Friday Pattern Company Seabright Swimmers

Let me start by saying I wore the heck out of this swimsuit on my recent trip to Fiji.  And I LOVE it.  I love the long sleeves.  Its my second swimsuit make and I intended it as a wearable muslin and yes, there's quite a few things I'd like to fix in my next version (and there WILL be a next version possibly not for a while as I don't need one for a while - and I have two!).



I offered to test the pattern for the Friday Pattern Company as they've recently extended their size range and this new Seabright Swimmer pattern was offered in the extended range.  I was given a free copy of the test pattern and subsequently a copy of the final pattern.  My main incentive was my upcoming trip.  I've hacked the hell out of the Cashmerette Ipswich swimsuit to get it to work without the extra seaming so I was keen to try something that offered a one piece without excessive seaming.  The sleeves means quite a bit more sun coverage which I'm really keen on.  At some point I might get around to making a rash guard but as summer has come to a close here - that's likely to be quite some time off.



This was the tester version so the front lining was enclosed (my preference) but its changed in the released version as a few testers found it problematic.



I really liked the 'guts' finish of this.





Back neckline was a little tight - I need to check the pattern pieces before I make the next version.



I made this up on the Fabric Hoarders monthly sewing meetup which was so useful to convince me that the neckline wasn't too risque for me!  Thanks peeps!

I made up 1X graded to 2X at the waist.  I didn't do an FBA and I'm regretting it.  I would have liked to add the foam cups but the suggested placement wasn't going to work for me as the suit is designed for a B cup.   And the combination of not making many similar patterns nor doing the FBA meant I wanted to wait and see the outcome.  The front would definitely benefit from the FBA as the seamline below them is pulled quite high on me (I have a large bust and larger too at the moment as I'm still breastfeeding).  The back neckline was quite tight but I'm not sure what line I needed to cut as I printed all the sizes so it could have easily been user error here.  Its quite hard to get on and off due to the arms and I'll make the sleeves looser the next time.  Sounds strange as I've just listed the current fit issues but its a definite winner from me.

The instructions were clear and the print layout was excellent as they've really made good use of the pages.

My Cashmerette fits better in terms of pulling but I found myself reaching to check if this was dry each day and wearing it if it was.  The neckline is a little risque but as my sewing meet up suggested, the sleeves make it less exposed so its not in your face (though I could see how some people would easily rock that - I'm more comfortable in more coverage with the added bonus of sun protection).

I made it up using the rest of the pineapple swimwear fabric I bought from the fabric warehouse for my last swimsuit make and some additionally purchased black lining from Nellie Joans as well as swim elastic I earlier this year in their swimsuit competition.  I had to shorten the sleeves to 3/4 as I didn't have enough for full length but I like them that way so unintentional win!

Pattern: Friday Pattern Company Seabright Swimmers
Size: 1x to 2x at waist
Adjustments: shorter sleeves due to fabric availability (but that's a win) and size grading.
Future changes - FBA.  The Friday Pattern Company have a tutorial up online and I'll check that out next time.
Fabric: Pineapples from fabric warehouse and lining and swim elastic from  Nellie Joans
Verdict: Win!

*disclosure* no affiliate links in this post.  I was given a copy of the swim wear pattern to test and did not need to write a review nor post photos.  I've also been sent a copy of the final version but haven't opened it yet.