Elisa Top by Filles a Maman

/
Hello Pattern Revolution readers! It is Crystal, from Stitched by Crystal, and I am here today to share my review of the new Elisa top by Filles a Maman. 
 
As soon as I saw this cute little top I knew I wanted to make it into a bathing suit for my daughter.  I have a bit of an obsession with toddler bathing suits; I want to buy every one I see.  I think buying them is totally justified, I mean we live in Florida and get lots of beach and pool time!  But I have never made one before, and after learning how easy it can be with this pattern, I think I have a new toddler bathing suit sewing obsession!
 
This top is great, it is perfect for a swimsuit top, but would also make a cute summer top.  It can be made with knit or woven fabrics, and you can even add a lace or sheer overlay on the little flounce on top! This was the first Filles a Maman pattern I have ever sewn and it is great, I will be sewing more of her patterns in the future (like this cute little dress!)
  
I love that little flounce on the front and it continues around to the back.  The top has elastic across that back and ties around the neck.  The pattern calls for grosgrain for the straps, but I made some little straps with my swim knit, I figured that would hold up better in the water, and would be a bit more comfortable on her neck.
 
Let me tell you all about the Elisa!
  • Super quick sew! I am talking about 45 minutes from hitting print to having a finished top.
  • This is a beginner friendly pattern.
  • Sizes 12 months all the way to 14!
  • Can be sewn in knit or woven fabric (or swim knits!)
  • The pattern has a size chart and finished measurements chart with all the measurements listed in inches and centimeters.
  • There is a fabric requirement chart.
  • Instructions on printing and assembling your pattern.
  • The pattern sizes are nested and you can print them all or the pattern walks you through printing only one size.
  • The instructions are really easy to follow and the illustrations are great.
  • Lots of photos of the finished top for inspiration!
For my suit top, I used some swim knit I got from GirlCharlee (you can find it here).  I bought in a lot of slightly flawed fabrics, some of the dots are smudged, but they were easy enough to cut around.  It is a nice thick Nylon Spandex and it was pretty easy to sew with.
 
If you are thinking about using this pattern for a swim top, I have a bit of advice.  Size down.  That is what the designer suggested also.  Em’s chest measurement puts her in the smallest size so I couldn’t size down.  I made my seam allowances a bit bigger but for a swim suit, I think a snugger fit would have been better. 
  
My second piece of advice is to pick up the Jocole basicbrief pattern for the bottoms!  They were easy to make and a perfect fit!  They have really great coverage and a slightly higher waist than all her store bought bottoms.  And unlike her store bought suit bottoms, they stay in place!  The bottoms to all of the suits I have bought her are way too big and I am always chasing her around hiking up her pants.  I made the briefs in the size 2-3 and they are great!