Classic Black Jumpsuit - Butterick B6658

Good afternoon Sewing Friends,

I'm happy to be posting a review of my classic black jumpsuit project.  Last month I made this jumpsuit to wear to the stage play,  "Living All Alone," the Phyllis Hyman story.  It's been awhile since I sewed anything for a specific occasion.

 

I used Butterick B6658 to make it.  This pattern comes in multiple size groupings  6 to 14 and 14 to 22.  So the pattern has a very large range of sizes that sewists can work with.    

The description is, per the website, is as follows:   Wrap dresses and surplice front jumpsuit with sash are fitted through bodice with built-on shawl collar, hook and bar waist closure, and sleeve and length variations. A: Purchased belt. B: Sash, shaped hem. Wrong side of fabric will show. C: Sash, purchased bias tape for armhole, slash pockets. No provisions provided for above waist or hip adjustments. Note: Separate pattern pieces are included for cup sizes A/B, C, D. 

I used size 16 with some modifications, mostly tweaks as I sewed the jumpsuit together.  Overall, my jumpsuit looks similar to the jumpsuit  drawing on the envelope.  I did lengthen the sleeves and the pant leg.  Those are the most visible changes that I made.  But everything else is pretty much the same as the drawing.  One note is that it fits slightly big across the back and along the sides.  I think I could have used size 14.  I had to take it in some through the sides and I made deeper darts.  These adjustments were all part of the "tweaking" that I did while sewing the jumpsuit together.

The instructions were typical, nothing confusing in them. 

My fabric came from JoAnn's Fabrics.  It is a medium double knit that has a dry hand and a crepe like texture on the right side and a neoprene texture on the  wrong side.  I loved the look and the movement of the fabric.  I wished JoAnn's carried more colors.  I only saw it in black.  This is a great fabric for pull-on pants and skirts as well as jackets.

This pattern has been in my collection for several years.  It is a classic design that is timeless.  That is one of the reasons I decided to buy it.  Another reason is that it has multiple cup sizes included.  With the multiple cup size patterns I'm always hoping to save a little prep time.  Luckily, I was spared the process of doing my typical FBA adjustments. My other likes are the princess seams and that the pattern has pants or skirt options.

I really don't have any dislikes.  Again a word of caution with the overall fit is that the sizing appears to be larger than normal.

My changes:

• Lengthen the pants
• Lengthen the sleeves - I really wanted 3/4 length sleeves, but I didn't have enough fabric.
• Sway back adjustments
• Tweaking throughout the side seams
• Tweaking throughout the bust area
• Shorten the crotch length by 1/2"
• Adjustment of darts as I sewed

I was able to have an enjoyable sewing experience using the pattern and fabric.  Nothing fancy, just a classic comfort look for the theater.  Not sure if or when I would use this pattern again.  It is good to have classic patterns to choose from.  The bodice, pants, or skirt can be mixed or matched with other patterns to create a different look.  

I do recommend the pattern to others.  It is easy to sew.  

Happy Sewing!

C

 

Rayon Challis Summer Dress - Hacked Dress Vogue 9260

I wore this dress to church on Sunday.  It's the forth of five projects I plan to complete for this month.

I mentioned that I would probably use Vogue 9260 again way back in June.  Lol  Isn't the summer going by super fast?  I actually thought I made the jumpsuit in July; but when I looked back in my archives, it was June 11 when I posted the review.  More on my initial review is here.

The top of the dress is made exactly like the original pattern, but the skirt of it is a easy, easy self drafted skirt.  With the remaining water colored challis, I decided to make a skirt.  So I cut it into two pieces (front and back).   Then with some black challis, I cut two more pieces  for the lower skirt.

Just a few wrinkles across the back.  Pictures taken after church on Sunday.

For the construction, I sewed the water colored challis together along the sides and gathered it to fit the bodice.  Next, I cut the black challis  the same width also sewing them together at the side to form a circle.  Next, I folded it in half with the wrong side facing.  Then I attached the lower skirt to the upper skirt.  No hem required as all edges are sewn together and serged.

A few wrinkles; pictures taken after church Sunday.

That's it.  Just a easy skirt attached to the bodice of the original pattern.

Happy Sewing!

C

Summer Jumpsuit Brown, Black and White Striped Rayon Twill - Vogue 9260

Summer time sewing! 
 I was so happy when the rain stopped. Being so anxious to show you my latest sewing project, I quickly got ready to take a few pictures outdoors.  

