Two summers ago, Martha wrote a guest post about jumping into the unknown waters of swimsuit sewing. Now, as she shows her swimsuit drawings brought to life, Martha reflects upon challenging herself to sew that first swimsuit and using her MyBodyModel fashion croquis to design for the body that she loves.
In today’s blog post, I have chosen to share with you a snippet from my journal.
Journaling has always been my way of releasing and reflecting upon my day and I have added a Gratitude component which allows me to reflect on the beautiful things in life that has brought me joy and happiness.
Dear Jo,
(Typing this made me laugh out loud because such formalities are not common but blame it on my years of being a pen pal *now I’ve aged myself*! Google “pen pal” – these unicorns may still exist)
Today I finished sewing my 6th swimsuit!!!! I still can’t believe it. For whatever reason I find sewing swimsuits soooooooo much fun and I love the challenge it brings. Can’t help but give all the credit to MyBodyModel!!
Size inclusive from 31 to 54″ bust, 23.5 to 48″ waist and 34 to 54.75″ hips
“Was wrapping up my sewing space to get the room ready for painting last week when I caught a glimpse of #mybodymodel swimsuit edition 🤔Had some Ankara scraps left over and the pattern was already cut..made sense to just DO IT […] There are lessons to be learned for going against the norm in your sewing journey. This was fun! “
@garichild
Based on my Instagram memories, this time 2 years ago Erica encouraged the testers to get in on the fun for #curvyyearofsewing Swimsuit/Bodysuit theme using MyBodyModel and asked me to do a post.
Huh?! What?!?! Me?!?! I had no clue what I was doing or how to even sew a swimsuit.
Size inclusive from 29 to 60″ bust, 23.5 to 56″ waist and 33.5 to 63″ hips
But who backs down from a sewing challenge? Not me! If it wasn’t for the challenge, I don’t know if I would have even tried to sew a swim suit and for that I am sooooo grateful.
Grateful for a tool that I can use in my sewing journey that allows me the creative space to design for MY body.
“Last year was the first time I found myself brave enough to even attempt to sew a bathing suit and now I’m here for every bathing suit test if you’ll have me…lol. Thank you @mybodymodel for giving me the boost I needed to get started, I love seeing my croquis come to life”
@garichild
Size inclusive from 29 to 56″ bust, 23.5 to 51″ waist and 33.5 to 59″ hips
How many times did we print out the usual fashion industry croquis and not be happy? *insert rolling eyes* Even the so called “curvy” versions were too hourglass for my fruit bowl figure, a.k.a. pear in front, apple from the side. Blessings from the genetic side of things.
Size inclusive from 29 to 60″ bust, 23.5 to 56″ waist and 33.5 to 63″ hips
Evie Swimsuit sewing pattern by Caramiya
Size inclusive from 32 to 56″ bust, 26 to 50″ waist and 34 to 58″ hips
“I truly believe that I’ve been sewing all these swimsuits to get ready for this day. Being able to make a suit that flatters all my curves is soooo empowering.”
@garichild
What I love even more is that with each new version of MyBodyModel, the better the croquis gets. That back view available now is giving me life!!!
Size inclusive from 31 to 58″ bust, 25 to 54″ waist and 33 to 61″ hips
Size inclusive from 31 to 58″ bust, 25 to 54″ waist and 33 to 61″ hips
Alice High Rise Bottoms sewing pattern by 5 out of 4
Size inclusive from 25 to 54″ waist and 33 to 61″ hips
Look at what a difference a year makes in this sewing journey. Thank You MYBODYMODEL. Thank you for developing a tool that allows me to design for MY BODY. Thank you Thank you Thank you #GariChild
For more swimsuit drawings and sewing inspiration, check out Martha’s sewing planning process and follow her on instagram @garichild!
Martha, 1st generation Garifuna princess born and raised in New York City by my Guatemalan parents. I’ve always been intrigued by the art of sewing garments but continuously found a way to push the thought aside for years. Forever challenged by my friend to dig deeper: “What would you do if you were not afraid?” #lightbulbmoment Learning how to sew is such a rewarding experience and I absolutely love it!!! I am self-taught and still learning which can definitely be an adventure as I traverse the art of sewing for my curvy body. You can follow my sewing journey and shenanigans on Instagram @GariChild.
7 thoughts on “#Sketch2Finish: Swimsuit Drawings Edition by Martha”
Those are all absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful job you did and you look lovely. If mybodymodel can help me do that I’ll just have to buy…..
I’ve flirted with the idea of swimwear for 5 years and I have everything I need, except the confidence to begin. I consider myself a reasonably accomplished sewer, but for some reason the idea of swimwear seems impossible. You’ve done a great job and you look amazing in your suits. Your post inspired me to move the swimwear pattern from the bottom of the “to sew” pile up to the top!
These are amazing! I feel like I always get nasty-surprised when I try on store-bought swimsuits, largely because they never seem to work on my bumpy parts, like my hangy-down post-c-section belly. I saw the croquis where Martha traced in the bottom edge of her belly and it was like having fireworks go off inside my brain. I love that these suits work with the belly curve, and not against it. I love that it’s clearly intentional, and that Martha is working her skills AND her body.
I’m not a good visual artist, and I’ve never invested in a croquis like MyBodyModel because I’ve never really understood how it would work for me and my crud drawing skills. But as I look at Martha’s sketches, I see that her sketches are actually really simple, but they STILL are incredibly accurate visualizations of the final product. This is really encouraging to me as a non-visual artist, and it makes me think a croquis would help me up my own apparel game. Thank you all for sharing this post, and thank you Martha for putting your creations out there. This was really helpful!
I want to give props to you for creating so many wonderful swimsuit looks and rocking them in the pictures! You look amazing! It makes me think, “maybe I can wear a swimsuit again”.
These are all absolutely incredible! Thank you for all of this inspiration!
I bought the Body Model croquis, but haven’t used it yet. I think I’m going to make a bralette first & try to use it soon.
Now that you made it to the first step, keep going! Once you put in your measurements and print out your personal croquis, it gets easier.