It's Swimsuit Time!
 News You Can Use
 My Pattern Designer Subscriber Newsletter | Volume 13
This issue of the MPD newsletter is all about swimsuits - How to use the swimsuit design tool, how to construct swimsuits, and how to get some FREE patterns to go with your swimsuits!  Let's start with that topic first! 

These FREE patterns require My Pattern Designer 2 to work properly!

1. The Pareo. Known throughout the world as a sarong (India), lava lava (Samoa), kikepa (Hawaii), sulu (Fiji), wraparound (USA), beach coverup & of course the pareo (French Polynesia). NOTE: In all pieces mode, this pattern drafts a vent pattern piece on top of the front pattern piece. This mis-placed pattern piece is not in the way when printing.

2. Belted Beach Wrap. This is an unfitted, straight sided, straight hem wrap with a vee neck, straight sleeves and flared tip tie belt. Could be really cute in beachy cotton or lace.

3. Pull-On Apres Swim Skirt. This is a very simple, flared, elastic waist skirt with waistband, center back vent, midi length, best made from a crinkle cotton gauze or similar light fabric. Fast to make - no panels, cut on the fold, midi length, no closure to bother with, but you can be dressy enough to wear to lunch.

To get your FREE MPD2 patterns, click here. After they download, run the file to unzip your new patterns to the default location of MPD / MyPatterns folder. You can change the Unzip-to location to any other folder you prefer. That's it. Load and go! 

Using The Swimwear Designer Tool
by Kaaren Hoback

Its summer time and nothing says summer better than relaxing at the ocean/lake or poolside in a comfortable and well fitting swimsuit. Styled for you by you.

There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars and hours of frustration finding The Suit- make your own and make several! They are not difficult and can easily be made in an afternoon with time to spare. Full construction details are included with every pattern just click “print” after making your selections and click on the sewing instructions. Every thing is there, including how to compute your stretch factor, seam finishes, apply leg and armhole elastic, setting in bra cups and linings if desired. The detailed instructions include photographs of all the important steps.

The choices are amazing and include every style line from bikinis to classic one-piece suits. You may select from waisted empires or Grecian halters, two-piece suits even swim dresses or tankini’s. This means any body type from slight little pre-teens to the more mature full figure can get a suit that fits and is attractive in just a few hours with less than 20 dollars in fabric/lining/elastic and even molded cups. (I have suits I have made for less than 6 dollars).


You may select from 17 different front neck styles, 9 different back neck styles and adjust the neck width and depth, strap placement and width, leg style and shape using very user- friendly tools. As you pass your cursor over each ‘neck style’ a photo appears showing you exactly what to expect.

Click here to read more....

How To Construct A Swimsuit:
by Kaaren Hoback
 

Lay out your fabric well in advance and allow it to rest flat at least a few minutes, carefully graining your fabric. Read the help article on swimsuit fabrics for more information on suppliers and tips for working with swim fabrics.

Prepare the pattern:
I color over the important fold and mark lines so I can see them clearly and not “forget” something.

Note that Seam Allowances for swim wear is ¼ inch NOT 5/8ths.


Adjust the closure depth for the type closure you desire.

The circle represents the swim or molded cup placement at true under bust and bra band.

General Notes:

Thread: Polyester threads are ideal so sewing on most swim fabrics. I often suggest organic thread with organic fibers and synthetic with synthetic.
Your swimwear may be subjected to chlorine and or salt which are very destructive to organic threads. (Hint: the “chlorine out” type shampoos may be used to wash your finished swimsuit and will extend its life!)

Elastic:

Have on hand sufficient thin lingerie elastic or rubber swim elastic to use on the armholes, leg openings and possibly around neckline to snug in the swimsuit to the body.

Click here to read more....
The Swimwear Design Tool is included with MPD2 Pro as are the Grecian Halter Tool, Empire Waist Tool and Shirring Tool, all of which can be used on your swimsuit patterns. If you do not already have MPD2 Pro, check out our Summer Spectacular Offer - upgrade to MPD2 Pro and get the entire MPD Unlimited Swimwear Collection for FREE!   Click here for full details!

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