Made by a Fabricista: A Casual Jumpsuit

Have you seen all of the new jumpsuit patterns that are coming out lately? There are so many! I've been anxious to try a jumpsuit, but hadn't worked up the courage until I saw Sandra Betzina's version with Vogue 1483.
I always enjoy Sandra's patterns, so I decided to give this one a try. You can see from the line drawing that it has pockets (YAY!), a zip front and raglan sleeves.



I really struggled with what to make it out of. I wanted something drapey, but not too thin. The pattern suggests ponte knit, challis, or crepe, so I went to Fabric Mart's ponte selection. I was afraid that a solid would look too industrial, so I decided on this print.

Here's a close-up of the details and the print. I have to admit that this was out of my comfort zone in the print- but sometimes it's good to try new things. I knew that it was a good fabric composition- ponte knits that have rayon as the largest component are very soft and have a great hand to them. They are very easy to sew with, and the fact that it could stretch was important just in case I made the rise too short!



So, now that the decision was made on the fabric and the pattern, then came the decisions about adjustments. Being tall, I could never, EVER wear a ready to wear jumpsuit- they are way too short. I added 3" total- 1-1/2" at the bottom of the bodice, and 1-1/2" at the hem, and I think it turned out to be pretty good for my 5'9" frame. If I were to make this from a woven fabric, I would add another 1-1/2" at the top of the pant portion.


There are a few considerations to take into account when wearing a jumpsuit, and the first that most people think of is -how do I get out of this thing? Well- this one is easy. The zipper front is just like putting on a pair of onesie pajamas.


In fact, that is probably my main issue with it- how to not have it look like pajamas! I've noticed since making this that most of the jumpsuit patterns are sleeveless, which would cut down on that pajama look. I thought about chopping off the sleeves, but it's still pretty chilly here, and I need sleeves!


So, I decided to wear a vest, belt and necklace with it instead. My daughter said that it looked like I was going hunting in my pajamas. Haha. I do see her point- while the print is not a camo, it does have that vibe! But, I've worn this a couple of times already and I have gotten quite a few compliments. In fact, my husband really likes it! He rarely comments on anything, but he thinks this one is fun. But more importantly, I really like wearing it!

How about you? Any jumpsuits that you would like to make? Have you stepped out of your comfort zone to try something different?