So, I've added a new jumpsuit to my arsenal! This time, it's Simplicity 8426. Mimi mailed me this fabulous new pattern before they hit the stores and I knew I wanted to make it in white. I haven't had a solid white jumpsuit in years and I knew it was time.
For weeks, I'd been searching for the PERFECT bottom weight white crepe fabric. And this time, I found the perfect one. This White Polyester Crepe from Mood Fabrics.com is every single thing! It's not creamy like some white fabrics. It's pure white... "White Party" white! And it's thick enough for pants. Polyester has always gotten a bad rap. But throughout the years, polys have improved significantly, so you shouldn't sleep on them. This one is extremely high-end and looks like the type you see in luxury brand clothing. Take my word for this, because I'm not one to walk around looking "cheap".
For the jumpsuit, I cut the size 14. I lengthened the bodice by an inch. And I lengthened the pants by 2 inches. I was surprised at how long these pants are drafted. I usually have to add 4-5 inches to pants patterns to wear with heels.
I absolutely love this bodice and I knew this style would work for me, because I've used it before:
The bodice is lined. I self-lined mine. The lining is machine stitched to the zipper tape and slipstitched at the waist.
And it's underlined to keep everything in place.
Experience has taught me over the years that when I'm dealing with a fitted bodice and a "snatched" waist seam, it's best to NOT use an invisible zipper. I've learned that lesson the hard way. There's nothing like arriving to an event and as I began to exit the car, that cool breeze hits my back!
So yeah... I rock with metal zippers! Especially since this fabric has no stretch... it's 100% woven. And at the top of the zip, I added a hook & eye. Just for extra security to keep the zipper from opening.
The pattern suggested a rouleau button loop. But I created a thread loop instead. Only because I'm partial to thread loops.
The pants are gathered at the waist. I pressed mine as flat as possible to reduce any bulk. The midriff/waistband piece which is initially attached to the bodice first, just kind of hangs free. I knew mine would roll and flip up so I fused it down with Stitch Witchery.
I had a conundrum with the pants. As much as I love pockets, I hate pocket show-thru in white pants. Sigh... But I added the pockets anyway.
I really felt as though I would miss them. Because my hands just naturally want to go there.
The pants are finished with a nice deep 2 inch hem. I don't think hem depth has been discussed enough. You need that wide, deep hem for wide-leg pants to hang correctly. But all in all, I love this jumpsuit and I can see myself making this one again.
