As soon as I saw the Hanalei Bay Swimsuit Patterns for Women and Girls from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Company, I knew I wanted it. Here are the 5 things I love about our matching Hanalei Bay Swimsuits. The patterns, as well as the fabric and notions were purchased by me for my personal use. I just thought I’d give you an honest, unsponsored review.
Moderately modest
First, they are moderately modest. The neckline is high enough to contain everything without being a turtle neck and there is a skirted option. I know some people like to show more skin, and some people less and I support all of it. For me, this one hits the sweet spot and I feel comfortable and confident hanging around in it when I’m out of the water.
Beginner friendly
Second, the Hanalei Bay Swimsuits are friendly to a beginner swimsuit sewer. I have sewn A LOT of things: athleticwear, underwear, bras, bags, jeans, even my wedding dress! But I never tackled swimsuit sewing until now.
I have made other patterns from Peek-A-Boo Patterns and found them to be very clear. Plus, the tutorial for the Hanalei Bay Swimsuit includes a video. This was extremely helpful when I managed to sew my swim top into a mobius strip by accident. This pattern is a trip to burrito method town to achieve all the reversible and enclosed seams. So, it is easy to get turned around even if you think you know what you’re doing!
Our Matching Hanalei Bay Swimsuits
Third, matching options for women and girls are offered, so my sweetiepie and I could twin! I like that the designs match while being adapted to each demographic in its own way. I’d love to make my daughter the bottoms with the little flounce next year.
Options Galore
if you have made something That is less than perfect, wear it anyways. You have done something a lot of people wish they could!
Fourth, not only are there slight variations between the women’s and girl’s patterns, but each pattern contains multiple options. So once it was fitted, I could make many variations with the same pattern and much less fitting work up front. Fit once, sew many times!
Our Matching Hanalei Bay Swimsuits are Cute!
Fifth, it has an adorable little tie at the front if you want, but not at the bust! I like this variation because I don’t have to account for a bust tie in my fitting. Those take some work for me.
Further contributing to the cuteness factor was this lovely swim fabric from Core Fabrics. I used this black and white deadstock swimwear fabric in a hibiscus print with this solid recycled nylon spandex swimwear fabric in wisteria. I also used swim lining from Core Fabrics.
What I learned
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that to make sewing a swimsuit easier, use all the same fabric or at least all the same weight of swim fabrics. My lining was very thin, the solid was in between, and the floral was thicker. When I had to sew multiple layers of these different fabrics together, they had different stretch percentages and controlling everything was difficult. I did baste everything with a very long straight stitch. That is my preferred basting method for knits.
Elastic matters
However, it was still difficult for me, especially when I had to add clear elastic to the seam. I would recommend basting EVERYTHING! Speaking of clear elastic, I wanted to use up what I already had, but I have heard very good things about rubber elastic for swimwear and I would love to try that next time.
What I would Change
I would change a few things next time I sew this pattern. First, I would change the bottoms under my skirt for more coverage. I might even adapt my beloved Made for Mermaids Sabrina Shorties for this. Then, I wouldn’t over stretch the back of the waistband on my top. Finally, I would sew in my cups or use a different shape so I wouldn’t have to constantly readjust them. I got mine from Cleaner’s Supply and I do like them. I used size H.
We are Wearing our Hanalei Bay Swimsuits!
My sweetie pie and I have gotten a lot of use out of our suits, even if there are things I would change. My suit is actually one of the most comfortable I have every owned and I feel very secure, even when jumping in a pool. That is saying a lot!
Don’t hestiate
Part of expanding your sewing skills is trying new things, even if they are hard or they don’t work out. There are a lot of things I would change about our bathing suits for next time. But I actually love wearing mine. I am really proud of this sew, even with it’s flaws. So, if you have made something that is less than perfect, wear it anyways. You have done something a lot of people wish they could!