The Sew and Tell Project

Are you still pumped for our Swimsuit Sewing Challenge 2016? I still am! I have yet another suit to share with you today.

This is my version of the 5 out of 4 Patterns Journey Tank and Dress worn as a tankini top!

I have been sewing a lot lately (probably too much) but I couldn’t pass up testing this adorable dress and tank by 5 out of 4. The 5 out of 4 Patterns started popping up in my sewing newsfeed frequently last summer as being awesome for nursing mothers and maternity. However, I knew I was winding down with the nursing stage of my life for now and I am not currently expecting.

I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to test a new pattern from a new-to-me designer and share it with you today as part of our Swimsuit Series!

The quick details and views for you all now!

This is one of the back view options. There is a twist back, halter, straight and cross-back option. I personally like the cross back the best for comfort and support. I also know that my top and suit will stay up well when wet. My cross back straps are lined with power mesh to help keep them from sagging and provide support.

I find the front view of the suit incredibly flattering. I was nervous at first because of the empire waist and the mummy-tummy. When you spend as much time in maternity clothes as I have it can be tempting to swear off empire waist tops. I was very pleasantly surprised that the bodice skirt skims and hugs in all the right places and does not look maternity at all in my opinion (except in the maternity option on the beautiful pregnant testers).

It is hard to tell with the print I chose, but the neckline is ruched which helps accent the v-neck of the suit.

Let’s talk about the amazing built-in bra on this suit, too. While I love my bra hack for adding a real bra to a lined swimsuit pattern, I believe in really testing the pattern as presented by the designer for accurate feedback. I initially made a required muslin to check fit using power mesh from a big box store. The support just was not there. I then learned that not all “powermesh” and “shaper fabrics” are created equal. Since I knew I would not get in the right kind of power mesh before the test concluded, I used two layers of swim fabric as my lining and was very pleased.

The other change from my muslin that I made was a fit change. LADIES – THIS IS IMPORTANT. Groundbreaking, really. I learned in testing that bra cup and sewing cup sizes are DIFFERENT. I have chatted about this with other experienced seamstresses who had not heard this earth-shattering news. So, tester confessional: For my muslin, I measured myself following the 5 out of 4 Pattern tutorial and I got the result that I was an AB cup. How could this be? I’m a 34DD in RTW bras that fit me well. I went ahead with my muslin and cut along the CD line. After reviewing my muslin and fabric choices with Jessica and Andrea from 5 out of 4, I decided to TRUST THEM COMPLETELY and cut into my nice floral from an assorted bundle from The Fabric Fairy.

For my final suit (pictured)- I sewed a size small, two layers of swim knit as my bra lining, molded Dritz cups, and made sure to cut my bra along the AB cut line. I did use my Big Box powermesh for the straps still with no complaints. These adjustments must have worked because when I was given permission to post promotional sneak peeks, I was immediately asked, “What kind of cups did you use?”

I had more swim fabric arrive today, so I can’t wait to share more of the advantages of using quality power mesh as I have a chance to make up a couple other suits!

Finally, I need to share that I paired my outfit with the 5 out of 4 Riptide Shorties. I omitted the drawstring due to shortage of fabric and this made it an even quicker sew! I like that they provide more coverage than a bikini bottom but still have flattering lines and curves.

I am very excited to make many variations of the Journey Tank and Dress (which is on sale for $7.95 through next Tuesday, May 3rd).

Are you taking part in our Swimsuit Sewing Challenge this summer? What do you think of my  new suit? Comment below!

This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of sales generated through them at no additional cost to you. This supports operation of this site. I received a copy of the pattern for testing. All opinions are my own.