The Sew A Little Seam Marin

So, I think this will probably be my last post about swimwear for a while. I think. No promises though 😉

This pattern has been on my "to-make" list for the longest. I just kept not getting around to it. I loved how many options it has, and I've definitely been meaning to try it. But to be honest, I'm really just now getting comfortable with swim. 

Previously, I was afraid to sew it because I was scared the suit would fit me funny. I hate wasting materials! But like everything else, sewing and fitting swimwear is kind of a trial and error type thing. You do it, and learn a bit every time. None of my suits are perfect, but I've learned a little from each of them, and can now semi-confidently dive into one. I've learned methods I prefer, I've learned what length I want the elastic in a shelf bra, and I've learned some tricks to sewing with swim. While none of my suits are perfect, they're all wearable. And they all fit as good as, or better than, suits from the store! I've custom made these to my measurements, used cups that fit my measurements, chosen the length of elastic that I like, so even though they're not perfect, they fit my body pretty well. 😏

**Disclosure: I have included my affiliate link throughout this post. If you choose to purchase a pattern using my link, I'll receive a small commission of the sale at no additional cost to you!**

The Sew A Little Seam Marin:

I remember liking this suit when it came out. How could you not like it? There are like a million options. Surely everyone would like something, right? 

You can choose from different strap widths, regular or halter straps, one piece or two piece (bikini, crop, tankini, peplum), ruffles, different scoops for the front and the back, and different options for the boggoms (high waist or low waist, and three different leg options). Like TONS of options. 

Options I Like:

I was drawn to the wide straps at first, because wide straps tend to provide the best bust support. I wear an F cup generally, and I like having support! I also liked the peplum, because it's cute and I knew I could lengthen it to get a swim dress! 

For the bottoms, I knew I wanted to try boy short bottoms. I've always liked very full coverage. I've always felt like regular swim bottoms looked cheeky on me, and I was very self-conscious, so I knew for sure I wanted the full coverage! 

My First Marin:

I made the first one because I wanted to familiarize myself with the pattern/ sizing before the sewalong. I also wanted the top to pair with something else (that I'll share soon 😉). 

For the first version I made, I had a fat half of the fabric I wanted to use. If you're unfamiliar with different fabric cuts, a fat half is a half yard of fabric, but it is cut lengthwise instead of across the width. A typical half yard has the full width of fabric by 18 inches in length. A fat half is the full 36" tall but is half of the width of the fabric. 

A fat half is apparently just enough to make most 2 pieces for me. I haven't worn two pieces in a long time, but here I am making them this year. 🤣 I guess the difference is that when I make them, I can make them cover as much as I like, with as much support as I like!

For this suit, I chose the wide straps, bikini option, with high waisted bottoms. The front of my bodice was cut on the mid-scoop line, and the back was cut on the high scoop line. I did make a shelf bra using one layer of swim lining, one layer of power net, and sew in swim cups. The only modification I made to this suit was sewing a band at the bottom of the bikini top rather than the elastic. I made my band 4" wide and 22" long (roughly 80% of my underbust measurement). I thought I'd like the band, and I do. The bottoms are high waisted with the boy cut legs. I didn't have 1/2" swim elastic for the waistband, so I substituted with 3/8". I thought it would be close enough, and it works! 

My Second Marin:

For my second Marin, I had a full yard of the fabric. I really wanted to try out the peplum option. I wanted it to be a little longer, so I ended up using the "long peplum" pattern piece, and added an additional four inches to the length.

The options for this were mostly the same as the first suit I made - mid-scoop front, high scoop back, boy short legs, but I did use the low waist rather than the high waist for these bottoms. I was low on fabric, and because of the peplum, you can't see where the waist hits anyway! This suit also has a shelf bra made with swim lining, power net, and swim cups. 

I love the length. The peplum with the added inches is just long enough to cover the bottoms on the back. That's what I was hoping for! 

For this suit, I also took 1/2" from both the front and back strap lengths. After making my first suit, I knew I could have them a bit shorter. 

I love the fit of the suit. I think it is very flattering. 

The Fabric:

This is my favorite part. There are so many gorgeous swim fabrics out there, that I HAD to get comfortable sewing them, right? My favorite shop, Amelia Lane Designs has an awesome selection of swim fabrics! And they also have plenty of athletic fabrics that are also swim friendly (like the triathalon base). This month (June 2020) is SWIM month! They have discounted all of their swim fabrics through the end of the month, so it's an excellent time to stock up and try new things!! 

Everything I used for these suits (with the exception of the thread) came from Amelia Lane Designs. I got the swim lining, the power net, the cups, and all the elastic from there. 

I love this shop! They are super fast, have wonderful service, and are just great people! 

Thanks for Reading 💗

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