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Synchro Swimwear is the first in Marie Porter's Spandex Simplified series, and is all about designing and creating spectacular and durable competitive synchronized swim costumes.
This book is appropriate for beginner to advanced levels of sewing ability, and is written from both a designer, and former "performance" athlete's point of view. It will teach everything from the basics, to tricks of the trade. Spandex Simplified : Synchro Swimwear will prepare the reader to design and make almost any design of competitive synchro swim suit imaginable.
Given the cost of decent competition suits, this manual will more than pay for itself with the savings from just one project!
The entire book is written completely in laymans' terms and carefully explained, step by step. Only basic sewing knowledge and talent is required. Learn everything from measuring, to easily creating ornate applique designs, to embellishing the finished suit in one book.
Please note: As spandex patterning and sewing techniques are largely the same across many styles of costuming, a large portion of each Sewing with Spandex title is the same/similar to the other Sewing with Spandex titles. We recommend consulting the Table of Contents for each book you're considering:
Basic Principles of Swimwear Design
- Proper Fit & Synchro Considerations
- Figure Flaw Camouflage
- Designing for the Swimmer
- Designing for the Music
- Visibility
- Functionality
- Colour Theory
- Unity
- Selecting Fabrics
Pattern Alterations
- Measuring
- Using a Pattern
- Sizing a Pattern
- Adding Length
- Removing Length
- Adjusting Curve of the Back
- Adjusting the Butt Length
- Adjusting for Higher Leg Openings
- Base Pattern Alteration Final Notes
Sewing Techniques
- In the Beginning
- Cutting the Fabric
- Seams
- Elastic Application
- Thread Colour Selection
- Colour Blocking
- Applique
- Lace Overlays
- Lining
- Basic Assembly of a Suit
- Closures
- Making Straps
Style Techniques
- Crossover Back
- Hole Back
- Basic Halter
- "Choker" Halter
- Basic Strappy Back
- Multiple Crossover Straps
Embellishments
- Sequins
- Rhinestones
- Hand Painting
- Glitter
- Foil Embossing
Accessories
- Scrunchies
- Bun Covers
- Headpieces
Proper Care of Competition Suits
Inspiration Photos
Resources
Note Pages
About the author
Marie Porter is an Autistic polymath, which is just a fancy way of saying that she knows a lot of stuff - and does even more stuff - with a brain that runs on a different operating system than most.
Because of that OS, her career has spanned across many facets: She's a trained mixologist, competitive cake artist, professional costumer, and - last but not least - author. As of 2016, her written works include 6 cookbooks, 6 specialty sewing manuals, and a tornado memoir.
Her work has graced magazines and blogs around the world, she has costumed for Olympians and professional wrestlers, has baked for brides, celebrities, and even Klingons. Marie is now proud to share her wealth of multi-disciplinary knowledge and experience with cooks and seamstresses around the world.