This jumpsuit was half finished for about two weeks.  Friday evening I was determined to finish it.  This lovely brown, black, and white striped rayon twill was purchased several months ago from Mood online store.  It's still available.  It has a smooth hand and it's floaty.  Perfect for the summer time comfortable.  This new jumpsuit is perfect vacation sportswear.  Of course, it's good to wear for Saturday lunch with the girls or a nice stroll in the park with your better half.  Rayon is easy to press, but does wrinkle a bit.  No worries with this fabric.  The stripes makes them barely noticeable.

The pattern that I used to make it is Vogue's very easy 9260, copyright 2017.  I think I bought it last year, but I hadn't decided on how I would style it.

The description is very brief:  very loose-fitting pull on romper and jumpsuit have cold should and length variations.  The "cold shoulder" description shoulder be "cold arm" instead.  It comes in two size groupings:  XS-S-M and L, XL,XXL.  The second grouping was the only copy at the Orland Park JoAnn's. So I just bought it with the thought of adjusting it as needed. So I used the large and scaled it down.  I guess somewhere between a medium and large.  As the large was much too big for me.  This pattern has a lot of style ease.  The finished bust is 48.5 inches and the finished hips is 50 inches.  Both well above my measurements. I scaled it back at least 4 inches in both areas.

My finished jumpsuit looks similar to the drawing.  I don't think the "cropped" pants is quite the look for me.  So I lengthened the pants by several inches so that the hem falls around the heel of my shoes.  Outside of that it does look like the drawing.

The instructions were a piece of cake.  Nothing difficult or confusing.  (It seems like I always say that. ;-) )

I like the style of it.  The drawstring, the cold arm, and the wide pant leg.  No real dislikes.

I did make a few more changes in the construction of it.

• Instead of purchasing cording, I made my own.  Cutting the fabric on the bias about an inch wide, two pieces 12 inches long for the loops and one piece 20 inches long for the drawstring.   Plus it is a perfect match for the jumpsuit.
• I added 1.5 inches to the length of the bodice.
• The raw edges were serged.  To finish the cold arm opening I only turned the cloth once.  So you can see the serged edges.
• The instructions say to cut the elastic the measure of your waist plus an inch.  I cut it 5 inches smaller.

I will make it again.  I think I will use the bodice and make a skirt waist dress instead of a jumpsuit.  I do recommend this fabric and the pattern to others.  The fabric is perfect for those fun floaty summer projects that you might be planning.  The pattern is very easy and does not take long to sew.  

Side Note- I was a little worried about how the photos would turn out.  I had a chemical facial peel and laser hair removal less than 24 hours before the pictures were taken.  I'm glad that they were publishable as I didn't want to wait another day before posting something to the Mood Sewing Network blog and my own blog.

Happy to be back sharing my sewing adventures and hope to post again soon.  

Have a great one!

C 

Glittery Knit Jumpsuit - McCall 7099

This jumpsuit was ready to sew for over two months. Last week, I finally sat down to sew it up with hopes of wearing it to dinner. It did not make it's debut at the dinner party, but I did finish it on Monday afternoon. So it's ready for the next evening event.  This is one of about twenty UFO's I'd like to sew soon.

McCall's describes this jumpsuit as: MISSES' ROMPER AND JUMPSUITS: Loose-fitting romper and jumpsuits have raised neckline, mock wrap, gathered, blouson bodice, front band extending to back neckline, elasticized waist, and side pockets. B, C and D: tapered. Sizes are:6 to 22; I used 14 with a few modifications. My finished jumpsuit did look like the drawing and pictures.


It reminds me of styles worn in the 80's. I even went through some old patterns to find similar styles.

My likes:

• mock wrap
• dropped shoulder seams
• loose fitting top
• tapered pant leg
• Centered back facing

No problems with the instructions.  They were easy and typical.  Nothing confusing about them.

The fabric used is a shiny blue on black knit that I picked up at Joann's.  After I started working with the knit, I did notice that the recovery was not the best, but I will certainly get a few wears out of it.

Not many alterations wear needed.  I made a FBA.  Three small pleats wear made to take up the added width due to the FBA. Also, I added three inches to the length of the pants and added two inches to the length of the sleeves.

