Quick Stitches is a company that offers patterns intended to be modest, economical, and easy enough for beginners with little sewing skill. I had the pleasure of receiving two of their patterns for review: the Girl's Box Pleat Culotte Pattern and the Ladies Easy-Swim Swimwear Pattern.

I was especially excited to receive the swimwear pattern. Each spring I dread trying to find a modest, affordable swimwear option that still looks modern. I don't want to attract attention by being immodest, but I don't want to attract attention by wearing a modest suit that looks so out of place that it causes people to stare either. From talking with my friends, I know this is a common dilemma for ladies and girls who wish to have more coverage than what is offered by the suits available in mainstream stores. The people at Quick Stitches have designed a lovely suit that has coverage without being bulky and is modest without sacrificing style.

The Easy-Swim pattern includes several possible variations that allow for customization of the swimsuit:

• With sleeves, sleeveless with elastic at the armholes or sleeveless with hemmed armholes
• With mock-wrap front or without
• With attached panty or removable shorts or attached shorts
• With a more-fitted skirt or with extra width added for a fuller skirt

I found the pattern extremely easy to follow. The instructions are truly step-by-step. Illustrations help to make the instructions clear. The author does not assume that the seamstress has a lot of sewing experience. The pattern does not skip basic steps assuming that the seamstress will know to do them the way many patterns do.

The trickiest part is getting the proper fit. My only criticism of the pattern is that I wish it was offered in a larger range of sizes, especially plus sizes. There are cutting lines for sizes S, M, and L, which means that many ladies will need to make significant sizing adjustments. Some notes are included that help with adjusting the size.

The Girl's Box Pleat Culotte pattern is a pretty and comfortable style culotte. It looks and hangs very similar to a skirt while providing additional modesty for activities that are difficult to do in a skirt. The box pleating allows for a full "skirt" without excessive bulk at the waist. Two sideseam pockets are included, which make this a very functional garment.

The pattern is clear and simple. Illustrations help to clarify the steps. There are cutting lines for girls' sizes 7-14 as well as notes about adjusting the size, which makes this pattern perfect for families with more than one daughter.

Both patterns offer clear, step-by-step instructions. The culotte pattern could be made by a beginner. However, I would not recommend the swimwear as a first project for a brand new seamstress, due to the stretchiness of swimsuit fabric and the need for a precise fit. Start with something simple (like the culotte pattern) and then try the swimwear. Neither pattern requires an advanced skill set as long as you follow the directions carefully. The culotte pattern would make a good mother/daughter project for a young seamstress.

Both are very nice usable patterns. I would recommend them to anyone looking for modest culotte and swimwear patterns.

Product review by Whitney Dunahee, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March 2010