Tutorial: 99 Cent Store Bikini Makeover # 1

Nothing beats crafting, unless you are crafting on the cheap!  I found a couple of bikinis (yes, bikinis!) at the 99 Store during one of my shopping trips.  The wheels in my head started turning before I could even start rummaging through the rack to find my size.   Lace trimmed bikinis are super popular right now, but I have been having a hard time trying to find one in my size the local stores, so I decided to make my own.

I paid a buck for each piece, and the lace was in my craft bin, I bought it at WalMart years ago and had forgotten about it. It was $1 for 3 yards and came in a little plastic bubble. You will also need pins and thread in a color that matches the lace as closely as possible.  ( A contrast color would look great as well but the thread color will hide any mistakes you make.)

 Arrange lace any way you like it, using a lot of pins to hold it in place.

 Since my lace was pre-ruffled I decided to just use it as a trim.   I pinned it along the top center.  Here is where it gets a little complicated, if you are going to bring the trim over the bottom tie string, remember that you will be sewing it in place so you won't be able you to adjust the cups. Make sure you try on the suit and have the cups in the spot you want.

 I set that aside and started on the back of the bottoms. I pinned lace to the top edge right along the trim.

 I measured down 3 inches from the top and marked with chalk, I did this on both sides.

 Then I added another row of lace.

 Then I measured the distance between and added a row of lace at 1.5"

 I turned it over and laid it out and thought it still needed a little something so I added a row of lace in the front.  At this point your suit should be full of pins and if you like the design laid out, go ahead and sew.  If not, now is the time to tweak it a little.

 Now you are going to tack the lace in place.  Set your machine on a long straight stitch.  Although it is not recommended, I always sew over the pins, I know I'm horrible but the worst thing that will happen is that you will break a needle and bend a pin.  I have a bunch of needles so what do I care?  Sew slow, you'll be alright.  Then after you tack, set your machine to a zig zag stitch, this allows for some stretch, in the tread,( the last thing you want to do is start busting out at the seams at the pool) and sew over lace again. Do it twice if you are paranoid or are using cheap thread. 

 There's the front of the bottoms.

 Then flip over and start on the back. Do it the same as you did the front, tack first, remove pins, and sew on a zig zag stitch.

 Last but not least you are going to do the top. Make sure that you remove the pads or insert thingies that are in the top first if this applies to your suit, if not don't worry about it.  

 All done! Top and front.

 Top and back.

Sorry about the pics, I don't have a dress form yet, and there is no way in hell that I am posting pictures of myself in a bikini on the interwebs.

Long Live The Dollar Store!!!

Any one who knows me, knows about my rapturous love of dollar stores. I love the Dollar Tree and the 99 Cent Only Stores, and will find any and every opportunity to shop at either one.  I think I get it from my mom, who taught me everything I know about the good old "dolla" store.  Oh, don't act all uppity...if you have eaten at my house, you have eaten 99 Cent store food!
I know, I know I should be buying local to help support the economy and I shouldn't be buying a bunch of cheap s*** from other countries, and blah,blah, blah... I just can't help it, I always find such good stuff there and it makes me feel like a smart and savvy shopper.  Where else can I get 100 items for $100 bucks in Southern California??? I'll tell you where...NOWHERE!  My husband often gets on my case for buying everything at the "dollar stores."
 Take the other day for example.  I went to the nearest 99 Cents Only store and hit the jackpot! I found 4 bags of Udi's Gluten Free Bagels!  I almost broke out in song and dance in the freezer section of the store.  When these can be found (rarely) they cost $5.99 for a bag of 4 bagels. Since I am too cheap to pay that much for anything, I hadn't had a bagel in 9 years.  That being said I am currently hoarding them like a squirrel hoards nuts.
On the way out I hit the jackpot again when I found organic lettuce, heirloom tomatoes and those little, sweet bell peppers that I love so much.  Then in the aisle with the tools I found hot pink and black zebra printed duct tape (what I will use it for, I don't know, but I'm sure I'll think of something.)  On my way to the checkout, I noticed a big bin of clothing. Teenie and I rummaged through it and found a few Hanes solid color t-shirts that would be great for crafts.
Which leads me to another thought...there has been soooo many times that I have been able to make complete meals from 99 cents store foods, and complete cheap crafts out of Dollar Tree items. It is really possible to make something out of practically nothing if you are creative...or just really cheap like me.