So, it looks as though I've found my new fall uniform: a bodysuit with jeans!
I've never really been a t-shirt and jeans, kinda chick. So, something just as comfortable, but with much more pizzazz and flair with the added plus of not having to worry about coming untucked is a winner.
The bodysuit is Simplicity 8513, view A. My fabric is a 9 x 1 Rib Knit Black Solid from Mood Fabrics.com. It's 95% cotton and 5% spandex and it feels wonderful!
I cut the size medium and I added an inch of length at the waist. I also lengthened the sleeves.
Just like with jumpsuits, I was never able to fit RTW bodysuits. They were never long enough. And before sewing, I was the queen of stacked bracelets and cuffs. They filled in the negative space that too short sleeves created. See how sewing has blessed my life!
The bodysuit has a facing that was supposed to just hang free. I didn't understand why that was there. It seems like you can get the same clean finish with binding. So I took the opportunity to take that facing and add 1" elastic to the bottom and just create a shelf bra. And another thing I did was to add two additional loops because I had a gigantic opening in the already deep plunging V. I also skipped making the tie. I used suede lacing I had in my stash. And here's a tip: I used a crochet hook to thread the lacing through the loops.
And lastly, I was concerned about the leg opening creating a panty line. Y'all have no idea how anal I am about VPL (visible panty line). I have a huge collection of seamless underwear. Like every single pair I own can be worn under ANYTHING! And that's the number 1 reason I haven't branched out to sew my own panties. So, what I did was not serge the edge of the leg. I added the elastic and used a long and wide stretch stitch (#9 on BERNINA 350 PE). And it's folded over and stitched closed to the edge.
I love this bodysuit and I'll be making the other views.
I finally got around to making a pair of Closet Case Ginger Jeans. And I want to fight myself for not doing this sooner. I can get caught up in sticker shock when it comes to independent patterns. I always tell myself, "Nope... there's a Big 4 pattern twin out there." If there is a Big 4 jeans twin out there, I damn sure haven't ran across and I own A LOT of patterns and I've sewn a lot of jeans.
The last time I made skinnies, I had butt issues and twisting legs. None of that this time.
My fabric is this Dark Midnight Stretch Cotton Blended Denim from Mood Fabrics.com. I cut the size 14 and made a 1" full butt adjustment.
I also added half an inch to crotch length on each pattern piece.
And 1" of length.
Before I attached my waistband, I had to take in the waist significantly. If you notice, I have very little space in between the side seam and the coin pocket. The size is somewhere between the size 10 and 12 at the waist. For my next pair, I'll position the coin pocket better.
And I raised my back pockets up an inch higher than suggested. I always sew my pockets on last, after the jeans are completely done and I can put them on and place the pockets accordingly.
I've worn these jeans about 4 times since I finished them. I really need to make another pair soon before I wear these out!
And my Vogue 1517 gold jacket was the perfect topper!