I have so many patterns to try.  Right now I don't think I'll make it again.  But I do recommend it to all level sewists.  It's easy to sew and the style can be worn by most body types.

 Happy Sewing!
C

Simplicity Summer Jumpsuit - S1114

Hi!

Boy, I have been so lazy to blog or even get on the computer. This post was semi-already two weeks ago. It is another vacation outfit.

I'm going to try to get back into the habit of posting and reading blogs (fingers crossed). 

Anyway..,

Here is my review on Simplicity 1114:

At the forest preserve here my home.

Pattern Description:  Misses' easy dress and jumpsuits which features mini dress with halter ties, wide leg jumpsuit with thick straps, and slim jumpsuit in two length with v-neckline in front and back.  All views include convenient side pockets.  I used View C.

Pattern Sizing:  XXS to XXL; I used size medium adding a little more width along the bust area of the bodice.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, it did except for the straps.  I changed the design of them.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very, very simple to make.  I didn't need them, but at a glance, they look pretty easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I wanted to try one of the new summer jumpsuit patterns, and I wanted something quick and easy to sew for vacation.  This fit the bill.  I was a little concern about how it would look on top.  In retrospect, I did not need to add any width to the bodice.  I could have narrower the entire jumpsuit for a slightly closer fit. 

I see someone on the path.

Eyes Closed, Grr!

Fabric Used:  I purchased this challis print from Hancock.  It is soft and floating, great for a vacation outfit.  Before sewing, I preshrunk the fabric and gave it a good steamy press.    The print was crooked.  This was a challenge when it came to trying to line-up the print.  I think I was at least able to get the print straight cross the pattern pieces, but I didn't have enough fabric to match the print front and back.  Next time, I will be careful when selecting a print of the type from the fabric store.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: There were only a few small changes:

• For the straps, I cut six bias strips about 2" wide and 18" long to make six narrow straps to braid into to straps.  
• Added 4" to the length of the pant.
• Excluded the pockets and belt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I think I will try this again.  Next time taking out some of the width.  And yes, I do recommend it to others.  Jumpsuits are on trend.  You can even add elastic to the hem of the pant leg.  All of the views of this pattern are great for easy, breezy vacation clothes.    This pattern can be made by all level sewists.

Conclusion:  This is an quick and easy pattern to sew that does not require lots of fit adjustments for the average person.

Parting Shot:  Me in Jamaica.  We stop so I could at least get a picture or two before going to the Raggae concert at the Rui Negril Pavillion.

Happy Sewing!
C

Cruise Garments Made Days Before Vacationing

You would think that after all the dresses, pants, and tops I made during the spring and summer that I had plenty to choose from for my vacation. NOT..., At the nine hour I decided to make at least one of my LBD's, a jumpsuit, and a simple top. These last minute garments were still warm from the iron as I zipped up the suitcase.

At this point, it seems almost unnecessary to even talk about them as temperature have been in the mid-thirties. And some folks around town are wearing hats, gloves and Ugg boots.

So here goes the quick reviews of the last minute garments made for the cruise...,


Jumpsuit - M6083




This little gem was quick and easy. I made View C

Pattern Description:

MISSES' JUMPSUIT IN THREE LENGTHS AND SASH: Jumpsuits A, B, C, D, E have side front pockets, elastic casings and stitched hem; jumpsuit B has shoulder straps; jumpsuit C has sash; jumpsuits D, E have bodice with gathered shoulders, narrow hemmed armholes; jumpsuits A, D are thigh length; jumpsuit B above ankle length; jumpsuits C, E are floor length; optional purchased belt.

Pattern Sizing: Size 14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Typical of patterns of this type of pattern. Nothing confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the style of the views included in the pattern. No dislike.

Fabric Used: Gauze from Vogue Fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 1 inch to the upper portion of the front and back bodice pieces. I attached the straps to the back as well as the front, adjusting the length as needed. As usual I added about few inches to the length of the pant leg. Finally, instead of making the sash, I used a scarf to tie around my waist.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I want to make View E. And yes I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion: Easy pattern, easy jumpsuit to make. It's been reviewed on PR at least 20 times. Definitely a winner.

Top - Simplicity 4279 OOP




Pattern Description: Misses' Tunic with Neckline and Trim Variations.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20. I made size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I made view D.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Nothing difficult about them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern has been in my stash for a few years. The fabric and pattern are a cute combination for a easy summer top.

