Hi Friends,
Today is a quick review of a gymnastics leotard that I made for Kezia using a new to me pattern: it’s the Erbsenprinzessin ballet suit leotard pattern, which I downloaded from Etsy. If you have a little girl (or even not so little; the pattern runs to 12 years), who is into gymnastics or ballet I highly recommend this pattern.
Kezia started gymnastics in September and loves it. Before that, she did a couple of years of ballet/ dance. So she was wearing her old skirted ballet dress. I told her I wouldn’t buy her a new leotard until she had gone to gymnastics for at least a couple of terms (tough mum!) so when I came across this pattern and realised I had some black swimsuit fabric left over from my Ginger swimsuit, I thought, let’s see if I can do this.
Why do I love this pattern? It’s such great value for money, it’s so quick to tape together and sew, and the results and fit (for me/ Kezia at least) are brilliant. I couldn’t be happier with it. Also, the pattern includes options to sew a skirted ballet style leotard too. It’s a basic pattern, not a fancy one like your Jalie types, but I reckon it wouldn’t be hard to customise.
(BTW, apologies for the not very good photos: you can tell I took these and not Philip or my sister).
Anyway, I pretty much followed the instructions. I cut a straight size 6 I think? It fits perfectly. I added the crotch (self) lining. The only thing I did differently was that the instructions tell you to use FOE or a self fabric band to finish the neck/ leg holes. I used knit elastic (not woven elastic; that is harder to apply) and stitched it to the wrong side of the suit, folded it over and stitched it down again.
I have a long list of things I want to sew for spring already. Any one else thinking of spring sewing? Have a great day!
sewmanju 
One very clever Mommy… and it was from left overs!
Thanks Janet.
That’s awesome! You did a great job and it fits her so well. 🙂
Thanks Andie.
A fine use of leftover fabric, and what a little sweetie pie she is!
Thanks Fiona.
What a good idea. I would never have even thought of trying to make a leotard and your daughter models it so beautifully.
Thanks Kathy.
Awww she looks so sweet, and the camera loves her! You are one awesome mum!
Thanks Alice.
Another winner! Adorable little one you have there, too! Great job on the leotard. Looks very professional.
Thanks Yvonne.
Oh shades of my ballet Mum days. What a super result you got with this pattern!The model is adorable of course!
Thank you Jay.
Great job, Manju! The fit is fantastic. I am getting ready to sew resort wear (so to speak) as we are headed to the Caribbean soon. So, I kind of feel like I am skipping over Spring and heading straight in to Summer.
Thanks Alicia. Ooh sewing for a warm holiday sounds wonderful!
Kezia’s leotard looks great. You’re a good Mum.
Thanks Marie
Thank you for this review of pattern. because it fit so nicely on your daughter (who’s very cute by the way) I bought it and have made my granddaughters several. and they all fit well!
Thank you and that’s so nice of you to say that. Glad the pattern worked out for you/ your granddaughters