Made by a Fabricista: Fall Denim Jumpsuit

I love a jumpsuit! Second to dresses, I think jumpsuits are my favorite item to sew. One piece outfits just make life easier. Plus jumpsuits are great for transitional months as you can layer them with a jacket or over a long sleeve shirt. And since I'm moving to fall sewing this jumpsuit was a timely sew.

I ordered this Aegean Blue Rayon/Tencel Chambray with plans to sew Simplicity 8214 but then debated switching to either McCalls 7577 or Simplicity 8426. So I did what I usually do when I have a sewing dilemma, I went to Instagram (if you don't follow me you should- TipStitched) and took a poll. Overwhelmingly the response was in favor of S8426!

I love denim (or any fabric that has a denim look) and this chambray has a beautiful medium wash denim coloring. It feels great and is lightweight without being see-thru. It also has a crispness to it, thought I suppose that will soften with wear and washing. Though the raw edges did need to be finish it did not fray terribly while sewing.

The pattern instructions are clear, but if more clarity is needed all Mimi G patterns have an accompanying sew along video to walk you through the process. I didn't have any issues with the construction of the jumpsuit itself, but I did have a few issues with the fit.

Let me first say that the issues may be more specific to my body than say to the cut of the pattern. I have definitely put on more weight recently and all my weight goes to my midsection. That said I needed a 18 to accommodate my waist, even though my bust only warranted a 16. As we all know it's easier to take it than to let out so I cut the entire piece as a 18, especially since the pants were wide legged and I didn't have to worry about my hip measurement.

This shows a little over 1" but I let it out a bit after.

After sewing the straight 18 I tried it on and realized the bodice was loose in the bust area. I ended up taking the bodice in by 3/4" at the top grading back the SA at the waist on both sides to create a snug fit. I transferred this change to my lining pieces as well. (Looking at it in photos a 1/2" would have been and closer to a size 16)

Next I moved on to attaching the bodice yoke. At this point I tried it on again to check the bodice length as other sewists on Instagram had informed me it was too long. Sure enough the bodice on me was about 1/2" too long which was not flattering at all. I ended up detaching the bodice, removing 1/2" from the bottom and then reattaching to the pants. Thankfully that did the trick.

I also received some feedback about the crotch being too low, but that was not an issue for me, especially after I adjusted the bodice length. (If anything it's a smidge too high). I love the wide leg, but I'm not sure about the slight flare. Next time I think I'll straighten the legs out. Thankfully since the pants were so long once I made length adjustments the flare was lessened. I'm average height (5' 5") and I cut off 1" and sewed a 1" double fold hem. As you can see in the photos they are still quite long as I have on 5" wedges in these photos.

Though I did have to make some adjustments to the bust, bodice length and hem length I'm really pleased with this jumpsuit. I received a couple of compliments on it when I ran out to take these photos and run errands. I also want to buy a few more yards of this tencel chambray, as I write this there are 28 yards left.

What is your favorite type of piece to sew? Dresses? Tops? Skirts?

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