Nettie bodysuit for the lake

In Minnesota, we have more than 10,000 lakes and everyone has at least a few favorites.  Near the top of my list is Potato Lake where we spend our annual family summer holiday at the charming and rustic Northern Pine Lodge. When we first started going to Northern Pine Lodge 30 years ago, I spent as much time as possible soaking up the sun- happy to be outdoors and on the lake.  These days, I spend time trying to negotiate summer holiday activities while minimizing sun exposure.  I find if I wear long sleeves and high neck lines, I can significantly cut down on my sun block consumption.

Last year, I made my first long sleeve swimsuit- blogged about here.  Sewing swimwear is so satisfying.  You can get a custom fit- although to be honest, I am still working on the perfect adjustments to achieve that.   Swimwear also requires minimum fabric, and is surprisingly quick to make as most swimwear projects require just a few pattern pieces.  Most importantly, if you get creative with pattern selection and modifications, you can get exactly what you want.

For my maximum coverage swim set, I used the Close Core Nettie Dress and Bodysuit pattern. I used excellent swim tricot that I purchased from Blackbird Fabrics last year. I simply split the body suit in two and added contrast band at the waist.  

I followed the sizing guide based upon my measurements- size 6 on top grading to a size 8 at the waist and hip.  Swimwear is sewn with a negative ease which means the finished garment is tighter than your body measurements- this is essential so the swim suit stays put when you attempt your reverse two-and-a-half somersaults tuck. For example, the chest measurement for a size 6 in the Nettie is 34 inches, but the finished chest measurement is 28 inches  The Nettie includes gorgeous options for necklines and backs. I really love the deep scoop low back and I was momentarily tempted to use that for my swim set, but the whole point of this suit is easy sun protection- and if I have to get help with putting sun screen on my back, that simply defeats the purpose. So I opted for a high neckline in both the front and back.

Conveniently, the Nettie bodysuit includes a pattern piece and instructions for a shelf bra.  I also added foam cups for a little extra coverage and definition.  This was super easy by zig zagging foam cups onto the shelf bra lining. I use a plain zig zag stitch initially when constructing the swimwear- because it is easy to unpick if I need to adjust. Then, I resew the seams using the 3 step zig zag stitch recommended for swimwear construction because it is super strong and can handle all of your lake antics.

The bottoms were a good fit when I tried them on, but I discovered they are not quite tight enough when wet, and I had a bit of sagging and drooping.   In fact, it was when I was climbing onto the dock that my daughter -still in the water- observed swimmer’s itch on my bum! Sadly, I discovered that while this suit is a winner at sun protection, alas, it offers no protection from the nasty parasites that cause swimmers itch. For those who have never experienced swimmers itch- it is fairly common in Minnesota lakes. It is not serious but rather nasty because it is a red rash caused by an allergic reaction to parasites that burrow into your skin. Blame snails and waterfowl.

Although I wore these bottoms several days over vacation, I plan to cut them down one size.

I had enough material to make another top, so I used McCalls 7417.  This is my second go with this top and I find it super quick and easy.  If you follow the sizing guideline on the pattern, the top is not super tight fitting- but I am okay with that because I plan to use this top for kayaking and other lake activities.

Now that I have my mix and match swim sets, I am all set - approximately 9,999 lakes to conquer.