Fabric Used: Cotton from Hancock. I think it's been in the stash more than five years.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did a FBA. No picture, but it's basically the same as any other FBA done on similar bodices.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I'll sew it again. And yes, I recommend it to others.

Conclusion: A nice little quick top. Perfect for vacation wear.

BWOF Tunic: 2010-06 138



Pattern Description: Simple Tunic

Pattern Sizing: 44 to 52. I made size 50. My cousin wanted a simple tunic to take on the cruise. This is one fit the bill.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. The instructions recommended stretch fabric I used a gauze instead. I made it a size larger then needed to make up the difference in the sizing for knit fabric. There is quite a bit of style ease in the tunic as well.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. BWOF typically has confusing or very little instructions on how to put the garment together. This tunic only had three pattern pieces plus instructions on how to make the neck facing. Pretty easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was quick and easy to make. No dislikes.

Fabric Used:Gauze from Vogue Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:No alterations. Instead of using a leather cord for the neck tie, I make my own tie out of the same fabric. (On the bias, 2" wide 28" long).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and Yes.

Conclusion: Simple tunic that easy to wear and easy to make.
More pictures here: Flickr.

Next, I'll post my review on the LBD's
Happy Sewing!
C

I Love My Maxi - M5624

So many sewists/designers/fashionistas have made beautiful maxi dresses. This weekend I made my first. I'm hooked and am already planning to make another. It's funny how my "To Make" list keeps growing. At the same time, I'm moving new garments to the top, "Must Make This Season".

A few weeks ago, I blogged making a mini wardrobe for DD (Career). The "project" hasn't been scratched from the list, but moved further down the list.

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS IN TWO LENGTHS AND JUMPSUIT: Close fitting dresses A, B or jumpsuit C have self-lined bodice with pleats, midriff and center back zipper; dresses A, B have very loose fitting skirt; jumpsuit C have semi-fitted pants.

From the pattern I made the jumpsuit and the maxi dress. I will try to review both in the single review. Hopefully I will not confuse anyone making sure I identify which garment I speaking about as a complete the review.



Pattern Sizing: 6 to 18; I made size 14 for both with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much.




Were the instructions easy to follow? Pretty much. The instructions on how to twist the straps didn't tell you how many times to twist. I ended up twisting them about nine times. Then I had to shorten them by one inch. Other than that, the instructions were okay, standard.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? There are a few things that I like and dislike about the pattern.

Like:
I like the design of the bodice and thought the twisted straps were interesting. I primarily bought the pattern for the maxi dress, but thought the jumpsuit was worth a try as well. In the end, I still liked the maxi dress more than the jumpsuit.

Dislike:
After I completed both garments, worked on them at the same time, I didn't like the twisted straps so much. They feel a little bulky and don't lay as flat at the join of the bodice front and back.

The bodice front is a little lower than my comfort. If I use the bodice again, I'll bring it up about an inch.

Pleats at the bodice/strap join. This really isn't a dislike, but I think it would be better if I sew them down. It would looks neater.

Caution: The back is low too. You will need to wear a bra that fasten about two inches lower than the standard.

Fabric Used: Maxi dress - polyester print (red, biege, brown, black) from Hancock. On sale, I can't pass up a sale. I didn't pre-wash it.

Jumpsuit - Some mystery fabric (eggplant) with stretch from Vogues Fabric on Roosevelt. I did pre-wash it.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

The same bodice was used for both. I did a FBA (compare original and new draft) and shorten the straps by one inch. Even with the FBA I noticed a very small gap at the side bust area near the armpit. Not much though. So next time, I'll tweak that area a bite.

Pant Back Alteration. I also shorten the front pattern.

Both the Dress and pant were lengthen about four inches. I also made my usual crotch alteration.

Dress: instead of the suggested hem method, I did a rolled hem.

Because the jumpsuit fabric had some stretch in it, I sewed slightly larger seam allowances. After, it was finished I felt it could have been sewn at the regular seam allowance of 5/8". I was just testing the stretchability of the fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will make another maxi dress. And yes, I recommend it to others, but with modifications. You might consider making a muslin of the bodice and midriff, straps attached as well.


Conclusion: I really like the maxi dress. The jumpsuit not so much. It doesn't look as smooth as I would like in the back. That could be because of my sway back.

I think this pattern is worth a try, test the bodice first. Espeically if you are a C cup or larger.