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I recently posted the matching mommy and daughter looks I made during testing for the new Made for Mermaids Tai Top and Bodysuit Pattern. You can see that full post HERE.
Today I want to focus on the looks I made for my daughter during testing and give my full review on the girl’s pattern. As much as she loves the stretch velvet top trimmed in pearls, I wanted to make her both some casual everyday tops and a leotard for her dance classes. Let’s begin with the two bodysuits I made for her to wear as layering pieces or everyday wear.
Super soft and cozy for fall and winter, this bodysuit was made using the beautiful DPB from Sly Fox Fabrics. The fabric I used was the Navy Dot Small Rose Dots, I don’t currently see the navy but there are other colorways. I made the long sleeve high neck version using bands for the neckline and leg finishing. The leg bands are a little loose compared to using elastic so if you are making an athletic/dance leotard I would use the picot or elastic to finish those areas.
After creating the bodysuit in the DPB I decided to try it in some 14oz. cotton spandex from LA Finch Fabrics.
This one is paired with the Avery Vest Hack I created a tutorial for, it is found HERE.
Her favorite way to pair it was with this kid’s kimono I made her using some inexpensive sheer fabric from Walmart. 
And last, but certainly not least was the dance leotard I created for her. I used the same 14oz cotton spandex I linked above with a stretch lace overlay. I wrote a tutorial for how to create a lace overlay that you can find HERE. This particular lace was an inexpensive one I picked up at Walmart but it held up surprisingly well.
I used the girl’s bodysuit with mini skirt option, long sleeves and flutter to create this look. It certainly adds a little time to this make, but I think the end result is worth it. She can’t wait to wear this one to dance class and I can’t wait to play around with fabric and see what other creations I can make her.
Overall, this pattern is a great one providing lots of versatility. You can see I have already made the top, bodysuit, and dance leotard options, so clearly I think it’s a good one. But, read on to see my full pattern review on the newly released Tai Bodysuit and Top for girls by Made for Mermaids.
Tai Bodysuit, Skirted Leotard & Top Pattern Review
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
The Tai pattern comes in sizes 1/2 to 14. Tai is a fitted knit pattern FULL of options. Choose from a bodysuit, skirted leo or top option. The bodysuit is perfect to wear as a leo with optional skirts in a tutu length or mini skirt length. Choose from a scoop back or low back. The neckline or bodysuit/leo can be finished with a band, elastic or picot elastic. Perfect for year-round wear with a tank, short, 3/4, long and optional flutter sleeves can be added to any option.
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Pattern from Made for Mermaids- can be purchased here
Knit fabric that has good recovery – many testers used double brushed poly, cotton lycra or similiar
3/8 inch elastic or picot elastic
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes, these were all made to reflect the final finished pattern.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Very easy to follow. This top and bodysuit comes together quickly and easily. There are no difficult or tricky steps. The attaching of the different types of elastic, bands, and picot is also all laid out for you on the pattern. Adding the skirt and flutter sleeves adds a little bit of time to the pattern, but overall it is still a relatively quick sew. **On a side note, I would recommend the picot or knit elastic over the bands for finishing the legs on the leotard options.**
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
Options…as usual, Made for Mermaids packs them into one pattern. I love that this is a fitted top or bodysuit making it great for layering and that all the different sleeve options keep it year round friendly. I also love having my own pattern for creating my daughter’s dance leotards with many options for those as well…mini tutu, skirt, unskirted, sleeves, sleeveless, etc.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
Yes, I currently have made several but have also purchased pink fabric to make my daughter another leotard for dance. This is a great pattern for all levels.
CONCLUSION:
Another great pattern option from Made for Mermaids. This provides a great layering piece or top that can be worn all year long. Plus a ton of options for your dance and active wear needs. Lots of options for styling can be seen on their blog to fill you with ideas for how to make this work hard in your closet.
This was another great pattern test for Made for Mermaids and now my daughter has some great new additions to her closet. Can’t wait to see what comes out next!
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Until next time,
Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I