We all know when a new pattern is being released, we start seeing snapshots of amazing fabrics and glimpses of tester's creations on Facebook. I belong to so many fabric and pattern groups that I see a lot of fantastic pictures! Over the years as I have been sewing, I have often wondered who tests patterns. Until I started sewing knits at the encouragement of a friend of mine, I had no idea what an Indie pattern designer was or that I could buy a pattern online from a stay at home mom (although not all are), print it out my pattern, put it together and sew away. I was SHOCKED that I didn't have to go to the store and look at all the same old boring patterns. Seriously, they don't really change. Most of the pattern directions in the store bought patterns (in my opinion) are hard to follow. While I have learned a lot over the past year as I have branched out sewing new fabrics, I would have considered myself a fairly advanced seamstress even before I started sewing knit fabric.
So, when 5 out of 4 put out a tester call for their Tidal Wave Swim Shorts; I responded. I was beyond thrilled when I got the email saying I was selected to be a tester! My husband and I were leaving literally a few days after final pictures were due for Cancun for our first ever adult only vacation. And, I had been trying to come up with a swim suit that I loved. I had made a shenanigan from 5 out of 4 out of swim fabric so I could swim in it and walk around town, but I also wanted an actual swim suit. These shorts more than fit the bill!
The shorts come in two lengths, short and long. However, I am 5'11" and I wanted to be comfortable walking around in them. So, after making several muslins during testing I added 3 inches to my length. I chose to add it only there because I love how they fit at the top. Most of the time when I make bottoms (pants, shorts etc.) I have to alter the pattern to go higher. I didn't have to alter this one at all to fit my bum. Although if you do, they include some great directions on how to fit them to your body! The directions are very easy to follow and once I had the fabric cut out, they took maybe an hour to sew.
I love my Tidal Waves so much that my 15 year old daughter asked if she could have a pair as well. And, since I hoard collect swim fabric as we swim year round and my husband coaches a year round swim team, she picked out fabric and away we went. For her Tidal Waves, we did the long version. She is 5'6" so, they are just the right length to be "long".
We both have on 5 out of 4 tops as well. I am wearing the X-factor and she is wearing the Agility Tank. Both are nice easy sews. The hardest part was on my X-factor, making sure the ladies were supported enough, I feel like they are and love wearing my swim suit!
Go check out 5 out of 4 Patterns! You won't regret it!
All the fabric used is from Zenith & Quasar. Seriously the best swim fabric! It's SPF 50 and it kept this see through girl that burns even when religiously applying sunscreen from burning!
*All opinions in this post are my own. I am not being reimbursed for them and none of the links are affiliate links.
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