DIY 20 Minute Beach Cover Up

** NO SEW VERSION CLICK HERE!**
**HIGH-BACK VERSION/STREET WEAR- CLICK HERE**
**HALTER VERSION- CLICK HERE**
**MAXI WITH THICK STRAPS HERE**
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Probably my favorite 'la vie' project... ever. I was browsing through a swimwear catalog and saw an adorable beach cover up. I sooo wanted it, but obviously I wasn't spending $45 on it, plus, it was totally make-able. I made some revisions and here it is!
This was one of the easiest projects I've ever done for 'la vie'. It only took about 20 minutes and I can't wait to make a few more. I bought a little bit too much fabric, but that's ok. I'll probably make a jersey scarf out of the rest. 

Maybe it seems a little too early to be thinking about the beach... but seriously, I can't wait. It has been a very mild winter in Michigan (it borders on ridiculous), but that doesn't mean I'm not ready to be warm... all the time. Plus, everywhere you look swimsuits are already on display. I'm guessing it's in preparation for Spring Break, which is only a few weeks away. 
You'll have to excuse some of the dark pictures. I saw the catalog on Saturday at noon and bought the fabric that day on my way home. I was so excited about this project that I made it the same day! So, the pictures were taken late at night. However, I didn't model the project til today, so those are much nicer. 

So- without further ado- the 20 Minute Beach Cover Up!
You'll need...
1.75 yards of jersey or stretchy cotton material, (about 1.5 your waist or hip measurement-whichever is larger, hold up the fabric to one shoulder, wrap across your front, around your backside and to the opposite shoulder. You want enough fabric for it to hang loosely)
Thread + needle or sewing machine
Scissors

(1) Cut it. Decide the length & width of your fabric. You want it to wrap around your body a bit loosely. I chose to have mine hit just above my knees. You'll also need to make underarm areas. I did that by folding it in half and cutting a deep "C". (*you may need more or less fabric depending on your size)

(2) Braid it. Next, take some extra fabric to create the braided straps. I took two pieces of fabric (1 yard by 5 inches) and cut them each into 3 pieces. I did it that way so that even if the little pieces weren't the same width, the finished product would be equal since each strap would be made from 5 inches of width. Knot the ends of 3 pieces together and braid, knot again. Repeat for the other strap. 

(3) Attach it. Pin the braids to the corners of the underarm areas. Adjust the length until they fit your shoulder. Sew them. I used white thread so that you can see, but obviously your thread should match.

Cutting in the angle

(4) Adjust it. Try it on and see if it fits well. Do you need to take more fabric off the sides or bottom? Do you need to shorter the shoulder straps? At this point, I angled one side of the cover up. I may go back and angle both sides. 

Another option: if it's bunching too much in back, you can add in a tapered curve. Start at one end and slowly increase your curve shape til the mid point and then back up to the other side. About 4-6 inches should be the deepest point- at the middle of the wrap. Remember- you can always cut off more later.

(5) Wear it. Start with the fabric behind you and wrap one side across your body, putting your arm through the strap. Repeat. Move the fabric around so that it lays nicely. Admire. You can choose to hem the entire project if you'd like. With Jersey, it doesn't fray so it isn't necessary, the unhemmed jersey will just roll a bit. Personally, I blog 5x per week + work 50 hours, so I'd rather skip that step. It will look more professional if you hem, of course. IF YOU NEED CLARIFICATION OR HAVE QUESTIONS- click here :) 

It was so simple! I can't wait to do more. I think I paid about $8 for my jersey, though I bought too much. At that price, I can make one to match every suit I own! I have another idea for a no-sew version that involves beading. As soon as I can find the beads, it is being made!
I have to tell you that I didn't get my tattoo on Saturday :( I was so bummed! We got to the shop and their power had gone out. The entire street was down, and unfortunately, tattoo machines that operate on battery don't exist yet. I'm lucky, though, our artist told us that he was working on a tattoo when it happened! Luckily, he had finished the outline already. Otherwise it could have been a huge problem. 

I have a big, fun week lined up! So hang on to your knickers- we are going to be BUSY! Don't forget about the monthly giveaway. You're automatically entered by "liking" the FACEBOOK, so head over there and get in on it! Pin It

TERMS OF USE (Modified from ISLY)

This project is free for personal use is not to be distributed/republished without my consent. If this inspires a project for your own blog, that is awesome! But please remember to link back to my original post. Please do not copy this text, use the images or steal this idea for any publications. Thanks for promoting the freedom to INSPIRE!