Bikini Lover Launches ...

Aloha! 
On September 4, the "bikini lover" brand launched at The Village Markets in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, Australia.
The range consists of hawaiian vintage print 100% cotton bikinis, hula skirts and aloha hearts...
Every bikini lover creation is part of a strictly limited edition fabric print run. They're completely unique and irreplaceable, which gives each piece a real feeling of authenticity. Mahalo x

Hawaiian Holiday ...

Recently bikini lover traveled to the Hawaiian Islands spending most days at the beach soaking up the sunshine under swaying palm trees, frolicking in the ocean at Waikiki Beach, enjoying a few sunset cocktails at The Royal Hawaiian, shopping at The Ala Moana shopping centre, taking loads of photos of the amazing scenery on this tropical paradise, sourcing hawaiian fabrics and finding many treasures to bring home and share with you all. 
Still in love with the hawaiian people, their culture and the "Aloha Spirit!

Laughing Beauty - Metal Gear Solid 4

I was planning on completing MGS4 Raiden for Comic Con 2011, but when Konami asked me to judge their cosplay contest, I put that project down to make something I could judge in.  I chose to do Laughing Beauty because I already had usable fabric on hand, it would be something comfortable enough to judge in, and it was a costume I was already planning on doing in the future. 

This costume was made with wet look spandex and 4-way stretch vinyl.  I rush ordered custom stamps to put on all the white text and barcode detailing.  For more information on the sewing aspect, check out this blog entry.

I only had about 3 or 4 work days, so there are a number of things that were incomplete or need to be redone.  In the future, I plan on making the correct gloves, styling the wig better, and maybe even tinting the dark grey fabric to make the contrast more drastic.  Also, while all the white text is there, it isn't as clean as I'd like and I plan on redoing it.  For the time crunch, I am happy with it!

Photos by Eric Ng and Mike Rollerson

Making Bodysuits

I get a number of questions on making bodysuits with stretchy materials, so I thought I'd write up a little guide.

1. Make sure you use a stretch stitch!  It allows the seams to stretch without the thread breaking, and it isn't distracting as a top stitch if needed.  Here's my favorite stitch to use:

2. Always use 4-way stretch fabric on every part of the suit!  If you don't some parts could be too tight once fitted, or wrinkle strangely.  Also keep in mind that when sewing a lot of foam pieces on top of a base suit, the suit may become tighter.

3. Invest in a walking foot.  It moves the top and bottom pieces of fabric together, which reduces puckering in stretchy fabrics and vinyl.  It also is fine to use on non-stretch fabrics.

4. For a pattern, I use a zentai suit that I took apart.  If you use this method, use a zentai suit that's a touch larger than needed in case the fabric you use isn't quite as stretchy.

5. If you want to use a mesh overlay, all you have to do is cut the mesh out of the same pattern.  Make sure it's 4-way stretch, or you may not be able to put on your suit!  If you want, you can sew the edges of the mesh and spandex together before putting the suit together, but I find it's not usually necessary.

6.Before adding anything on top of your base suit, make sure you fit it first.

7. If you want raised/padded portions such as on the Old Snake costume, all you need to do is cut the same size of a thin piece of foam and fabric to cover it with, and just top stitch the fabric around the foam onto the suit.  Make sure the fabric is pulled tight!  If you do the reverse of this (foam and fabric on the inside of the suit) you can make a really clean looking muscle suit.  I use the thinnest green foam found at JoAnn's.

Inspired Everday...

bikini lovers Hawaiian journey of 3 weeks found abundant beauty and delights through out the Hawaiian islands .. Inspiration for the September launch of bikini lover! ...  so much to share ... you will be inspired as we are everyday ... enjoy x

Vintage Treasures Found In Kauai...

1940's hula girl and ukelele man

Aloha Hawai'i...

Years ago... gigantic volcanic eruptions formed a great range of mountains in the middle of the North Pacific, just below the tropic of cancer. Some of the mountains rose out of the ocean depth and formed the Hawaiian Islands.When visiting Hawai'i, you should try and visit at least 2 of the 5 principle islands, each of which is full of its distinctive beauty and characteristics.. Oahu - "The Capitol Island" skyscrapers line along the world-famous Waikiki Beach in this city, Hawai'i - "The big island" as it is the largest of all the Hawaiian islands, Kuaui - "The Garden Island" as this island is covered with lush, green vegetation and Maui - "The Valley Island". You have not lived until you have seen Hawai'i.