Okay, y’all, let’s talk about my latest obsession: vintage swimsuits. Specifically, those killer 80s and 90s swimsuits. There’s just something about the high-cut legs, the bold prints, and the unapologetic confidence they scream. So, naturally, I decided I needed to make one myself. Because, why not?

The Quest for the Perfect Fabric (and a Little Help from Our Robot Overlords)

Finding the right fabric was a journey, let me tell you. Nothing in the stores was hitting that nostalgic sweet spot. So, being the resourceful (and slightly extra) person I am, I got some custom printed. I mean, if you’re gonna do it, do it right, right?

Now, here’s where things get interesting. I had a vision, but my pattern-making skills are… let’s just say “developing.” That’s where my new best friend, ChatGPT, came in. Seriously, screenshot a pattern you like, upload it to ChatGPT, and ask it for a printable pattern. It’s like magic, I tell you! Technology, folks – who knew it could help us achieve peak retro swimwear?

Sewing Our Way Back to the Golden Era

Here’s the breakdown of how I brought this vision to life. It’s easier than you think, even if you’re not a sewing whiz:

The Bandeau Top: Simple, classic, and oh-so-80s. It’s literally just two long squares. Cut, sew, repeat!
The Bottoms: I wanted a double dose of that amazing print, so I cut out the bottom piece, split it in half, and then sewed it back together. A little extra work, but totally worth it for the visual impact. And, of course, two strings for the top because you know… safety first!
The Sewing Shenanigans:
Bottoms Up: Sew the bottom pieces together using a straight stitch, but here’s the secret: *slightly* pull the fabric as you go. This gives it that scrunchie effect that’s so iconic.
Seam Time: Stack all four pieces and sew them together.
Zigzag Time: Fold over the borders into a zigzag stitch.
String Attached: Attach them together on the sides,attach opposite strings, fold it and sew it together.
Top It Off: Fold these top pieces and sew them as well. I used my serger for this part, because why not be fancy?

From Flat Fabric to Fabulous Fit

Now for the magic trick: flipping everything right side out.

Then, fold the fabric onto itself with the seam on the outside, leaving a little space at the top. Do a straight stitch, but *stretch it as you sew it*. It is a game changer to the shape.

And those spaghetti strap ties? Yeah, I might have gotten a little overzealous with the length. A quick chop-chop, and they were good to go. Let’s be real, nobody’s perfect.

Obsessed? Maybe Just a Little…

And that, my friends, is how I created my very own 80s/90s inspired swimsuit. I’m obsessed with how it turned out, especially with the print. It’s giving me all the retro vibes.

But here’s the thing: I might have taken it too far. I can’t stop making bikinis out of this fabric. My closet is starting to look like a vintage swimwear explosion. I might need an intervention. Or maybe just a bigger closet.

If you’re interested in fashion trends, maybe you need to upgrade your wardrobe by taking inspiration from the past. Check out this blast from the past about Nostalgia & Retro for unique vintage finds.

The Moral of the Story?

Don’t be afraid to embrace your obsessions, even if they lead you down a rabbit hole of custom-printed fabric and questionable sewing decisions. And always, *always* remember that ChatGPT is your friend.

Sewing your own clothes is a fun and creative outlet. For more creative content, check out Design Style.

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There’s something about these swimsuits from the 80s and the 90sthat I’m obsessed with, so I’m gonna try and sew one myself.Couldn’t find a fabric that I like,so I got these ones custom printed.You can screenshot this pattern,upload it into ChatGPT, and ask for a printable pattern.The top is gonna be a bandeau.It’s just gonna be two of these long squares.I want both prints on the bottom,so I’m gonna cut it out and then cut it in half,and then cut two strings for the top.This is everything cut out.Let’s sew together our bottom pieces.I’m just gonna do a straight stitch,but I will slightly pull it as I go,and it’ll look like this.Stack all four of these pieces and sew them together.Fold over the borders into a zigzag stitch,attach them together on the sides,attach opposite strings, fold it and sew it together.And then you’re also going to fold these top pieces and sew themas well. I’m going to use my serger to do this.Flip them right side out,and then fold it onto itself with the seam on the outside,and leaving a little bit of space at the top.And just do a straight stitch,but stretch it as you sew it.And we need to make the canal the spaghetti goes through.I did these way too long, so I’m just gonna chop that off.This is How cute it turned out.I’m obsessed with this print.And I might have taken it too far,because I can’t stop making bikinis out of this fabric.