The Mermaid Swimsuit My Husband Hates

Guys! I made my first swimsuit!! .. and yes it’s true my husband hates it. I won’t go into all the details of the complexities of my husbands issues with my wardrobe choices. But lets just say his preferred bikini style is a bit more.. teeny weenie? Nevertheless, I made a swimsuit and I look like a mermaid so IDGAF! Details & pattern review to follow.

THE PATTERN I used is the Beverly Twisted Bikini by Named Clothing. This was my first ever Named pattern and I have to be honest I struggled with it. First, I feel like the pattern was poorly labeled. There were no cut instructions on the pattern pieces themselves, so I had to refer back to the instructions. There were also no page matching guides on the pdf to help you tape together your pages, so I also had to refer back to the instructions for the print layout. All this referring back and forth was a little frustrating to me. I also had difficulty with the instructions themselves. As a first time swimsuit sewer, I referenced the instructions much more often than I usually would when sewing up a pattern. I found the instructions to be a bit wordy and confusing at times. Specifically when sewing the bottoms. I ended up dismissing the instructions for the bottoms all together and just sorting it out myself based on my experience with sewing undies.  The instructions remind me of the first time I tried sewing with a pattern using one of the big 4 patterns… it was not an enjoyable experience.

THE FIT on the other hand, is perfect. I didn’t make any fit adjustments to the pattern at all, and I boldly did not sew a muslin (that mermaid print lycra wasn’t cheap!) I am really happy with the overall fit of my handmade swimsuit. When I was researching other bloggers makes of this pattern before hand a lot of people mentioned how skimpy the top is. I don’t feel that way at all. But then again, I am not exactly blessed in that area.

THE FABRIC for both top and bottom is stretch lycra. For once I actually ordered fabric for a project, as I had this specific vision in mind and didn’t have the proper fabric in my stash. The nude mesh I used for the lining and the 1/4″ elastic are the only two things I already had on hand. This wonderful scale fabric is from Joy the Seamstress and my rose gold hook is from Tailor Made. I don’t remember where I got the purple fabric, it was from one of the big online fabric stores.

I did make A COUPLE ADJUSTMENTS to the style & construction of the pattern. First, I wasn’t sure about the rise of the bottoms, so I took off about an inch from the waistline. I still feel like the waistline could come down about a half an inch, I may make this adjustment sometime soon. I feel very covered up down there which I guess is the style nowadays but I’m not used to it. I also altered the lining of the top a bit. The pattern calls for the top to be cut in 1 lining and 1 self. But That would mean your ties at the top would show the lining on the other side. No one wants that. So I cut a seam dividing the lining piece and cut the tie part in self fabric. In hindsight I wish I just cut the whole thing in self fabric but I was concerned about bulk. I ended up having to go in with some top stitching along the edges of the bust pieces because the lining wanted to peak out. You can see all of these adjustments to the top in the photo below. Also I don’t know if this counts as an adjustment but I tie mine differently than the pattern suggests. Mostly because that way was a little too choke-y for me and I’m not a fan of things tight around my neck. I got this tie idea from Rachel at House of Penheiro. Definitely more comfortable this way. You can also just go straight around your neck without twisting, although you may be at risk for a little unwanted peek-a-boo action if you know what I mean.

Overall, I’m super happy with my mermaid swimsuit. It was obviously inspired by Ariel and I feel like I hit the mark. My construction looks a bit wonky especially on the top but when I’m wearing it you cant really tell. I’ve already taken it out for a swim and it didn’t fall apart so I call that a success!

SKIP TO THE END?
Pattern: Beverly Bikini by Named Clothing
Fabric: Scales from Joy the Seamstress, Purple from big online fabric store, lining from stash
Notions: Rose Gold hooks from Tailor Made
Difficulty: Advanced
Adjustments: Lowered waistline, altered top lining piece to include self fabric on ties
Time: 2-3 hrs
Sew it again? I do want to sew another swimsuit, but I have my eyes on other patterns.

 

Happy Sewing!