Amber's Four-in-One Vernazza Swimsuit

Swimwear! I am so excited about making my own swimsuits. A plethora of amazing scuba knits arrived in the store just in time for me to whip up a Vernazza for my recent trip to France. It was so hard to decide which print to use, so I challenged myself to make a reversible version! I chose Cobra Corsage and Canopy for the two sides of my Vernazza, which coordinate well enough that I can wear it mixed or matched, giving me four ways to wear my new suit!

Pattern: Friday Pattern Co. Vernazza Two-Piece

Fabric: 1 1/2 yard Canopy Scuba Jersey and 1 1/4 yard Cobra Corsage Scuba Jersey

Size made: Top: M with 1" full bust dart, Bottoms: XL with 1" rise added

Modifications: Made both pieces reversible, added a bust dart and higher rise.

Before I cut out my pieces, I decided to make some pattern adjustments based on my own typical fit issues. I did a full bust adjustment to the top, by adding a one inch dart to the center bottom of the cup.I chose to add a dart rather than gathers, so the cup still has a smooth look. I also decided to make an ultra-high-waist Vernazza, adding an inch to the rise of my bottoms.

I was concerned that the slightly less-stretchy scuba knit fabric (as opposed to a more classic swimwear spandex) would be too fitted, so I went up a size in my pattern. I'm not sure it was necessary to do this, though, and I think the bottoms could be just a tad more fitted.

I finished my suit just in time to take it to France with me - although I actually finished hand-stitching in the waistband elastic on the plane! I was so thrilled to wear it my first handmade swimsuit for my first ever swim in the Mediterranean. My sister and I jumped off rocks and floated around in the waves...my Vernazza stayed put and was a fantastic suit for it!