This year, I decided to commit to sewing swimwear. Last summer, I tested one swim pattern. I was so proud of it, but only ended up wearing it a few times - It didn't end up being my favorite ever. I've wanted to sew swim for a while, but I haven't been overly confident.
**Disclosure: I have included my affiliate links to the patterns used in this post. If you choose to purchase a pattern using my link, I'll receive a small commission of the sale at no additional cost to you.**
So, this year, I committed to sewing a couple of swim patterns in May and June, thinking I'd have a couple of new bathing suits for our yearly beach trip. Well... I'm happy to report, that I DID sew my swimwear, but sadly, they're just going to be for the kiddie pool in the backyard. We made the decision to not go to the beach this summer, with all of the restrictions from the virus.
The Patterns and Fabric I Used This Time:
For this bathing suit, I used two 5 out of 4 Patterns. The top is the 5 out of 4 Laura Top and Dress. The bottoms are the 5 out of 4 Tidal Wave Shorts.
The two swim fabrics I used came from Amelia Lane Designs. For the month of June, they have discounted all of their swim fabrics! I also used swim lining, power mesh, cups, elastic, and hooks (for the top back), all from ALD fabrics. They have a great selection of everything. It's a one stop shop for swim! 😉
This pattern is so good. Y'all, I was really amazed. I shouldn't be - I've generally had this experience with 5oo4 Patterns, but I was so excited looking at all the options. Sometimes, when you have this many choices, instructions can get confusing. But this wasn't the case with this pattern. The instructions were put together so well, and are so organized. It was super easy to follow. 
When I first read through the instructions, I started feeling a little overwhelmed -- I thought it was going to be hard to sew! But, I was really surprised by how easily the top went together! The week I sewed this was busy and I didn't have a whole lot of time for sewing, so I sewed just a little a day, and had it put together over the course of about a week. I normally don't do this - I'm the kind to start a project and just keep at it until it's done, but this had a lot of steps, and I really needed to take my time and pay attention to the instructions, especially since it was my first time making it, and i'm not overly proficient with swimwear. I was happy with how it turned out, and with how great the instructions are. 
As I mentioned, this pattern has quite a few options. You can sew the swim top like I did. My swim top hooks in the back, but there is also an option to use loops and a tie piece. It's really cute too! There is also a one-piece swimming suit pattern, a top and a dress option included. The front bodice has two cut options - a v-neck and a plunge v-neck. There is this sleeveless option, or the option for having cute flutter sleeves.
The Tidal Wave Shorts is another pattern that provides several options. You can sew them with a high, medium, or low rise. You can use shortie length, or a bit longer. They can be made from all one fabric, or they can be color blocked. 
I ended up choosing this pattern, because I had a tiny bit of striped fabric left, but had plenty of the coordinating green.
I'm happy with these shorts, but don't absolutely love them on me. I'm thinking I'd probably be happier if I used a slightly lower rise. I was kind of at the upper end of the measurement for the size I chose, and toyed with the idea of sizing up, but since it's swimwear, I knew I didn't want them to be too big. I feel like I could have sized up, because I have a bit of pulling. They're comfortable though, and I've already enjoyed wearing them outside with the kids. It's too hot to be fully dressed while they're playing in the sprinkler or kiddie pool. 🌞
The pattern is fully lined, and has a gusset for ease of movement. I do like that part a lot! I liked the pattern, and think I'll be super happy with the shorts sized up in the hips one size. 🙂
So... there's my new swimwear! 
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