Vintage Swim Wear - The Rebecca Page Bondi Bikini Sewing Pattern Review

Summer Lovin' Having a Blast!  

Get your Bikini Sew Jo on with the Rebecca Page Bondi Bikini.

With several options, you'll sew up this suit in no time. 

- Fully Lined

- Totally Flattering

- Halter Neck

- Diamond Shaped cut out and Front Bow detailing

- Optional Tankini or Bikini Length Tops

- Optional Regular or High Waisted Shorts

 

 

It's a fun suit, and stays on while you play in the water!

 

I especially like the shorts on it - just enough to cover up my big hips and thighs, making me feel my best. 

The back is one piece, and ties up at the neck into a comfortable halter style top

 


The front was actually pretty simple to sew up - but be warned, it does require a lot of swim elastic!  I found a huge roll of 1/4" swim elastic on Amazon for about 80% less than I'd spend on swim elastic by the 2-3 yards in store (at $0.50 a yard!), so it will do me some time for suits and even non-swim suits. 

The fabric was a special from Fabricland (sorry - it's sold out clearance now!), and sewed up amazingly. 

From the side, it's flattering with the high waisted bottoms and normal banded bikini top - the tankini version brings the top band down to meet the shorts 

If you haven't sewn swim fabric before, this is a lovely first time sew - and very forgiving.  

Just remember to use the proper stretch stitch, and take your time.  Don't actively pull the elastic (hold it tight - but don't tug) and the suit will sit on your body properly. 

Grab your Bondi Bikini Pattern Here, and start your summer right!

***Affiliate Links Above used - I love these patterns, and without the help of those who love their patterns, marketing would be extremely difficult for the pattern makers we love and learn to love. Affiliate links help with the hours, fabric, and tears that go behind testing each pattern in order to provide a real-person view on the patterns for you (and me!) 

X Marks the Spot - 5 out of 4's X-Factor Tank

The first reason I was attracted to 5 out of 4 patterns a few years ago was the versatility of their patterns, unique design features, and swim separates that were actually flattering. 

I've been wanting to make the X Factor Tankini for eons, and finally got around to making not just one, but two!  

The different options the X Factor entails are:
- Bikini (or Bra) top
- Straight, gathered, or maternity tankini
- Nursing options
- Bust ruching
- Built in bra cups (removable or sewn in)

I sewed up a Small bust Graded to large waist & hips - for the perfect fit.

My first version can be worn for either swim, working out, or play.  And I LOVE it!  

It's taken me a few years, but I can finally scrap bust in a colour co-ordinating way!  

The fabrics used for this amazing X-Factor Tankini (yes, I'm tooting my own horn) include:

- Random dance fabric from my sister's old stash from her dance clothes making days - the floral, red, and striped fabrics

- Athletic fabric - thinner than normal dri-fit - for the cool circuit fabric - from a mystery pack I received from Zenith & Quasar Fabrics thanks to a sew-along I won last year for my new Doctor Who outfit. If I could get their fabric ALWAYS, I would. I just need to win Lotto Max first (ha ha)

- A lightweight spandex, also from Zenith & Quasar fabrics.  It's super soft and blends perfectly with this colour combo.

I LOVE the way this fits me - like a nice glove!  

I paired it with the Tidal Wave Swim Shorts - another super easy pattern that can easily be workout or swim shorts.  

Sewing the X Factor itself, wasn't actually as time consuming as I thought it would be.  It required minimal elastic, clear instructions, and the sizing was right on.

Although the "X" part looks complicated - it really isn't.  

The binding is wide enough that it's simpler than a camisole binding, and not a lot of stretching is required while sewing it up, thus, minimal room for weird stretching errors from occurring (ripples, creases, etc.). 

My second version is more geared towards summer fun.  

The purple and bicycle fabrics are from Water Towel Textiles - swim/spandex fabrics.  The purple is super soft, and the bicycle fabric I hoarded over the last few years (purchasing it 3 times!), as I loved it so much!

The Black binding is from my scrap bin, and likely remnants of sister's dance fabric stash. 

And finally, the meshy mermaid fabric is from the same mystery pack from Zenith and Quasar.  I could of sized out a bit more for this due to its lack of full stretch, but that's ok with me as-is

I've paired it with my first 5 out of 4 swim shorts pattern - the Reversible Riptides.

I did the front bust ruching in this version, and it looks pretty amazing!  

With the exception of the meshy fabric not being quite stretchy enough, the fit is perfect!  

So, I'd definitely recommend this flattering pattern. Both to challenge your sewing skills with something new, and a versatile pattern that's more than just a bathing suit. 

Grab the X-Factor here!

***Affiliate Links Above used - I love these patterns, and without the help of those who love their patterns, marketing would be extremely difficult for the pattern makers we love and learn to love. Affiliate links help with the hours, fabric, and tears that go behind testing each pattern in order to provide a real-person view on the patterns for you (and me!) 

Summer is Coming...5 out of 4's Key West Bikini, Tankini, Dress Pattern Review

Summer is coming, right?  

Although weather in Ottawa doesn't feel like sunshine and rainbows, the new 5 out of 4 Patterns Key West pattern has definitely put me in the mood!  

 

Fun Features:
- Choose your cup - for the best bust fit!
- Option for bikini top, tankini, knee or maxi length dress
- Options for built in bra with or without removable cups!
- Banded or normal hem
- Key hole front neckline option
- Maternity options
- 2 or 3 back loops!

 

Honestly, I was concerned about the halter-style neck tie, as they cause me excessive neck and shoulder pain, but it is actually super comfortable and I'm able to wear my tankini around the house all day without pain.

The top is supposed to sit higher on the neckline (closer to the collar bone), however, this is comfortable in my situation (aka I stare at a computer all day long for work).

 

I love the band option as it makes the top longer - and I LOVE longer tops. 

This is the perfect tankini for me to wear at camp this year, as I can just jump into the river once I've finished my workout (wood clearing), but still look super stylish while driving the ATV. 

These are important things!

The instructions are detailed and easy to follow - and there is a lot of support on the 5 out of 4 Patterns Group if you have any questions.

 

The most tedious part has to be the tie. It's about 4.5 feet long, and bringing the tie through the loop takes as long as at least half a Netflix Episode.

You could cheat, and just fold the tie fabric widthwise  and zig zag slowly the entire 4.5+ feet and not have to turn the tie inside out.

Aesthetically, it's just nicer when it's turned - but if you get the zig zag in the centre of the back of the tie, it can look just as nice.

 

Really...this has been a LONG winter in Ottawa. A week ago, this snow was 2 feet higher....so I'll take the recent melt as a step in the right direction.

But summer really *is* coming!

I paired my Key West with my first (and not last!) pair of Tidal Wave Swim Shorts. I LOVE them!  The fit is perfect, I don't have muffin top, and they are easy to move in. I opted for just the normal band with elastic, and they stay up without any issues. They definitely feel like a second skin - but in a good way!

If you're wondering where my fabric is from - it's from Water Tower Textiles - my go-to fabric store. 

So, get your Key West Pattern now. 

If we all sew our swim gear, it will bring on the Miami Heat Wave!