The Diane Swimsuit, Mimosa, Lisette and the Bobbi by Jalie

The Diane Swimsuit

You know you are super keen to try a pattern when you volunteer to sew a swimsuit in Winter! The Diane Swimsuit is a very straightforward swimsuit pattern that is easy to sew. My favourite thing about it is the back cutout which allows you to mix and match fabrics. My daughter measured a size 6 and I found the fit to be perfect on her with no alterations needed. There is enough ease for her to be comfortable, but the suit fits her well. I love sewing swimsuits and am so happy with this pattern. I cannot recommend it enough, especially seeing as the pattern is sized from girls all the way through to ladies! I may venture out and make myself one once the warm weather returns to us here. Thank you Jalie for another fantastic pattern.



 

Mimosa and Lisette

As soon as I saw the sneak peek for the Mimosa top from Jalie, I knew I wanted to sew one as soon as possible. Mimosa is a top drafted for knits - with a choice of long sleeves and short, and an optional shoulder ruffle. I’ve sewn a plain short sleeve one from a soft ponte knit, and have paired it with some Vanessa pants (also a Jalie Pattern). My second one I sewed the long sleeve version, with the optional shoulder ruffle from double brushed poly. I’ve paired this with the newly released Lisette skirt, sewn in ponte.

I measure between sizes for Jalie patterns. For the Mimosa top I’ve sized up, but for drapier fabrics next time I sew, I will probably size down. This is a lovely straightforward pattern to sew that suits a wide range of knit fabrics. I can’t wait to sew one for my daughter.

The Lisette skirt is a pull on pencil skirt. It is the kind of skirt that everyone needs in their wardrobe. The version I’ve sewn is super fast to sew and stays put nicely thanks to the hidden elastic inside. There are also options for some lovely colour blocking as well with this skirt. I love it - its stylish but super comfortable.

 

 

Bobbi

If you are looking for a fast, easy and flattering sew then Bobbi is the Pattern for you. I’ve used some sort of polyester knit for my Bobbi top that drapes beautifully and I love the result. I found the sizing to be spot on. This pattern has a few clever little features too - the facing is actually a little crop top that sits perfectly underneath the shirt, and ensures no wardrobe malfunctions when you bend over and if you’ve forgotten to wear your fancy bra in the morning, there is no bra flashing under the arm because of this clever facing. Skin tone bra wearers rejoice!! This top will pair well with so many pants for different looks. I’ve chosen to style mine casually with “trackie dacks” as we call them here (really just an Aussie word for joggers), and sneakers because well - it is winter and some days the only way I can cope with the fact that it is cold is if I am in my trackies. This top would look just as good styled for the office with the Lisette skirt, or a pair of jeans with a Jalie Cocoon Cardigan over the top. Anyway I’m off to cut out more Bobbi tops and dream of September when it is warm enough to wear them!