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I am so excited to introduce you to the latest swimsuit pattern released by Made for Mermaids. The Alexandria Swimsuit pattern is beautiful. I was thrilled to be selected as a tester and made three different versions to show you as well as provide my full pattern review.
The first suit I made is this blue polka dot number. The options used here are the faux wrap with flounce and cross back straps. This suit also uses a hack to create the tie straps that wrap around the waist. I will post later this week on how to create the tie straps. I would normally link my swim fabric but it is so old I don’t remember where it is from 🙂
The next suit I created is the faux wrap, flounce top with halter straps. The fun floral print can be found online at Denverfabrics.com
And my final and favorite suit of the group is the red one. This swim fabric was found at Joann Fabrics. The options on this suit are the tie front with flounce, crossback straps.
Alexandria Swimsuit Pattern Review-
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
The Alexandria Swimsuit is a one piece suit with two front options: faux wrap or tie front wrap both can be done with or without the flounce. Three strap options: halter, straight, and crossback straps are included in the pattern.
PATTERN SIZING:
Sizes Grey-Red which coordinates with the Made for Mermaids size charts. I cut a Pink chest graded to the blue waist (carefully check the sizes on the pattern as I don’t normally have to grade like this but it was needed on this suit) to a purple hip. It seemed as though many of the testers were grading out for the waist measurement so please pay close attention to those measurements.
Supplies Needed:
Swim Fabric- I linked the two I had used and could still find online.
Swim Lining- I purchased the nude color from Joann Fabrics.
Swim Elastic- I used 3/8-Inch
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Yes, they were clear. While I would say they are easy to follow, if you are new to sewing or new to sewing swimsuits I could see this being a little more challenging of a suit. There are lots of different elastic insertions that use different width elastics and attaching bra cups is a bit tricky for placement. The way the elastic is inserted in the advanced construction technique is great and I love how it comes out.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I love the look of this suit. The fact that it is one piece but still remains modern and flattering are great. I absolutely love the flounce detail and feel like it really helps us small busted ladies out quite a bit, yet it looks flattering on larger busts as well. The wrap detail is visually slimming and I love the leg cut. It is not too high and not too low- absolutely perfect to me.
PATTERN ALTERATIONS OR ANY DESIGN CHANGES YOU MADE?
None except for the blue polka dot suit which has a wrap around tie hack. I will post the tutorial for that this week.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
Absolutely, I have clearly made my fair share of them and think it is a fabulous suit.
CONCLUSION:
This is a wonderfully flattering one piece suit. The Alexandria swimsuit pattern helps gives shape to a smaller bust area while still looking amazing on a large bust as well. I absolutely love the strap options and leg cut line. The style is classic and I think this suit will be a popular style to sew for years to come.
My daughter’s suit was released as well. I wrote a full review and will post it here soon. For more pattern reviews please check here.
I hope you enjoyed this look at the wonderful new pattern release: Alexandria Swimsuit. Until next time, happy sewing!
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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