Summer is Coming...5 out of 4's Key West Bikini, Tankini, Dress Pattern Review

Summer is coming, right?  

Although weather in Ottawa doesn't feel like sunshine and rainbows, the new 5 out of 4 Patterns Key West pattern has definitely put me in the mood!  

 

Fun Features:
- Choose your cup - for the best bust fit!
- Option for bikini top, tankini, knee or maxi length dress
- Options for built in bra with or without removable cups!
- Banded or normal hem
- Key hole front neckline option
- Maternity options
- 2 or 3 back loops!

 

Honestly, I was concerned about the halter-style neck tie, as they cause me excessive neck and shoulder pain, but it is actually super comfortable and I'm able to wear my tankini around the house all day without pain.

The top is supposed to sit higher on the neckline (closer to the collar bone), however, this is comfortable in my situation (aka I stare at a computer all day long for work).

 

I love the band option as it makes the top longer - and I LOVE longer tops. 

This is the perfect tankini for me to wear at camp this year, as I can just jump into the river once I've finished my workout (wood clearing), but still look super stylish while driving the ATV. 

These are important things!

The instructions are detailed and easy to follow - and there is a lot of support on the 5 out of 4 Patterns Group if you have any questions.

 

The most tedious part has to be the tie. It's about 4.5 feet long, and bringing the tie through the loop takes as long as at least half a Netflix Episode.

You could cheat, and just fold the tie fabric widthwise  and zig zag slowly the entire 4.5+ feet and not have to turn the tie inside out.

Aesthetically, it's just nicer when it's turned - but if you get the zig zag in the centre of the back of the tie, it can look just as nice.

 

Really...this has been a LONG winter in Ottawa. A week ago, this snow was 2 feet higher....so I'll take the recent melt as a step in the right direction.

But summer really *is* coming!

I paired my Key West with my first (and not last!) pair of Tidal Wave Swim Shorts. I LOVE them!  The fit is perfect, I don't have muffin top, and they are easy to move in. I opted for just the normal band with elastic, and they stay up without any issues. They definitely feel like a second skin - but in a good way!

If you're wondering where my fabric is from - it's from Water Tower Textiles - my go-to fabric store. 

So, get your Key West Pattern now. 

If we all sew our swim gear, it will bring on the Miami Heat Wave!

Swim Shorts, Say Ye? My 5 out of 4 Stella Shorts Hack!

I don't like Rompers...it reminds me of Romper Room or my mom's favourite neon pink one piece strapless romper from 1984.

No.

*BUT* I do like when pattern makers offer "Romper" patterns as separates - options are good.

When I saw the Stella Women's Romper Pattern release by 5 out of 4 Patterns, I was sucked into the vortex and within 10 minutes, I was printing out the instructions and pattern pieces.

Why?

Because it sold itself as not only a romper, but separates - including a bikini top! 

I need to update a few pieces in my outside attire this year, so why not add to my 90% 5oo4 Swim collection from last year?

And my favourite niece's name is Stella. And I like Stella Artois.

We were meant to be!

After ordering, I immediately asked (I really asked - on the Facebook Group) if I could make the shorts into swim shorts?

The answer was yes - and I even provided my measurements.  Jessica assured me that since the shorts are more relaxed fit, sizing down would be fine.

And you know what?  She was right!

After cutting through the last of my awesome blue squared swim fabric, and a bit of white spandex for the interior band, away I went! 

It took me a whopping half hour to whip up my Stella Swim Shorts - including pockets!

Things I did outside the pattern instructions:
- Sized down for swim bottoms


- Top Stitched the Pockets so they laid flat

- I had to piece together 3 pieces of the Blue square fabric width wise, and sewed a  middle seam to attach the Blue Square and White fabrics together to make the wider band



- In turn, I top stitched this seam, as it's where the inside and outside band are supposed to fold over in the instructions

I opted for the longer length shorts and hemmed the legs vs adding bands.

The shorts fit perfectly! Yay! 

Now I do find the band quite high, so I am able to push it down to give it a ruched look, but I'm going to just add Ruching (possibly ties like with the Reversible Riptides) next week when I'm back from camp.

I'll update once I've modified them a bit more, but was just so excited to share while Stella is still on sale!!  Check back next week for more waistband hacking!

I do have the top cut out to match, but haven't had the chance to sew it up yet, as I'm working on a testing for a NEW swim top for 5 out of 4, so priorities! 

For now, I'm sporting them with my Agility tank, also sewn from Swim fabric!

P.S. They also have a Girls Version, so sewing from baby to adult sizes is a reality!


Sew On!