Made by a Fabricista: Summer Vacation Looks

Happy First Friday of the month! It’s officially 3 weeks since I have been off for summer break and I am enjoying every single minute. Even though I am working part time this summer, I still have a bit more time to sew.

I was a bit uninspired right after the break but got a burst of sewing energy last week and decided to sew a few pieces. I have been wanting to create a jumpsuit since early Spring and finally decided on a pattern.

I have had McCalls 7755 (now M8069) in my stash for quite a while but hated the neckline with the casing. I had an epiphany and decided to use the same neckline method for the top I made in my last post here.

The bodice part of the jumpsuit is exactly the same cut and I knew it would work. I should have removed about an inch more from the top but definitely plan to make the adjustments next time around. Additionally I should have gathered it just like the dress but opted to gather the front at 8 inches instead of 7 inches and 4 inches on each side in the back. I also added an invisible zipper to be able to get in and out of it.

My original plan was to use a rayon blend for the jumpsuit but I opted to try it first with a cotton/lycra stretch poplin shirting fabric. I absolutely love the comfort and fit and definitely plan to make another version soon using a silky fabric.

For my second look, I am definitely a fan of 2 piece sets or faux rompers or jumpsuits. With this hot summer weather in Miami, sleeveless is my go garment. I absolutely fell in love the minute I came across this orange rayon fabric which is perfect for this look.

I have been wanting to make Simplicity 9268 but wasn’t a fan of the crop look. I decided to modify it by adding 3 inches to the length so that it would fall right at the waist of the pants I made using McCalls 8057 to give the Illusion of a jumpsuit.

For the pants, I added 2 rows of elastic casing using 1 ¼ inch elastic. I then stretched the waistband ensuring that it is evenly distributed and flat and sewed directly in the center to create an illusion of a ⅝ inch casing. This method is one that I haved used for most of my elastic waist pants and I absolutely recommend it, especially if you don’t want your elastic to roll in the casing. I plan to teach this method this summer sharing various types of waistband techniques on garments. I shared a quick video here using ponte knit and it pretty much works for any fabric type.

I am very pleased with both looks and will be rocking them this weekend just in time for July 4th. Thank you so much for reading and definitely stop by my Instagram page to see how I mix and match the set in a video. Have an amazing July 4th weekend and stay safe.

One Love,