Bravo Bella has 2 different swimsuit patterns. This is Bravo Swim 2 with the racerback option. Both accommodate great bra options. I even opted to do an FBA on both suit and shelf bra. I really like this part of the pattern! 

As I placed the racerback, I discovered the front sides were WAY weird and needed some sort of strap. If I hadn't, my breasts may have fallen out. So I grabbed some boxer waistband elastic that I had as scraps and used it. There is only 1 strap from side seam to the racer.  The other elastic is that same boxer waistband stuff I used as the bra band elastic, yet another scrap.  The lining is a unique, never before seen fabric used typically for sports bras. I got it as Rose City Textiles was closing. 

The fit is good in some areas and others need help. I've learned I need more length in the lower front (because this was camel toeing super hard) and also for the bust, but I prefer a higher neckline. When your friend's 5 year old decides to stuff his hand down your clevage because it looks fun, that's reason enough. 

The other area that really needs some help is the front leg opening. I've always had a larger thigh in the front, probably from lots of years swimming. I never wear hipsters or any low leg, because it never stays there. It always rides up and I have wedges of fabric at my hip crease which is uncomfortable for walking and stuff.

You can see there's SO much fabric that this is wanting to roll up as I move. Not cool. It's great if that leg shape works for your body. Mine, however, needs an adjustment for a "french cut" leg, which works out to be more of a bikini leg when it's on my body. You'll notice above that I need to remove a lot of fabric and that the suit naturally wants to hang out at a higher leg opening. This photo on the left is when I spend the whole time pulling it down while wearing it. I don't like to tug, or fuss with any of my clothing. 

I was super disappointed with this suit the first time I wore it. I felt yucky about the camel toe shit. I don't want to advertise that way. It's taken me weeks to get back to it.  So, I think I'll be ripping out part of the elastic and redoing the leg. I hope I'll be able to fix it and wear it soon! :) 

I have a feeling I'll make other mods to this suit and make it again. Bravo Bella patterns are really great and quite easy to follow. If you're looking for a low leg, lots of bum coverage suit, this is a GREAT one. . But, I'm already on to 2 other Jalie suits, the princess tankini from pin-up girls and more. 

 I am dreaming of Hawaii big time. So I made this shirt. This was my first ever collared shirt and I really enjoyed making this. The biggest fun? Pattern matching that pocket so it looked seamless and part of the fabric. :) Pretty proud of myself. The instructions on this pattern were great and quite easy to follow. Though, it did help that I learned the burrito method for panty sewing before I did it with the yoke. And I did have to rip it out one time. I'll be making another of these for my pops with some fun boat fabric.