So much versatility!

A review of I AM Patterns Hélios Outfit

Reviewed by Mel Forrest on 12th May, 2022

If you are looking to get good value from your patterns then the Helios is a fantastic investment! I Am Patterns have your summer wardrobe sorted with a top, skirt, shorts, dress, trousers, playsuit AND jumpsuit all from the same pattern – amazing! I decided to give the jumpsuit a whirl and I had a specific event in mind to wear it to – the end of season ‘dinner dance’ at my hockey club.

I picked a lovely swishy viscose for my jumpsuit and I think it’s a great option for the pattern – the drape and movement of the fabric works so well with the curved hems. I made my jumpsuit in the size 38 and the only adjustment I made was to take 2″ in length off the bodice. I could possibly have sized down in the bodice because it’s quite roomy, but I didn’t want it to be a struggle to get it on and off over my hips – I think the 36 would have been fine, so I’ll bear this in mind if I make it again.

The instructions are excellent – nice and clear, well-illustrated and easy to follow. I made my jumpsuit over several evenings, but it’s actually quite a simple sew and wasn’t particularly time-consuming. The only slightly fiddly bit was inserting the bodice into the waistband on the trousers – I did an extra bit of basting to make this stage easier and managed to get a really good finish.

The jumpsuit was a hit with my hockey pals and I received lots of compliments. The only slight issue I had was that the panels on the trousers did not stay together well, particularly in any kind of breeze and when sitting down! Since I made my jumpsuit, the instructions have been updated to include some additional stitching to improve this, so I will make some changes before I wear my jumpsuit again.

There are more photos of my project and a few other details over on my latest blog post, which you can find here. I’m looking forward to wearing my Helios again this summer and will try styling it with a tee and flip-flops for a more casual look. I’m very tempted to make the trouser version of the pattern next and maybe even a pair of shorts if we get some nice weather this summer!