tried a bathing suit yet, but this one would be a perfect start! -ally

    http://confessionsofavintagestoreowner.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. HollyAugust 23, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    i am already a follower.

    what i look for when i'm buying a bathing suit is basically the suit i had between the ages of 13 and 15. it was perfect. it was kind of 1940-50ish (i thought.) two-piece, white and navy blue polka dots and stripes. the bottoms were belly button high and included loose shorts that gave the impression of being a skirt without the fuss of floating up in the water. the top was a halter and gathered in the middle. i wish i could remember the brand because i would HUNT IT DOWN. i think i got it at dillards. i should figure out how to make that suit.

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  11. VictoriaRAugust 23, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    I have just become a follower. What a wonderful pattern. I like to have a little more coverage.
    I'm fair and the less skin exposed to the sun the better.

    ReplyDelete
  12. osovictoriaAugust 23, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Love this bathing suit pattern! Love the way it covers the hips and is not plunging low at the bustline. That is what I look for in a bathing suit. I already follow your blog. I'm going to go like your facebook page now and post this link on to my blog, so all of the above. I'll post again once the last tow steps are completed and thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  13. osovictoriaAugust 23, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Success, posted your giveaway on my blog http://www.osovictoria.com/2011/08/repro-vintage-swim-suit-giveaway.html and liked you on Facebook, yeah!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Another Sewing ScientistAugust 23, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    How timely.....please take a look at my blog post about making a '40s style swim suit in imitation of my grandmother:

    http://anothersewingscientist.blogspot.com/2011/08/another-sewing-scientist-nova-scotia.html

    I thought I could try to draft my own, based on a '90s style princess seamed minidress, but your pattern would save me time (and frustration), since I'm still a beginner.
    Vicki

    (I subscribed and liked AFTL on FB)

    ReplyDelete
  15. JenniAugust 23, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    What a great pattern! I am a follow and also like you on Facebook.
    When looking for a swimsuit, I am looking for something that has coverage and allows me to feel comfortable in my own skin so I can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  16. sorbetsurpriseAugust 23, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    I really don't like showing my 'curvy' belly on the beach so I would go for a one piece not a bikini. Love your pattern it looks really retro!

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  17. Camelia CrinolineAugust 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    Gorgeous pattern. When I'm buying a bathing suit I mostly look for vintage styles that are high waisted and flattering on my small bust.
    I just became a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Paolla WanglonAugust 23, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    I follow the blog via Google Friend Connect! :D

    paollawanglon@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Paolla WanglonAugust 23, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    And I've also 'liked' the fan page on facebook!
    It seems to be such a pretty pattern. I'm very anxious to see one of them made!
    :D

    paollawanglon@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. MarieAugust 23, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    Oh, yes please, count me in! I'm already a follower and I 'like' you on Facebook too! I just love vintage-style swimwear, it's so elegant and sexy at the same time!

    ReplyDelete
  21. JenAugust 24, 2011 at 2:59 AM

    I LOVE IT! I'm already a follower (and not on FB, but that's no biggie).

    ReplyDelete
  22. JenAugust 24, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    And so far as a bathing suit...I like the classic "retro" styles like this. I grew up on old movies, including a few Esther Williams flicks, and just think the bygone styles are so elegant, sophisticated and alluring precisely because they DON'T let it all hang out! They're more flattering, too.

    I love this and am definitely going to buy one...It'll be my first ever PDF pattern, but it's WONDERFUL!

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  23. UnknownAugust 24, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    I am a follower

    Steph @ Tart Deco
    tartdeco at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. DaneMumAugust 24, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    I already follow your fantastic blog by mail subscription :D

    ReplyDelete
  25. DaneMumAugust 24, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Now I'm also a 'liker' on FB :D

    ReplyDelete
  26. SamAugust 24, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    Please add me to the giveaway! Your patterns are always beautiful. I was already a 'follower' Sam xox

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  27. SamAugust 24, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    I now 'like' you too :-) Sam xox

    ReplyDelete
  28. JoAugust 24, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    this is beautiful! I just became a follower, and I wold love to have a pattern like this. I have the worst time buying swimsuits, because nothing covers my "ghetto booty", and thighs. Love the flirty skirt and waist tie of the two piece. great job!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Making ChangesAugust 24, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    Congrats on a great pattern! I would love one and I am a follower of your blog.

    Thanks for the blog and the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnnabelleAugust 25, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    You are so talented Anna! I love this new pattern. Bathing suit shopping . . .ugh! I want something that doesn't make me look like a boy with hips (ha, good luck with that!). I follow you and adore every post.

    ReplyDelete
  31. GlamoursurfAugust 26, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Anna, Bravo! I'm now following your blog and FB page and also did my own little blog post about your wonderful giveaway here to my vintage swimwear fans! Please enter moi!!!

    http://www.glamoursplash.com/2011/08/vintage-swimsuit-pattern-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  32. AdrianneAugust 26, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    What a cool thing. I need me a copy of this!

    ReplyDelete
  33. KateAugust 28, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    So pretty!!!

    And I'm already a follower :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. AndieAugust 28, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    I followed! Wow...I'm so glad that I saw the link on Glamoursplash...love your stuff!! I'm off to like you on Facebook, as well! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  35. TinaAugust 31, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    I am now a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  36. TinaAugust 31, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    I liked A Few Threads Loose on facebook (Tina Crossgrove)

    ReplyDelete
  37. TinaAugust 31, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    When I buy a bathing suit, I look for two things. I look for something that is going to flatter my figure (I'm big busted, tall, and of "good European stock"--i.e. not fat, but not thin waisted!). I also look for something a bit funky whether thats in cut or in fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  38. manavJanuary 7, 2013 at 11:39 AM



    Thanks for sharing, I will bookmark and be back again











    Send Large Teddies

    ReplyDelete