Hi, friends! Did you enjoy the chocolate overload yesterday? I’m back to drinking smoothies and eating kale so I can fit into the clothes I’ve been making. Too bad because those brownies are sooo good and I keep thinking about making another batch!
Here’s another recent make for you — the Sallie Jumpsuit by Heather Lou at Closet Case Files. I bought the pattern and sewed it up not long after it was released. And I’ve even worn it a few times since then but it’s taken me a couple tries to get photos that were good enough to post hence the delay in sharing it with you.
This pattern is very quick and easy to make up. I think start to finish with assembling the pattern, cutting the fabric, and construction all the way down to the hem took me about four hours. The instructions are good and the methods yield nice results with a clean finished top.
I found certain parts were easier to do on my standard machine rather than my serger. For instance, the neckline seam and the side seams of the bodice were easier to construct with the sewing machine. I did go back over the neckline with the serger to add the clear elastic for stability since my standard serger foot has a nifty little slot for guiding in elastic and I think this is so much easier than adding it with the regular sewing machine, but I do think it is hard to get into the V exactly with the serger.
I finished the waist and pants with the serger. I fused the hems with Emma Seabrooke fusible tape and didn’t bother stitching them. I used 1/2″ knit elastic for the waistband and it is very comfortable. My fabric is a cheap lightweight ITY knit from Hancock’s.
As for the fit, I selected a 12 at the bust and graded down to a 10 at the waist then back out to a 14 at the hips. I eliminated the pockets because I don’t really use them in lightweight knit garments. I measured the rise on the pattern and found it would be too short on me and that’s not a good look in a jumpsuit. So I added 1″ to the top of the center back and 1/2″ to the inner leg of the back piece, tapering to nothing down the inseam. I also scooped out the curve a little bit. I then shortened the front rise by about 1/2″.
This all helped and the front rise is great but I need more length in the back rise on my next version as I still feel like my butt is eating the pants a little. I also plan to differentiate a front and back bodice piece on my next version as I need more ease to go over my chest. It doesn’t blouse at the center front like it does at the center back. And I think a forward shoulder adjustment would be helpful. Finally, I find the armhole to be very tight and restrictive, so next time I will lower that a bit.
But overall, my jumpsuit is very wearable and I think I will definitely try the pattern out again (or maybe I already have…).
Susie Homemaker, MD 
This is GLORIOUS! I absolutely adore the print and think you look gorgeous!
Thank you, Heather Lou! You drafted an awesome pattern and I have enjoyed wearing it. I am excited about my next version 🙂
I can’t express how impressed I am with your talent! I can’t believe this took four hours. It takes longer than that to drive to the store, try on a bunch of things I don’t like, then drive home. I’ve looked over a few of your fashions and am in awe! I think you’re the coolest chick I know!
Thanks, Bonnie! You’re pretty cool yourself 🙂
I feel your pain about trying on stuff in the stores — that’s why I learned to sew a few years ago. My shape just doesn’t fit into the industry standard and it makes things so frustrating. If you decide to start sewing, let me know and I will give you a lesson! 😉
P. S. I really enjoyed seeing you guys this week and the “surprise” brought tears to my eyes.
I just love that fabric!! It is perfect for this jumpsuit. I am gonna make one- just haven’t got to it yet! Yours has inspired me to hurry up and get to it!
Thank you! The fabric is very nice and since it wasn’t expensive I didn’t mind sacrificing it to my first version. I can’t wait to see your make up of this pattern!
THIS LOOKS SO GOOD! You are selling that pattern for sure. Love the print!
Thanks, Gillian! Glad you like the print. It is loud but fun 🙂