Bathing Suit Modifications (1-Piece to High-Waisted 2-Piece + a Halter Top)

Two modifications today :) First, let's review the original refashion of this black 1-piece that I did last year. I cut it just below the bust, finished off the raw edges with elastic and that was that.

However, the leg holes on these bottoms were a little snug and when you have a rear and hips that are not toned, a small leg band will cut into your skin (fat) quite uncomfortably (and IMO unflatteringly). So, I unpicked each leg band and found this rubber strip was overlapped by about an inch, meaning that if I only overlapped the ends by a smidge I'd be gaining almost two inches around each leg. Perfect! I zigzagged it to the leg opening and at the point of overlap my machine had a bit of trouble and I couldn't get a clean stitch. Oh well!

Rubber+SewingMachine=FunkyStitches

It didn't matter much as I then folded this in and zigzagged yet again all around the hole to get my finished edge.

Outside and Inside

My next step was to replace the thin elastic I'd originally placed at the waistband with this super wide elastic for better tummy control. I sewed it into a tube, then zigzagged it right sides together with the top of the waistband. By folding it inwards I now have a high-waisted pair of bathing suit bottoms with tummy control that are also super comfortable!

Finding so many uses for this elastic!

Here's how they came out. The leg openings are much more comfortable and don't create that 'double' butt by digging into my rear :).

The gratuitous before & after:

Next up is the halter top from yesterday's bathing suit refashion! Post refashion it was a halter with a gather in the center that I took out before taking this next 'before' shot.

A small preview of the mix&match potential of these two suits ;)

After wandering around Pinterest looking for the perfect neckline, I landed on something similar to yesterday's but halter style (obviously). I started by folding the front in half and cutting at an angle where it started towards the straps. I then unpicked the edges in each direction from each cut by 3-4 inches and resewed the edge to create a slight curve over each side of the bust. This also allowed the straps to set farther out on my sides (which was my goal).

Notice the difference in stitches? Yeah, shoulda checked that before I sewed each new section...:-/

I sewed the bra that didn't work yesterday into this top using a straight stitch along the top edge and tacked it in place along the bottom. I also made a small gather in the center top by pinching and tacking a few stitches.

And that's that! The reshaping and the insertion of the soft foam cup bra were exactly what this top needed and yet again, I feel like I have another great option that flatters and gives me confidence.

Again, one last before & after shot!

Neither of these fixes were overly involved but I feel the results are quite dramatic...especially in how I feel post refashions in each piece! Hope these give you some more ideas on how you can manipulate clothing/bathing suits to work for you!

Peace,
Andrea