I recently had the opportunity to try the Made for Mermaids Isabel Pattern. Somehow this super versatile and stylish pattern sat for many years before I gave it a whirl. It orginally released a couple years ago and has been on my to make list forever. After all, anything that offers me a maxi dress option, wrap detail, and a cardigan hack has to be a good one. After trying it out I have to say, it was a great match for all my favorite things wrapped up in one great pattern.
Made for Mermaids Isabel Pattern
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
Mama Isabel is the knit wrap dress you’ve been waiting for! This true wrap dress is flattering, practical and comfortable. Perfect for year round wear with TWO bodice options. It includes a sleeveless bodice and bodice for sleeves. Choose from 3 sleeve length options- short, 3/4 and long sleeve. The skirt varieties will take you from mom on the go to special occasions. Mama Isabel includes 6 skirt options- top, mini, dress, tulip dress, maxi and a stunning tulip maxi. The layered, computer digitized, color coded, ‘no trim’ pages are QUICK to put together! Measurements are given in the tutorial to cut neckband. Detailed, precise instructions with full color photos to teach and guide you along the way are perfect for beginners. Yardage requirements, tips, tricks and more are included!
PATTERN SIZING:
Sizes Grey-Red which coordinates with the Made for Mermaids old size charts. (This pattern is not in their extended sizing and new size charts). I cut a Pink chest graded to the blue waist to a purple hip. I love the fit I get with Made for Mermaids patterns and this one was no different. Perfect with no muslin.
Supplies Needed:
Knit Fabric: I cut into this gorgeous Bamboo Lycra from Mily Mae Fabrics for this dress. I wanted the tulip maxi option but was way too short on fabric…oops! The maxi option does eat lots of fabric and although I think it is worth it, I didn’t have enough of anything on hand. I opted instead for cutting the dress length and piecing together two long ties when cutting. I also used my favorite soft and stretchy hem tape before stitching the hems and it is always a life saver.
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes, I made the dress length, tulip front, long sleeve top and cut two of the long ties and made two tie casings (one on each side) to be able to style this as a cardigan. You can find the instructions to make this easy hack on the Made for Mermaids blog under Isabel Hacks.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
They were very easy to follow. I find Made for Mermaids patterns easy to understand with lots of pictures. I skimmed through them before assembling and then referred back to them for attaching the waist ties, neckband, and tie casings. These were all easy to complete but I wanted to make sure I was following the pattern correctly. The only part that takes forever is the hemming…that is a lot of fabric around that skirt 🙂
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I loved the wrap top, close fitting bodice. I also like all the different skirt options and lengths. There were no dislikes.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
Definitely, I will be making this again as a wrap top with some modifications shortly and I would love to have a maxi version with bishop sleeve hack in my closet this winter! This pattern is easy enough for a beginner, however I would recommend you are familiar and comfortable sewing knits before taking on the longer wrap skirt options just because it is a lot of fabric to work with and a ton of hemming which is the part that can be challenging for beginners (use the stretchy hem tape to help make this job way easier).
CONCLUSION:
I love the fit and design of this pattern. The wrap is very flattering and with all the different options there is something for everyone’s preferences. I also love styling this as a cardigan for my more casual everyday attire.
If you liked this review, you may enjoy some of my others found here.
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
You’re so beautiful! Everything you make is just stunning! I’ve had this dress often for forever but never made it lol
Awe, you’re so sweet- thank you so much.