PATTERN RELEASE DAY IS HERE!!!  It’s like Christmas in the sewing world, am I right?

Made for Mermaids is releasing FOUR patterns all at the same time and I am geeked.  They span the entire family…boys, girls, men and women.  AND they’re fabulous for pattern mixing, which is way up my alley.  I have so many photos to share that I’m going to break it down into two days of posts.  And of course, I’m being a brat and showing off my photos first.  Would you expect any less?

Vivienne is a cutie.  And is perfect for the warmer months that are ahead.  She’s available in four lengths (I made and photographed three of them) and has this super fun side-blocked panel that allows for easy pattern mixing.  And seriously, it makes my heart sing that I finally have a use for the millions of scraps of fabric I’ve been holding onto forever.  No joke, I never want to let them go but have never had a reason to use them before.

But helloooooooo Viv.  You’re my girl now.

In a world of hunting and gathering, I’d for sure be hunter.  Because I freaking hate gathering fabric.  But I learned a trick on how to make it happen faster with my serger (thank you Megan!) and now it’s not so bad.  It made assembling Viviennes a breeze.  I swear.

My first was a dress length version, with a ponte in the side panels and an ity for the main fabric.  I was worried that this print made me look too maternal (I mean, I am a mom but I like to pretend sometimes that I’m a hot young thing.  I kid, I kid!) and it actually is pretty cute once I put the right bra on.  Hoist those ladies up and everything looks better!

My second least favorite thing to do in sewing is binding.  But I swear it’s all I’ve been doing lately.  And I’m actually getting more comfortable with it.  Imagine that?  Maybe I am starting to love it so much because it really does give such a pretty and polished finish on tops.

Who knows?  Maybe I’ll even stop complaining about binding.  Because look how pretty!

The second Vivienne I made for myself was a tunic length, with both the bodice pieces and the side panels in some ribbed rayon/spandex blends.  While I ADORE these fabrics so much, I really should have listened to Megan’s suggestion about fabric.  Because of the way the pieces are blocked and the fitted aspect of the bodice, you need something more stable.

But I didn’t listen.  Because I really wanted to use these fabrics together. Haha.
All in all, they do look pretty.  And the pattern works with them.  But you can see how much give the ribbing has and how stretched the floral really becomes across my bust.

I guess the takeaway is to not be like Katy.  Do the right thing and follow the fabric suggestions.  Even if you do super duper love the fabrics.  I mean, ribbed rayon blends?  SO soft and drapey.

The final version I’m sharing is in the mini length.  I am head over heels in love with this fabric combo.  You’ll see tomorrow why I picked them specifically…but I am a West Virginia girl, so blue and gold are my colors for sure.

Naughty Katy made the side panels in a ribbed rayon (AGAIN!) but the bodice piece is a ponte.  Don’t slap my hand for this!  I really wanted to coordinate my prints but I do wish I’d picked a more stable knit for the side panels.  Because the ponte is so stable, the ribbing did all the stretching and it looks kinda funny from the side if I don’t remember to adjust myself.

Again, learn from me.  Don’t do as I do.  Do as I say.  Follow the pattern.
I mean, it wasn’t that big of a deal.  It’s still a delightful dress to wear and I’ll rock the crap out of it.  I just have to internet shame myself sometimes.  Ha.

But seriously.  That blue and gold?  I die!

All of the Made for Mermaids patterns are live today.  I’ll be sharing the pictures I snagged of my two handsome guys tomorrow, along with some family photos.  So maybe remember to come back and check us out then too!

Here are some links!

Patterns: Mama Vivienne by Made for Mermaids | Girl’s Vivienne HERE | Boy’s Dylan HERE | Men’s Dylan HERE
Fabric: Red Ponte | Blue Patterned ITY | Teal Ribbed Rayon Blend | Floral Navy Ribbed Rayon Blend | Blue/White Striped Rayon Blend | Gold Floral Ponte

^^ I thought I’d leave you with some pretty sweet wind-blown photos.  I think when Tyra tells people to create their own wind, she doesn’t mean wind like this.  #hotmessexpress

**As always, you’ll find some affiliate links scattered within my post, which means I receive a small amount of compensation if you end up purchasing something I’ve recommended.  Thanks for helping to feed my sewing habits!