Basically Jalie Blog Tour- Swim Basics

#3889 (Melanie Kimono) and #3134 (Racerback Swimsuit)

Hello, lovely readers and welcome to my stop on the Basically Jalie Blog Tour! The Basically Jalie Blog Tour features over twenty bloggers, over the course of a week, using Jalie patterns as a wardrobe staple. Since February is my daughter's birthday month (!!) and since my daughter also swims competitively, we took Jalie to the pool! :)

Today, I'm featuring the #3889 (Melanie Kimono) and #3134 (Racerback Swimsuit). One of the (many) reasons that I love to sew up Jalie patterns is the fact that all Jalie patterns include 27 sizes- from toddler size 2 all the way to women's size 22 (US). That's a HUGE size range included in the price of one pattern. For a point of reference, I sewed up a size "O" in both patterns.

#3134 (Racerback Swimsuit)

For the #3134 (Racerback Swimsuit), I didn't deviate from the pattern. I also didn't include the optional piping. Swimsuits (in general), can be difficult and time-consuming to piece together and sew. However, I find them greatly satisfying once completed. Plus, if I'm really honest, I really love the fact that I don't have to iron/press anything when sewing with swim fabric (haha!). ;-) 

#3889 (Melanie Kimono)

For the #3889 (Melanie Kimono), I used a thick, mystery, border knit (I know, I know- the pattern suggests drapey wovens- I'm a rebel ;-). The fabric is a mix between a french terry and maybe a type of not-so-stretchy sweatshirt material- perfect for a chilly swimmer getting out of the pool, in between heats. Because I was cutting around that GORGEOUS border print, I did have to piece together the belt and I used ribbon for the belt loops. I LOVE how the Melanie Kimono came together- enclosed neckline seams and easy-to-wear drop shoulder sleeves.

Also, thanks to my sew sister Ti, of Simply by Ti, I want to highlight the great swim fabric that I received from her online shop. The black and pink swimsuit fabric is thick and sturdy- just want you need in swim material. It was easy to sew up and didn't fall apart while assembling and sewing. Shipping from Simply by Ti (WY) to myself (NC) was fast and prompt. I would defiantly order from Simply by Ti, again.

#3889 (Melanie Kimono) and #3134 (Racerback Swimsuit)

So, whether you are sewing for everyday, or, for a specific sport such a swimming; Jalie patterns are a great option! If you go to their website, you can even go ahead and read through the instructions BEFORE purchasing (and, remember, each pattern includes a huge size range of 27 sizes). Feel free to be inspired by the other bloggers and sewists on the Basically Jalie Blog Tour by checking out their links, below. Happy Sewing!

#basicallyjalie

GIVEAWAY!

Are there some Jalie patterns you've been itching to get? Now's your chance to WIN YOUR JALIE WISHLIST! Head over to Jalie's website, create an account, add your favorite patterns to your wishlist, and complete the rafflecopter form below (patterns must be added by February 12, 2019 11:59pm EST to be eligible). Incomplete entries will be eligible for fabric prizes only. For extra entries, join our Jalie sewalong! Make a Jalie "basic" between January 28 and February 12 and share it on Instagram with hashtag #basicallyjalie and/or in the Basically Jalie Album in the Sewing with Jalie Facebook group. We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who have teamed up to provide the following prizes (please stop by their shops and show them some love!):

Grand Prize (Worldwide) Win Your Jalie Wishlist - Up to $100 CAD in patterns! Discovery Trekking Outfitters - One (1) x 50 USD gift card D&H Fabrics co. - One (1) x $50 USD gift card

Sewalong Prize (Continental USA only) Win Your Jalie Wishlist - Up to $25 CAD in patterns! The Sewciety - One (1) Subscription box (value: $48 USD) Simply By Ti - One (1) x $20 USD gift card

Sewalong Prize (Worldwide, excluding Continental USA) Win Your Jalie Wishlist - Up to $25 CAD in patterns! PatternReview.com - One (1) x $30 USD gift card Discovery Trekking Outfitters - One (1) x 50 USD gift card

(Note: gift cards exclude shipping unless otherwise stated on sponsor website)

Enter the Sweepstakes Here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Blogger Lineup

Be sure to visit these talented sewing bloggers during the tour:

Wednesday, Feb 6 - The Petite Sewist | auschick sews | Replicate then Deviate | Deepika Blogs

Thursday, Feb 7 - Sew What Yvette | Sew Cucio | Shalini's Sewing Space | Curtiepie | A Jennuine Life

Friday, Feb 8 - SeamsLikeStyle | It's Liesel | SewSophieLynn | Danvillegirl Sewing Diary | Skirt Fixation

Monday, Feb 11 - The Crafting Fiend | Sprouting JubeJube | its sew colorful | Diskordia's Curvy Sewing

Tuesday, Feb 12 - All Things Katy! | BigFlyNotions | needle and the belle | Zoopolis