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Have you ever seen an image of an outfit and suddenly feel the need to recreate it? That is most certainly how I felt during the past week of testing the new Made for Mermaids Tai bodysuit pattern for women. I was halfway through testing when I saw this image for the yet to be released Vogue Pattern. I loved the skirt and plan on adding this pattern to my collection next time I am out to pick something up at the fabric store, but I knew it wouldn’t be releasing during my pattern test window. I also loved the top and it dawned on me that I had black stretch velvet in my stash, a beautiful pattern that would work and somehow I wanted to figure out how to make the pearl trim. Read on to see how this look came together for the new Made for Mermaids Tai Bodysuit.
So, let’s start with the easy part- the top. This pattern is so quick and easy and yet comes with several options. I was testing the long sleeve top option and I chose the scoop back neckline for this top. I also created a couple bodysuit/leotard options for the girl’s version which I will post about soon. The top literally whips together in record time. I used 3/8 inch knit elastic for my neckline but I would have loved to use picot elastic as many testers did, I think it looks so pretty…just didn’t have it on hand. I will give a more thorough pattern review at the bottom of this post, but let’s talk about what slowed me down with this look- those pearls!
First, I wasn’t really sure what I was doing. I mean, I have used trim before but I knew I wouldn’t be able to find the fancy type of trim I would need at my local stores, so instead I started thinking of how to kind of free hand the look of pearl bracelets for the trim. Off to Hobby Lobby to see what I could find. Luckily for me, there was a sale on beads. I picked up a jumbo pack of pearls in the jewelry making aisle for 50% off. I also grabbed a spool of pearl bead trim. I sat down with my daughter’s top first and began just randomly sewing on pearls. I used black thread at first but decided in the end, white thread was the better choice. I kept the design random and just kept working my way around until it looked how I wanted. The top is still able to get on and off with enough stretch, but of course we have been careful when putting it on and taking it off.
Next, I set out to make my top and I decided to add the pearl ribbon trim as a background first. On one sleeve I tried elastic thread to see if it was needed for stretch, but it didn’t make a huge difference so I wouldn’t say it is necessary. After attaching the ribbon of pearls I just started randomly sewing on the individual pearls (usually 2-3 at a time) and working my way around the ribbon trim. I used white thread and doubled my thread for some added strength. I made sure to pull the beads tight enough to remain close to the top but not so tight that it would hinder the stretch or distort the sleeve. After sewing the beads around the trim I liked the way it was looking. You could keep going down lower to the hem of the sleeve or higher above the trim but I had hit the amount of glam I was looking to create and stopped here 🙂 Plus, I underestimated the hours I would sit hand sewing these beads on so…time was ticking.
I had made these tops with Christmas in mind. Something to wear to the Nutcracker, church, performances and parties and I wanted to get a look similar to the Vogue pattern cover. However, I knew the skirt on the cover was a bit too dressy for me. I mean, I absolutely love it, but never really go anywhere that formal. Plus, I had the perfect fabric in my stash that I had recently picked up for $2.50 at the thrift store. It may be one of my best fabric scores ever. While I am not totally sure what it is, the fabric is beautiful and I pictured it as a dress or skirt for Christmas. I sewed up this Simplicity pattern for the skirt and will post a full review soon.
For my daughter’s skirt I used an old pattern in my stash: McCalls 6914
I am happy with the way the look turned out. It is the right amount of dressy and yet I can still get plenty of wear from it. I can also separate the tai top and style it with pants to get another great look. I think it would look so glam with my white Chelsea flares or even with jeans and heels for a fun date night look.
I love that my daughter and I can have fun matching looks this Christmas thanks to the new Tai Top. It released today in both girls and women’s sizing. Make sure you hop over to Made for Mermaids and pick up your copy.
Tai Women’s Bodysuit and Top Pattern Review
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
A fitted knit pattern full of options. Choose from a bodysuit or top. The slim fit is perfect for layering. There are scoop back and low back options (the low back will still cover your bra) and tank, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve and long sleeve options. The neckline can be finished with bands, picot or knit elastic.
PATTERN SIZING:
Sizes Grey-Red which coordinates with the Made for Mermaids size charts. I cut a Pink chest graded to the blue waist to a purple hip. Grading the pattern helps it fit perfectly and hug all the right places. There are trunk measurements, side waist and waist to hip measurements given as well to help you find the right fit for the bodysuit 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 tops were made to reflect the final finished pattern. The main difference from most tester photos is the addition of the pearl trim on my sleeve.
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.
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.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
Yes, I currently have a white bodysuit option cut out and would like to do a solid black one as well. 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. 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.
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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