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.

It reminded me of this one that I had seen by Stella McCartney, which I liked, but would cost $1700 at Barneys!

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?

Happy Sewing!

Ann for SewBaby News

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing the Eleonora by Silversaga – A Romantic Dress you need in your closet

I recently had the pleasure of sewing up the Eleonora pattern by Silversaga, and I’m excited to share my thoughts because this one really surprised me—in the best possible way. If you’re not already familiar with Silversaga, their aesthetic leans into romantic minimalism—think timeless silhouettes with poetic details. The Eleonora Dress is a vintage-inspired, chemise-style from the Regency Era of the 1800’s design infused with modern elements like adjustable sizing, soft gathers, and flexible fit details. The Eleonora is a thoughtfully designed dress pattern with multiple views and customizable features. Some of its standout design elements include: • Adjustable fit via ties and elastic channels at the neckline and waist, allowing it to flatter a range of body shapes and sizes. • Sleeve options, including short or long gathered raglan sleeves, often finished with ruffles for added softness. • A full, swishy four-panel skirt—complete with in seam pockets and a deep hem—that b...

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing the Chalk & Notch Hayes Dress

Hey lovely friends! With summer knocking at the door, I am absolutely ready for breezy dresses at all times. I love linen all year round, but summer is my particular favorite for this fiber. This bright happy color fills me with delight, and it’s so perfect in the sunshine. For this project, I got all my supplies in one go! I chose this stunning Sea Green linen , lightweight fusible interfacing , ½” elastic , and of course, matching thread. If you haven’t sat down to create your own little sewing kit with all the bits at hand, it’s quite a nice gift to yourself and makes getting started that much easier. I’m all about ease these days. I sewed the new Chalk & Notch Hayes Dress with the open back cutout, which is View A. The other two options are a closed-back dress and a two piece set. I was a tester for this charming pattern, and I can confirm the two piece set is also gorgeous and really fun to wear. I have looked forward to sewing this version for weeks! Please...

Made By A Fabricista: Oversized Jenna Shirt for Summer Fun

I may or may not have had several meltdowns during the making of this Closet Core Jenna Shirt… But let’s back up first. During the month of May, I promised to wear handmade garments every single day for the popular sewing challenge “Me Made May.” I really enjoyed thoughtfully putting together my outfits each day. While I was doing this, I was taking notes of the gaps in my wardrobe. Particularly, I don’t have many transitional shirts that could work for on-camera work attire and be comfortable for the weekend. When I saw this delicious cotton lawn on the Fabric Mart website, I knew that I wanted to make a button up shirt that would be both work appropriate and a nice overshirt for summer evenings over my tanks and tees. I have made a few button up shirts before using a vintage Stretch & Sew pattern but I decided to try my hand at the Closet Core Jenna Shirt (up to a 60” chest) which has had rave reviews on social media and pattern sites for being a great pattern with e...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog