Swimsuit Season!

I've wanted to update, seriously, but I've been super busy- particularly preparing for the Galveston Beach Revue.   Check out the link to learn about the event and it's history.  http://www.ibcgalveston.com/beachrevue/   I've made all of my swimsuits, except for the second category in the first year, which I entered at the last minute (literally) with a swimsuit I had in my trunk.
The event has grown larger every year, including the pre-party the night before, which has now evolved into the Bands and Bombshells Concert http://www.ibcgalveston.com/beachrevue/bandsandbombshells.html , and 50 registered contestants.  Lots of local tourism magazines, and sometimes Texas Monthly feature photos from and articles on the events.

photo courtesy of Alyssa Holub/ Mileslove Studios milesloveeyecandy.com

One of the most beautiful things about this event is that I've met some really great gals along the way (and also recruited some pre-existing friends and acquaintances to participate!).  So lots of ladies in the South Texas and Louisiana area (they've even had contestants from Chicago before!) have been searching for vintage and repro swimsuits, commissioning custom work from local seamstresses and designers, or designing their own, like myself.

So I won't bore you with tales of mail-order fabric fiascos and pattern drafting and sewing like crazy; maybe not yet.  I can't wait to be done with this year's swimsuit and be among lots of ladies who love vintage looks.  After it's all over, I'll be posting more photos of the stuff I've been finding, as well as stuff I've been working on.  In the meantime, I'll be sewing like a madwoman.