Saturday, July 2, 2016

Faux Jumpsuit


Jumpsuit!  Who would have thought I would make a jumpsuit?  Not me. I have to admit that I wasn't sold on the trend last summer.  But I've seen so many awesome jumpsuits out there in sewing blog land now that I've been convinced.  However, the bathroom issue was a big hurdle for me.  I think I would be ok with the whole having to undress to use the restroom every once in a while.  But that would definitely stop me from wearing it on a regular basis.  I wanted something wearable for the summer.  Enter the faux jumpsuit!  This jumpsuit is actually two pieces- a top and wide leg pants. 



I've had Simplicity 1112 in my stash for a while.  I liked the wide leg pants as part of a jumpsuit.  They are basically like big pajama pants.  And I like the tie belt.  I think the belt makes it look more jumpsuit like.  I made the pants first.  I planned on making the top from the pattern as well but when I looked at it again, I changed my mind.  Strapless bra.  Nothing will stop me from wearing something faster than having to put on a strapless bra.  I wanted a simple v-neck tank I could tuck in with some bra coverage.  I searched through all my billions of patterns and came up with nada.  I wasn't interested in purchasing anything new so I traced a favorite rtw top for a pattern.  I was really uncertain if it would work but it was simple enough for me to try.  There is a front seam and the neckline and armholes are finished with a knit facing.  Nothing special but I was very pleased with how it works as a jumpsuit.  The original top I traced was a woven top so there are some issues because of that.  


Here is a quick pattern review of the pants.
Pattern Description: Sportswear pattern that includes pull on pants, shorts, high-low skirt all with elastic waist.  Also includes a strappy top.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 4-20.  I made the pants in a size 16.

Fabric Used:  I think the success of this faux jumpsuit really lies in the fabric.  I used a really fabulous rayon jersey.  I love the blue and black print and the weight was just perfect.  It has great drape but it's not too thin.  Nice stuff.  It was an impulse buy from fabric.com.  I did my best to keep the pattern placement balanced.  Not necessarily matched but just balanced.  I think I did a pretty good job on the pants but I screwed it up on the front seam of my top.  It's not that noticeable, though.

Likes/Dislikes:  The pants are fine.  They are your basic wide leg pants with an elastic waist.  Wide leg pants are pretty forgiving to sew.  They are nice and long, too.  I did add some length when I cut them them out but I didn't need to.  I took it back off when I hemmed them.  But beware of the rise!  See below.

Alterations/Deviations:   I held up the pattern tissue to check the length before I cut out my fabric and  noticed the crazy high rise.  I took a two inch tuck from the rise to shorten them.  And I am long waisted!  I am sure the rise is long because they are wide legs pants and the crotch seam is supposed to sit lower.  But I didn't need all that length.  I do think I could use just a touch more room in the seat, but that may have something to do with shortening the rise. 

Conclusion:  Easy little pants pattern.  I made a shorts version for my faux romper (below) and I've made another shorts version for lounging around that I'm not blogging about.

I'm very happy with the faux jumpsuit. And the best part is that I can also wear the top and pants separately.


After the success of my faux jumpsuit, I decided to make a faux romper (shorts) for our upcoming beach trip.  I made the same Simplicity 1112 pants pattern and v-neck top rub off.  But blergh.  I did not like the look of the v-neck top tucked in to the shorts.  I think it would look better if the shorts were shorter but I'm not going any shorter than this.  This is the shorts hem line per the pattern minus about one inch.  I know it's longer for shorts but it's a length I'm comfortable with.  I do like the look of the two pieces untucked.  It's perfect for going to the beach and the pool.  And honestly, it's great for presentable pajamas, too.  


After I made the faux romper, I had enough fabric left for another top.  So I decided to try the Hey June Patterns Santa Fe top that I've seen so many awesome versions of.  This is just the first of many, I am sure.  I must really like it because I actually bought and put together a pdf pattern.  I hate pdf's with a passion, but I will put one together if it's something I really want to make.


Pattern Description:  The Santa Fe top is a loose, flowy tank or dolman sleeve top.  There are some interesting seam lines on some of the variations that resemble raglan sleeves.  I was drawn to the relaxed shape of the dolman sleeve top and the sleeve cuffs.  There are lots of options with the pattern that makes it worth the price (this comes from someone who pretty much just buys Big 4 patterns on sale).

Pattern Sizing:  XS-2XL.  Lot of sizes, too.  I made a medium.

