Ella Knit Top for Ladies and Girls by Made for Mermaids

Today we are featuring mommy and me matching tops from Made for Mermaids. Megan has extended an Etsy coupon code to our readers. Use ELLAREVIEW for 25% off HERE.  Now here's Cassie to tell us a little bit about the patterns.

It's Cassie, of Lily Shine Boutique, to review the newest set of knit patterns from Made for Mermaids, the Ella Knit Top. 

My daughter and I are smitten with the color pink. She picks out her clothes, her shoes, her accessories, and 99.9% of the time (unless she's channeling her inner Elsa) it's all pink. I think my strong love of pink rubbed off on her! I have a pink Dyson, pink cell phone case, pink Kitchenaid mixer, pink gym shoes, and the list goes on. So, when asked to review the super sweet set of Ella Knit top patterns for Mom and Mini, I grabbed all the pink knit I could and went to town!

The girls pattern comes in a huge size range, 1/2 to girl's size 14! The pattern pieces print out on 9 pages or less. I love that the pattern designer color codes the nested sizes, and also differentiates the lines by dashes and dots for those that like to print black and white only (like myself). It makes for keeping your selected size cuts in check easily. The fit of the top is meant to be slim, and there are finished measurements and size charts to help you choose the correct size. 

The ladies pattern also reaches a wide range in sizes, from XXS to XXXL. The pattern gives instructions for making the top with a ruffled neckline, like that in the girls' pattern, or omitting the ruffle for a simple tank. There are also measurements and directions for creating a back bodice band instead of a tie. Lots of great options to customize the look. The pattern pieces print out on 11 pages. Sewing for yourself or other ladies can be difficult because women vary in shape, size and proportion, but the pattern has finished measurements and a size chart to help you select the correct size for your length and width. 

I would classify the Ella Knit Top pattern as a great beginner pattern. If you've never sewn with knits, you'll need to go nice and slow with the neck and arm bindings. The pattern gives a few options for attaching the bindings as well as great photos to help visualize the construction. It doesn't require a lot of fabric, and I've even used store bought tops to upcycle into an Ella top! You can use many different types of fabric for the ruffle. The back tie can be made from ribbon, knit, bias tape, etc. 

This pattern will quickly become a summer staple for your wardrobe as well as your little gal's. I have made a few now, and can whip one up during nap time and still be able to watch an episode on Netflix and enjoy my afternoon coffee. It can easily be dressed up for going out on the town, or simplified for a trip to the beach! You'll love the versatility and ease in the Ella Knit top, whether you are sewing for your mini, doing a little #selfcaresewing or both!