First up, let me say that I've NEVER sewn a swimsuit! So despite the anxiety, it was time to take up the challenge! I had the pleasure of testing this pattern for Call Ajaire designs.
I'm pleased to say while sewing with spandex and elastic can be tricky, it is possible to get an adorable suit - even without the aide of an overlocker (serger.) This pattern also comes with loads of hints and tips and handy diagrams, so at no point did I feel I was becoming overwhelmed.
"What is a Maillot did I hear you ask?" I too also wondered! But this suit is so named for the designer version of a one piece womens' swimsuit, a maillot! Kind of like champagne! So where the rest of the world calls their champagne "sparkling wine" the French can call it champagne... Maillot.... the champagne of the swimsuit world! And I must say, you will not be disappointed with this beautiful, classy style of swimsuit! True to its namesake.
I tested version "D", but there are many variations - eight in fact - including a tankini option!! So you can make a completely different look eight times over!
This PDF pattern comes with sizes newborn to 12 girls and has fantastic hints on how to achieve a custom fit swimsuit. For example, my 2yr old, who is rather petite, required a 12 month size for the width of the suit, but a 2T length. It was a perfect fit!!
This modest suit has full nappy/diaper coverage for the littlies, but covers everything nicely for the bigger girls too. There is not enough said about the beauty of classic designs that let children be children and not styled into mini adults.
I say to you if your considering your first swimsuit sew, that the Classic Maillot is a fabulous choice. Start with view "A" - the simplest view and go from there! I would rate it as an intermediate sew - as generally knits can be a challenge and more so a swimsuit. Make sure you have the right needle in your machine, a ballpoint or even a sharps needle. Use the lightening zig-zag stitch which is specifically for knits and stretch fabric. Ajaire gives plenty of hints and tips, but also a fellow blogger who tested the Maillot, Gina from "Penny Sew Vintage" has written a wonderful blog post on this suit and has given lots of helpful hints and plenty of photos of her actual sew. Visit "Penny Sew Vintage" HERE
I love this pattern and actually feel rather proud of my sew! It was a challenge, but well worth it and I'll never buy my daughter another ill-fitting store bought swimsuit again!! I guarantee you too will be beaming with joy at your results!
If you would like to buy the pattern, please click HERE
Or to learn more about Call Ajaire designs, please click HERE
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