I’ll be honest: I can’t say a jumpsuit has ever been on my sewing pattern ideas list. In fact, I remember when my we used to make fun of people who wore jump suits for fashion (i.e., not for work). So it was with some trepidation that I approached this pattern. I’ll tell you what led me here: While I was developing the Tomigaya Shirt Dress I kept thinking about how much I like the smocked waistband on that style, and it occurred to me that the same waistband could be quite versatile for other styles as well. That, of course, led me to start thinking that it might be fun to make a second sewing pattern with the same waist detail, which would allow you to mix and match between the two styles. And that’s how the Northbridge Jumpsuit came to be!
And guess what? I really like how it turned out! But more important, so do our testers.
The style features a surplice bodice (which is a fancy way of saying that the bodice looks like a wrap style, although it isn’t), that cool waistband with elastic casings and an optional drawstring, and either wide-legged trousers or shorts, depending on your preference–or maybe the season. You can also choose from short sleeves with cuffs and a button-tab detail or 3/4-length lantern sleeve. There’s also a keyhole opening at the back that makes this style easy to get on and off.
See how pretty those details are?
And since this was specifically designed to mix and match with the Tomigaya Dress sewing pattern, I’ll show you an example or two of combining the two patterns soon. I love that you can use the bodice from one, the skirt or trousers from the other, and develop a range of different looks from the two patterns.
So I guess that, in the end, I’m a convert to the jumpsuit, especially with this smocked detail. It’s simple to throw on, comfortable to wear, and looks great with a variety of styling options. Plus, you’ll see how our testers knocked this style out of the park with their fabric and styling choices!
The details: the surplice bodice is cut on bias (I added grain lines if you prefer to cut it on the straight grain, too, just in case…). The keyhole opening in the back makes it easy to get on and off. The elastic waist can be sewn with or without the buttonholes and drawstring in the center casing. And you can choose between View A, with short, cuffed sleeves and button tabs and wide-leg trousers or View B, with 3/4-length lantern sleeves and shorts. Or mix and match between the two views, of course.
I told you the testers loved this one? Here’s what one of them had to say:
I wore it to an engagement party a few weeks back and got compliments all night. I would never normally wear a one piece and it’s now my go to dressy middle age party outfit. Who could have guessed?! It’s a fantastic pattern!
–Caroline
For the samples in these photos I used a heavyweight and somewhat coarse linen and the reverse side of a substantial denim. Softer fabrics will give drapier results, of course. You’ll see some examples when I show you the testers’ photos soon.
Pick up your own copy of the Northbridge Jumpsuit in paper or in digital format. As always I hope you’ll show us what you make with it. I love seeing the fabrics you choose, the ways you style it, and how you make it personal, so I hope you’ll tag us #lieslandco and #northbridgejumpsuit so we can see your sewing. And I’ll be back with fabric and styling ideas as well as those testers’ photos I told you about, so stay tuned!
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