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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Ready, Set, Snorkel!


Wow, was this a quick sew!

I needed something I could wear swimming and snorkeling and I had very little time to get it together.

I purchased a swim tee from Lands End, in navy with white polka dots. (I really liked the blue tie dye swim tee, but it was not yet in stock.)

Yes, I could sew this, but I was in a rush.

To go with the swim tee, I sewed up a pair of swim shorts. I just happened to buy several coordinating nylon lycra swim fabrics more than a year ago from The Fabric Fairy, so I used the navy-and-white diagonal stripe.

I used the Style Arc Laura Legging pattern, which I have used before. It's a great pattern - it has just one pattern piece - there is no side seam or separate waistband. I chopped it off a bit above the knee, cut it out, and sewed up the three seams, lickety split.

I had plan to complete the shorts using gripper elastic but my order of gripper elastic didn't arrive in time, so I used regular elastic.

I also sewed two short lengths of elastic into the top, one at each side seam, several inches above the hem. This elastic will be attached to the top of the swim shorts, once I have them on. This will prevent the swim tee from flying up in the water and exposing the goods, but there is some play so it can move a bit.

Besides protecting me from sunburn, this swim top lets me wear an actual bra - I will have much better support than if I wore a bathing suit with built-in cups. (Those are not nearly supportive enough for me.)

As you can see, I also ordered a custom snorkel mask from Snorkel Mart.

The process was quite easy - I entered the corrective value separately for each eye - you don't actually need a prescription - it's sort of like buying reading glasses in that regard. (My eyes are -3.75 and -3.5, and the options don't include quarter fractions, so I rounded down and ordered -3.5 for each eye). I haven't worn the mask underwater yet, but I can *really* see with it on dry land. The mask feels very airtight, so I am hopeful that it won't leak.

It will be so nice to *see* the Hawaiian fishies, rather than a big blur, and the mask cost only $55, which seemed pretty reasonable.

And, yes, I have shaved my legs.

To my colleagues and the denizens of Maui: you're welcome.

By the way, the corrective snorkel mask can be used in the shower, too, for useful activities like leg shaving.

If you haven't yet seen the gorgeous jacket that Margy made for the workshop I led, check out Margy's elegant jacket! Also, Gayle has made a beautiful jacket using a pocket pattern that I provided at the workshop. Check out Gayle's beautiful and wearable jacket!

27 comments:

  1. Looks great! did you line the shorts or test them in the shower (to check for transparency)? It's a very cute outfit

    Rose in SV

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  2. FABULOUS! Will you wear your o r a n g e shoes with it?

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  3. Here fishy, fishy..... BTW, are you going to post directions on how to make the pocket on Gayle's jacket -- luv, luv, luv it.

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  4. This is so clever and even chic! Great post - thanks. And somehow I had missed Gayle fabulous new jacket. I want to learn how to make those pockets!

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  5. OMG! Shaving your legs in the shower is a BRILLIANT use for the snorkel goggles! My eyesight just gets worse every year - I may have to look into getting a pair just for that! :-)

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  6. Fab outfit! Love the shower snorkelling idea... i sense a whole new world of underwater activity opening up! Have a fantastic time in Hawaii!

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  7. Dear gosh -- that outfit is adorable -- and need I say it? Great legs!

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  8. You look so cute and ready to go snorkeling!

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  9. Love. Love. Love! Hope you have a wonderful time.

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  10. That is one GREAT swim suit! Love the combo of dots and stripes. How do you think of all these wonderful outfits???!!! And I found Gail's jacket yesterday. I love it. I want to make some of those pockets. Do you ever plan on doing a tutorial? Or just tell us how they are done? Fabulous!!

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  11. You're going to be the best dressed fish in the sea!!!

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  12. How do the sizes run in the leggings? They look great, but I am the pear shape!

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  13. Now that's a cool use of swimwear fabric! The choice in the UK is abysmal. Also, I totally sympathise on the lack of supportive swimwear front. Even underwired bikinis aren't as good as a good bra, in my experience. (I haven't tried one of those magic swimsuits though - I wonder if they are any good?!). Anyhow - enjoy your time in the sun :)

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  14. Ready, set, snorkel! Perfect outfit for having a blast in the waters off Maui. You're all set to really enjoy yourself.
    Plus, you look adorable!

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  15. You are hilarious! I love that snorkel mask photo. Reminds me items I chose for my clown's persona in my clown class. I also love your choice of diagonal stripes. Those are way fun. I like the idea of a single pieced legging, but have usually so many adjustments to waist, hip in both front & back that I end up adding darts and it makes the single piece pointless. Have you run across this? OMG - that shaving your legs bit - FUNNY! You crack me up. Have a lovely time! Take photos. Say hi to the fishies! I'm sure Dory will pop by for a hello too, yes? Just avoid the sharp toothed wonders. Enjoy Hawaii and keep your shirt on! ;)

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  16. Stylin' in the water!!! Love the outfit (especially with the goggles) And give a shout out from me to the umu umu nuku nuku apua'a ;-)

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  17. It looks great! Have fun.

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  18. woo hooo! You look ready to hit the surf! Bon voyage and Aloha!

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  19. Hahaha! Have a grand time in Hawaii, and you will undoubtedly be the most stylish Google employee in attendance!

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  20. Have fun. My husband and I snorkeled on Kauai over New Year's. Try the beach at Poipu if you are in Kauai. It was beautiful and somewhat protected. I hear the water has been rough. You will look fantastic swimming in that cute suit!

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  21. So much fun! Say hi to the fish for me!

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  22. You are amazing - keep the inspiration coming!

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  23. I've been following your blog for a long time, and wanted to share one of my granddaughters jacket that I sewed for her with you. It's my design and I share a journey to the Land of OZ. http://sewmuchtogive.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz-jacket.html
    Thanks for inspiring me all these years.
    Deborah
    sewmuchtogive.blogspot.com

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  24. I love the diagonal stripes with the polka dots. The fabrics go really well together.

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  25. What a great idea!!! Thank you. I've been wondering what I could wear to my aquarobics classes without having to invest in a neoprene scuba diving outfit. Although the pool is heated, even in South Florida, the air sometimes has a chill when you get out of the pool. There was a time when getting in the water with temps in the high 60s or low 70s would not have phased me. However, I've been down here long enough to admit that I've turned into a softie. Heading to the fabric stash right now. If I don't have enough to do what I want, then it's off to the fabric store I go!

    Thanks again for the solution to my challenge.

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