modesty and swimsuits

"Modesty" is one of those topics that can really heat up a room if you're not careful.  Each family's idea of what modest is will be somewhat different because each family is different.  I've seen what can only be described at "cat fights" between women who think that their standard of modesty should be practiced by all.  I hope my children never participate in those discussions.

As my girls (and boys) grow up we've developed our own ideas of what our family considers modest.  Our views are, at times, based upon body type and being comfortable - as in not self-conscience - about what we're wearing.  We've also learned that modesty isn't entirely what we wear but it also can be how we act.  Most importantly, I hope my children learn that what is immodest or inappropriate for our family might not necessarily be immodest or inappropriate for another family.  Above all, I hope they give grace to those who have different standards - either more strict or less strict - than us and fight the temptation of becoming self righteous because of their "modesty". 

And so, with these thoughts on my mind I thought I'd share a little more in depth about how we make Phoebe's swimsuits a little more comfortable for her to wear. 

First, you need some swimsuit fabric that matches the suit. We usually get a contrasting fabric since it would be hard to find the exact same color at the fabric store. You need about 1/8 of a yard. You'll have plenty left over. You can probably do four swimsuits with 1/8 yard.

This is the swimsuit top that we bought on clearance last year.  See that plunging neckline...that is what we're going to fix in less than 15 minutes.

Cut some fabric that is twice as deep as the plunge - you are going to fold it over with the fold at the top so you don't have to worry about hemming it.

Pin one side of the swimsuit to the fabric with pins sticking out...this is one project you probably just want to sew over the pins (gasp!).  Pin the other side just to keep the fabric in place while you sew side one.  Make sure that the straps are out of the way.

Sew along the original stitching...both rows.  Go slow and make sure you remember to back stitch just a couple of stitches at the beginning and the end to lock in the stitches.

Remove pins and pin the second side again making sure that the straps are out of the way.

Sew along the original stitching.   Go slow and make sure you remember to back stitch just a couple of stitches at the beginning and the end to lock in the stitches.

This is what the back should look like when you are done stitching.  Peak under and make sure the lining is laying flat.  If not take those few stitches out and resew them.

Clip the extra fabric really close to the outside seam without clipping the seam.  Swimsuit fabric won't fray so you don't have to worry about having raw edges.  Hand stitch the very bottom and tack it down. 

...and Voila...a swimsuit top that you don't have to worry about while you're having fun at the pool or beach.

This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.