Galactic Cosi Swimsuit

Hello, and Happy Friday!

Today's an awesome day - it's COSI DAY!

//stitchedtogether//grayallday//buzzmills//doguincho//kidapproved//jsmilaniandco//

groovybabyandmama//minadotter//craftinessisnotoptional//welcometothemousehouse//

whileshewassleeping//nearestthepin//thesewingrabbit//paisleyroots//rebekahsews//

straightgrain//nestfullofeggs//sisforsewing//emmyloubeedoo//handmadefrenzy//

When I first started seeing bits and pieces of the Cosi Swimsuit pattern coming together over on Suz's blog SewPony, I was SO. PUMPED. UP.  I had never had the desire to make Em a bathing suit until I saw this one.  It's just perfect!

Two super huge bummers to get out of the way.  One: my serger is in a bad, bad way and it ate my first Cosi. I need to get it tuned up before I ruin another thing!  Two: 5 minutes before this photo shoot, Em tripped knee first at about 30mph into a wrought iron candle stand (no lit candles involved!) and she was despondent. She wasn't hurt badly, but... you know. 4 years old. The struggle is real.

So that said, I did't get many pictures at all!  And I didn't successfully make the 3 Cosi's I planned to.  Le sigh. 

But this is no reflection on the pattern, which is truly fantastic.  It's actually like 10+ patterns in one!  The amount of style combinations you can put together to make your Cosi is bananas.  See:

Seriously!

For my super-simple halter version, I used this amazing galactic Lycra print from Spandex World.  The quality is so so nice ad substantial, and this particular print comes in other colorways!  The suit is lined with a super soft swimwear lining from The Fabric Fairy - another great source for swim fabrics.

The Cosi has wonderfully thorough instructions, and the pattern itself is drafted to perfection.  The fit of this suit!?  I couldn't believe it actually fit better than some store-bought suits Em has - and I MADE IT! There is nothing more satisfying than that. 

Nursing her wound, poor dear.
In the weeks leading up to this patterns' release, I gathered a respectable collection of swimwear fabrics, and made so many Cosi plans.  Once I get my act together, there will be many more of these puppies!  I'll be sure to share them. :)
I can't urge you enough to give this pattern a shot!  Suz has made swimsuit-making foolproof.  You can do it!  And don't let my serger woes scare you... you actually don't even need to use one - I am just a glutton for punishment it would seem.

Suz has also been kind enough to offer a coupon code - COSITOUR15 - for 15% off through the end of the Cosi Tour (psst, that's today!).  Head to the SewPony Vintage pattern shop and grab your copy!  Thank you, Suz!
And do check out the other, less grouchy/mortally wounded Tour participants:

//stitchedtogether//grayallday//buzzmills//doguincho//kidapproved//jsmilaniandco//

groovybabyandmama//minadotter//craftinessisnotoptional//welcometothemousehouse//

whileshewassleeping//nearestthepin//thesewingrabbit//paisleyroots//rebekahsews//

straightgrain//nestfullofeggs//sisforsewing//emmyloubeedoo//handmadefrenzy//

Have a great weekend, everyone!

A Retro Rucksack!

Hello, and happy Wednesday!

Today I am pumped to be sharing with you my version of Radiant Home Studio's Retro Rucksack!

I love this bag!  I am not a bag maker by any stretch (I've made one tote bag), so when Sara of Radiant Home Studio asked me if I'd be interested in joining her blog tour, I really had to think about it!  I didn't want to do her a disservice by destroying her gorgeous pattern.  But the style really appealed to me, so I quickly signed up and put m'big girl pants on.

So happy I did. Between the design and the built-tough construction of this bag, I can safely say it's going to get tons of use!  We're going camping this weekend, and I am stoked to stuff this bag full of... anything! Everything!

The lower fabric is a vinyl called Nassimi Vibe. It's discontinued, so if you want some, act fast!  I love how it looks like a woven fabric but it has the durability of vinyl.  The main floral fabric (brown + florals AGAIN SARAH?! Lol :) is an out-of-print Waverly fabric from the remnant bin at the retail store of the company I work for - OnlineFabricStore.net! It's truly hazardous heavenly to work there.

Speaking of ALL THE FLORALS, we're having a sale! All floral fabrics are 15% off until July 21st. I'm not asked to advertise these things, just love my job and want to share the awesomeness with you.  Get the florals before I do.

The amazing hardware is from BuckleGuy.com.  That transaction was smooth as silk.  They had everything I needed and it arrived super fast.  Will visit them again for sure!

The brown cotton webbing is from this lovely Etsy shop. Another smooth transaction there.  I had also purchased the wider width brown webbing from the same shop for the bags' shoulder straps, but when I sat it all together, it was too much brown. Even for me hahaha. 
So I hemmed and hawed about what to use for those backpack style straps, until I set eyes on my yoga strap.  Ha!  It was the perfect accent to the light grey/blue subtleties in the floral print. It was also exactly the width and length called for in the pattern.  What the what?!  LOVE. IT! Sorry not sorry, yoga strap.

Huge amounts of space.

Recessed zipper to keep all your things safe.

Pockets on either side, perfect for a phone or compact umbrella. So cool.

I failed to get pictures of the inside (DAH!!!), but it's got two perfect pockets - one a large, stabilized patch pocket (ideal for a tablet or book), and the other an easy to install zipped pocket.  Perfection.

I am loving this bag, guys!  It was not hard to make at all - it was smooth and so rewarding! Pick up your copy HERE, and make an awesome rucksack!

Make sure you visit the other stops on the tour - so much creativity, and not a single bag looks alike!

Retro Rucksack Inspiration Tour:

Monday, July 14th Radiant Home Studio || Sweeter Than Cupcakes 

 Tuesday, July 15th Quarter Incher || Dandelion Drift   Wednesday, July 16th Glitter + Wit || EmmylouBeeDoo   Thursday, July 17th Casa Crafty || Behind the Hedgerow   Friday, July 18th SewVery || Raspberry Sunshine   Saturday, July 19th Mia's Creations || Made By Sara
Have a good day, guys!