Sallie Jumpsuit - Oh! so good...

Due to being en vacance for a couple of weeks, blog posts took a brief interlude but now its baaaaackkkk.

Whilst I was away Heather Lou of Closet Case files brought out a new pattern - the Sallie Jumpsuit and Maxi Dress! The pattern was made as a nod to her friend Sallie-Oh, whose blog is also rather beautiful. As soon as I saw it I fancied giving it a go. I have NEVER worn a jumpsuit in my life - despite having been tempted a few times with RTW. It's not something I thought would suit me or be very practical however I was sold on this one immediately as its all elasticated, very comfy and most importantly easy to get in and out of.

So merci to Heather and for being a muse Sallie because Oh! this jumpsuit is a dream! They weren't wrong about #secretpajamas

Getting the Clyde toe bite of approval

I opted for the kimono tee version and cut a Size 10 bodice and Size 12 bottom half - I made absolutely no alterations to this pattern at all with the exception of taking 2" from the hem of the trousers (I'm 5ft7 - there was a lot of fabric!)

Never having sewn with clear elastic I found that a bit of a struggle and had to rip it out about 4 times - the first attempt worked however after that it just bunched the fabric up and ruined it a bit. I used the elastic lined bodice piece for the front just in case it made a big difference to gaping. Turns out it does! The back, unelasticated (is that a word?!) lined bodice pieces do sag a bit.

Seriously wobbly clear elastic sewing!

I used a ballpoint needle for the straight stitch work and just used the overlocker for the rest of the seams. The needle makes a massive difference to the sewing machine chewing up stretch fabric, highly recommended.

There is a great tie strap detail on the back - I love a good V-back dress/top - and it keeps the shoulders nicely in place and prevents the front gaping open.

The fabric was from TiaKnight - big jersey knit seller her in the UK. Its t-shirt jersey fabric, which is almost too good a quality for this because due to the bodice being self lined - feels quite thick and warm! A jumpsuit for a breezier cooler day perhaps - the equivalent of wearing 2 t-shirts and some jogging bottoms.  I've bought some thinner jersey from GirlCharlee (who now have a UK and Europe site!!) lined up for the maxi dress vest top version.

Celebrating my first ever venture into jumpsuit wearing

 

I enjoyed making this project and again learnt some new techniques - using clear elastic, enclosing shoulder seams in lining - and would definitely recommend it. It was also a lot of fun seeing everyone's different versions appearing on Instagram and social media! 

Instagram - work in progress

Anyone had a go, thinking of making this? Come and say hi in comments, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Bloglovin too :-) xx