Fabric Used:  This fabric is pretty fabulous, too.  It's a shibori dyed bamboo jersey.  It's so soft and drape-y.  Perfect for lounge wear.

Likes/Dislikes:  No dislikes on this version.  I made the pattern as is except for the neckband.

Alterations/Deviations:  I did a neckband instead of binding per the instructions.  Mainly because I am terrible at top stitching my binding.  Making a band is much faster and I don't have to stress over wobbly top stitching.

Conclusion:  Nice little tee pattern.  I've already made another dolman tee (with the insets) that I love. I've also made the tank but am not loving the silhouette as much as the tee with sleeves.  I plan on making another, though!




18 comments:

  1. What a great post! so many pretty things. Love your idea of a faux jumpsuit - makes so much sense!

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  2. Yes!! The faux jumpsuit is perfect! Isn't sewing great for making things work the way we want them to? Yes to bathroom breaks and bra strap coverage! And I love your fabric choices for these pieces - very nice finds. I'm tempted by the Hey June pattern, too. Maybe if I can get through some of my sewing project backlog... Enjoy the beach!

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  3. Loving all of these, especially the faux jumpsuit - you wouldn't know that it is separates. Nice work!

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  4. Both "jumpsuits" are so cute! Great fabric choices!!

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  5. This is one of those 70s trends that I just can't get to...to many memories of bad bathroom experiences when I was a teenager! hahahahaha! But I love your faux jumpsuit - all of the look but bathroom friendly. My kind of garment! Your thoughts on pdf patterns match mine exactly! I understand the why and the immediate gratification of them but the pasting together - oh vey! Glad the Hey June top worked out for you...I would make as many as you could until you got tired of the pattern because you know that no one would realize that you're using the same pattern just in different fabrications!

    Love these pieces and your little photobomber!

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  6. Such a fantastic idea!! You would never know and they look great!! Great timing as I had tried a jumpsuit on for the first ever ever a few days ago and like it but the toilet problem has been bugging me, I ordered the Marigold to try and if it didn't work I could just make trousers but hadn't considered doing this, thank you for your perfect timing.

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  7. I have no idea why this, but I find a faux jumpsuit much more flattering than a real one. It's not logical and maybe I just haven't found or made a jumpsuit that was long enough in the torso, but there it is! Great pieces and thanks for proving my theory :)

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  8. love your faux jumpsuits! and i actually like how your romper version looks tucked in.. i'm wearing mine faux romper a lot, together and as separates, and think i should sew more versions, as it proved to be very practical

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  9. Great wardrobe pieces! I agree on the bathroom issues and strapless bra issues for a jumpsuit, so I reckon your idea to make a faux jumpsuit is awesome! I wonder if the rise on these pants was so long because it was imitating a jumpsuit....I think jumpsuits need a longer crotch than pants because there has to be room to bend and sit without the top half of the jumpsuit ripping off. I love your fabric selections and that Sante Fe pattern looks like a winner.

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  10. Love all of your makes so much! I am totally with you regarding jumpsuits and the toilet issue - it is a total deal breaker for me. So your faux solution is perfect. In fact it is far better than making a jumpsuit because you end up with multiple outfit options like you say!
    I really love both of the fabrics you used, it's completely up my street.

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  11. Both are super cute on you! Very nice!

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  12. Looks like you're going to have a very comfy summer! Love the idea of mix and match separates. So fun!

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  13. girl, these sets are SO CUTE!!!! i love the faux-ness!

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  14. I love your rub off top - it's a perfect tank. I think the shibori set looks really cute tucked in, too! A faux is the only kind of jumpsuit I'd be able to wear. I did have one in the early 90s and it didn't bother me then; but I'm too old for bathroom hassle now.

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  15. Ooh what lovely makes and I think the idea of a faux jumpsuit is much more appealing! That bamboo jersey is just gorgeous!

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  16. You caught my eye with this one and I was pleasantly surprised to see I have this pattern! I thought it was cute and bought it but then rethought it after buying it. This looks super cute and I will definitely have to give this a try!

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  17. What a brilliant idea to make a faux jumpsuit. It looks great on and that fabric is gorgeous. The short version looks very comfy and great for the summer. Xx

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  18. I love all of these!!! The faux romper/jumpsuit is such a great idea!! I love the Sante Fe top too - actually, seeing your versions on Instagram pushed me to make it, and I've made 5 now! I also didn't like the silhouette of the tank as much as the tee, but I sized down and I liked it a lot better!

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