Activewear/swimwear is a Jalie specialty. I was given two new Jalie patterns to use with dyesplosion from Funkifabrics.
Swimshorts
Every Summer there’s usually a beach picnic and I find it a hassle to keep changing from picnic clothes to swimwear. These Jalie swimshorts (3351) suit my needs for both situations.
 |
| A view of the swim shorts with built in swim bottoms |
Jalie have used their cool side pockets (similar to their skort pattern) and this clever pattern provides built in swimwear bottoms too. You can add these bottoms in or leave them out. I’ve added these in!
I did a test version of these swimshorts and found I only needed to add 2cm to the centre back seams of the shorts and swimwear bottoms. That’s it.
I road tested the first version at a spin class and they passed. I didn’t feel less dressed than when I usually wear tights. The gym fashion police were silent too 🙂
I road tested the first version at a spin class and they passed. I didn’t feel less dressed than when I usually wear tights. The gym fashion police were silent too 🙂
 |
| Side view of swim shorts with blue contrast. |
The Jalie elastic measurements were spot on. They usually are.
So by the time I made my dyesplosion version, it took me 2 hours ‘tops’ to make my new dyesplosion swimshorts. This time I used a blue panel under the pocket piece for interest. I used this blue fabric for the swim bottoms too.
Crop top
Racer back tops give my shoulders a lot of relief and this Jalie pattern (3247) offers 3 crop top versions. Oh and two basic shorts version to boot!
 |
| Front view of this new swim set |
This time I didn’t test this pattern. I simply went ahead and made view C with the double crisscross straps. I knew the Funkifabrics lining was going to hold me in nicely so the only adjustment I needed to make was with the strap lengths.
 |
| Back view |
The fabric has really good recovery.
Ok, so I placed the large dyesplosion on one side on the front piece. That was easy enough to do.
 |
| Inside look at the top |
View B was my next choice because again, the only real adjustment would be the halter length. I was happy with the top length on View C.
With Summer on our heels, here are some local Jalie stockists:A Little Extra With Ronwarb (eBay store)
Flash Fabrics Located in Hobart (TAS)
Glitter and DanceSew N’ Dance Located in Epping (VIC) – Figure skating, gymnastics, and dance patterns
Sew Squirrel online store – selected patterns for men, women and children
Zebra Fabrics online store – selected patterns (women, activewear)
Zigzag Sewing Located in Georgetown (NSW)
Sew Squirrel online store – selected patterns for men, women and children
Zebra Fabrics online store – selected patterns (women, activewear)
Zigzag Sewing Located in Georgetown (NSW)
For Kiwi readers:
Pattern Postie
About the fabrics
Funki Fabrics are a polyester print base and they are also:
- Ulta chlorine resistant
- Pilling resistant
- Shape retention
- Two way stretch
- UV protective
If you’re seriously considering sewing your own activewear, read Susan’s activewear post that she wrote earlier this year. Her sewing industry knowledge is priceless.
velosews 
Great set. I really like the straps on the back of the top.
LikeLike
Great idea. Love that fabric.
LikeLike
I like your swim shorts. I've been meaning to photograph my new swimwear, but am dreading doing it. Might take flat photos like you 🙂
LikeLike
The other alternative is to make bike shorts. That's what I've made for the next swimsuit:)
LikeLike
Me too.
LikeLike
It's lovely to sew.
LikeLike
The straps make it easy to fit. I have forward shoulders so there's no pattern adjustment needed:)
LikeLike
Very clever!
LikeLike
I love them!! And I saw them earlier in the week via Twitter and had to come back to comment. I love them so much, you've pushed me over the edge to buy the pattern!
LikeLike
These are fun to wear and I can see wearing a pair of these on your next beach visit to Spain.
LikeLike
I love these! They are both stylish and functional! This is exactly what I need for kayaking this summer with a rash top for good measure!
LikeLike
I love FunkiFabrics! I always use them to make my daughters' leotards! I'm currently in the process of making one for her competition in mid December but I'm stuck on which fabric to use – opinions please!!! https://www.funkifabrics.com/product/1502 https://www.funkifabrics.com/product/1018
LikeLike