Summer Holiday Rowsuit
Summer Holiday Rowsuit Front View
All Photos by Audsley Jones
Pattern: Self drafted rowsuit
Pattern Size: Small
My Measurements: Bust 85cm; Waist 71cm; Hips 83cm
Pattern Adjustments: Lined back and gusset
Fabric: Both from the wonderful Nellie Joans; Top - Frondescence Blue Swimwear by Andrea Muller Collection 2020; Bottom - Black Supplex
Label: Won’t Stop Can’t Stop by Kylie and the Machine from the 2021 Kylie and the Machine Advent Calender
Machines: 3034D Lock Overlocker (Brother) and CoverPro 2000CPX Coverstitch (Janome)
It is no secret that rowing is my happy place, finding rhythm and melody in the rowing stroke brings release and joy to my overthinking mind. I have been rowing since 2013. I cannot imagine life without rowing, there is something so simple yet technical about the movement and those early morning moments of stillness on the water where nothing else in the world matters are special and cherished. Also racing 2km is pretty damn fun!
Rowsuits are not your typical ready to wear (RTW) item available off the rack. Normally available in club colours, custom rowsuits are rare and can cost in excess of $100. I prefer to train in rowsuits, they are comfy, can be worn up or down, and are very handy at carrying drink bottles. My current training supply is aging and many in desperate need of retirement. I have made two rowsuits prior to this, both made from lycra using the same self drafted pattern based on my favourite features from my selection of RTW rowsuits.
I decided to step away from traditional lycra, trying two different Lycra compositions; recycled polyester and nylon swimwear and Supplex. Swimwear material is extremely versatile, one of my favourites to sew sports bras out of and is typically opaque, requiring only a single layer. I saw this fabric from Nellie Joans and immediately wanted to make a rowsuit from it. The swimwear material is not water wicking, but does not hold water/sweat the same way Lycra does, resulting in a comfortable wear, even if soaking wet (very handy when you have a rowing partner who has amazing backsplash, backsplash that occasionally gives you a shower), it is also very quick drying. This swimwear material is made from a combination of recycled polyester and nylon, both synthetic fibres. Recycled polyester and nylon use a closed loop cycle reducing the heavy impact these fibre compositions typically have on the environment and also reducing landfill impact.
The top was straight forward in construction, all sewing was carried out on the overlocker and coverstitch. I prefer to use fold over elastic for the arm and neck holes as it does not produce additional bulk and is less likely through user error to produce warping of the neckline. I added in a cute “Won’t Stop, Can’t Stop” label from Kylie and the Machine, I failed to baste this in so its not 100% straight.
I decided to use Supplex for the bottoms, Supplex is a water repellent, breathable and a non-pilling Nylon (polyamide) blend, using smaller, more highly packed fibres than traditional Nylon producing a soft, cotton like feel. It is not the most environmentally friendly fabric, it is energy intensive, however in comparison to nylon is not treated with additional chemicals e.g. for water resistance, therefore is more friendly on the environment, water ways and your skin.
I decided to double line the bottom back and gusset for additional comfort and to aid in long term wear. The Supplex fabric does not agree with my rough rowing hands (not quite the silky nylon feel) but is extremely comfortable and does not roll up the leg throughout training which is a big “must” in any rowsuit. My shape has changed around the glute/thigh region in the last 24 months, and I wish I had added an additional 1cm in height to account for this (regardless it still fits really well).
All up this rowsuit took less than an hour to put together and is my current favourite to wear. The bright top makes me feel like I am on a holiday in the islands, bringing a smile to my face every time I slip it on.
