Made for Mermaids

  • Pattern Review of the Tessa Twist

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    Pattern: Tessa Twist Sports Bar
    Designer: Made for Mermaids
    Fabrics: Sports Performance from Clover & Co. Fabrics
    Skill level: Beginner
    Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 39.5″
    Size made: Orange
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: I love this fun tank/crop. The twist adds interest and if you make it from swim material, you can use it as a bikini top.
    Cons: The bottom band is a little fiddly, but if you sew slow and pin/clip lots, you should be fine.

    The Wrap Up

    I was a tester for this one and when I first saw the tested call come up, I jumped at the chance as I loved the twist in the front. 

    I ended up doing both the pretest and the full test. My first version I mucked up my cutting by not cutting a mirrored pair, but in the end I didn’t mind having the white on the other side as I thought it added contrast. There were a few tester photos that did a contrasting tank as well.

    I made a size Orange which I felt was a good fit for me. My breasts felt supported and like I wasn’t going to fall out, I didn’t have any side ‘boob’ and the back was comfortable. My only note would be that the recommended elastic length for the sports band version was too big for me. I ended up opening up the side and taking out about 4″ of elastic to get a nicer fit for my under bust. 

    My final version I also added power mesh in the inner layer which I think worked really well. There are instructions for adding foam cups if you wanted to also.

    The construction can a take a little to get your head around, but having the photos to check really help. I think as long as you go slow and check against the pictures regularly, it’s a fairly easy sew.

    Shop Tessa Twist Pattern
    Shop Clover & Co. Fabrics

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  • Pattern test & review of the Baby Poppy

    Pattern: Baby Poppy
    Designer: Made for Mermaids
    Fabrics: May Gibbs Accent fabric – Spotlight. Solid Cotton Lycra – Sew Unique
    Measurements: Chest: 19″ Waist: 21″; Height: 31″
    Size made: 9-12 months
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: As soon as I saw the tester call for this one I signed up immediately. I couldn’t resist the bubble romper option and adorable flutter sleeves.
    Cons: I wasn’t a huge fan of the way the crotch snap section was done in the instructions, so I may change it to something I am more comfortable with in future garments I do.

    Links:

    Baby Poppy Pattern
    Made for Mermaids FB group

    The Wrap up:

    The minute I saw this pattern I knew I had to test it. It just looked so dang cute! I love a bubble romper style and flutter sleeves get me every time. Throw in the button front and I was seriously swooning.

    I am very lucky to live next door to a pretty cute little girl and her amazing mum and dad who let me sew and use this little cherub as my model. I love sewing for Ted, but I don’t think its any secret that girl clothes are cuter. Well, they are easier to dress up I think.

    The baby Poppy also has plenty of other options included such as sleeveless, short & long sleeve, skirted and peplum. The button placket can either be faux or functional. Being a bubble romper style there is also plenty of room for either disposable or cloth nappies and the snap crotch makes it super easy to change when needed.

    I did have a little trouble with the snap crotch as its not a style I am used to and I’ll be honest, I didn’t love it. I think in future I might change it slightly to something I am more comfortable but is just as functional. Though I probably need to give it another try the way it is listed in the instructions before I make any rash changes haha.

    This pattern is definitely a winner for me and I have already ordered some gorgeous lounge rib from Clover & Co (I love their printed lounge rib) to make some more as I saw another tester use lounge rib and it was to die for. It almost makes me want another baby. *Almost* haha.