When I think of autumn sewing, I think of practical and function pieces of clothing that I will wear throughout the cold season. These items range from tee shirts, pinafores, skirts, jumpers and other items I can layer up. I may not have sewed up a range of these items this month but I plan to do so in the subsequent months.
Here is a video from my youtube channel It is Josie where I documented what I sewed up in the month.
Itch to stitch Idyllwild top pattern
I made a t-shirt for myself using the Itch to Stich, Idyllwild top and dress pattern which I hacked into a boat neck one. I achieved this by raising the neckline which in turn reduced the curve. I also omitted the neckband and instead folded it over which I finished up with a coverstitch machine.
The Jalie 3669 Nico Raglan Tee pattern was used to make four T-shirts for my family. This pattern comes in 27 sizes for both boys and men. However, I made one for my daughter using the curved hem variation. This pattern also has three sleeves variations: short, three quarter and long ones making it perfect for all year round sewing.
October has been a productive month in terms of sewing. And I am hoping to be more productive as we come to the end of the year. I am currently working on a coat this month which is a first for me but quite exciting too. I hope to share with you more of my Autumn sewing at the end of the month. Until next time…
When the Deer and Doe Sirocco jumpsuit came out early in the year, it was embraced by a number of people in the sewing community. I was not about to miss out on the opportunity considering how much I love jumpsuits. I decided to sew up this amazing jumpsuit out of a knit fabric which I was gifted to by Fabrics for all. Fabrics for all is on a family-owned fabric store located in Leeds with an online presence too. And as a member of their makers’ team, I receive fabric every month in exchange for a blog post.
The Fabric
Jersey fabric with 60 per cent stretch is recommended for this pattern. I chose this gorgeous colourful viscose fabric for the jumpsuit. I was under the assumption that viscose jersey is a lightweight fabric. However, this particular one is medium weight and quite flowy too.
This Fabric sewed up well without any issues on both my sewing machine and overlocker. And It was such a pleasure working with it because it washed and ironed pretty well too.
The sirocco pattern is a mock-wrap jumpsuit which comes in two versions: version A a jumpsuit which features tapered legs and version B which is a romper. It comes in a number of sizes ranging from 34 to 46. And I cut out size 36 for the bodice which I blended into size 38 to both the band and trouser pieces. In hindsight, I should have cut out size 36 throughout the pieces.
The making
I sewed up the Sirocco jumpsuit using mostly my overlocker and only used my sewing machine to reinforce a few seams. I also used my coverstitch machine for the hems which sewed up really well too.
After I had put the jumpsuit together I realised that that the fit was quite big on me. And I spent a considerable amount of time adjusting almost every piece before achieving the best fit.
Alterations
Made a swayback adjustment to the back bodice piece.
Shortened the trouser legs by 3 inches considering the hem is meant to be folded over. I preferred to have mine coming up to the ankle which I found to be smarter.
Took out a considerable amount of excess fabric from almost every side seam and some from the inner leg seam too.
If for any reason you prefer watching the review instead, here is the youtube video where I review this jumpsuit.
The finished project
Despite the numerous alterations I made, it came out exactly as it appears on the pattern in the end. I love the final fit I achieved and I can say that this jumpsuit is a secret pyjama. It is not tight in any areas while keeping a good fit and look.
I will definitely be making another Sirocco jumpsuit since I have transferred all the alterations to the pattern pieces. And my recommendation to anyone planning to sew up this jumpsuit is to consider sizing down if using fabric that has more than 60% stretch.
Thank you for stopping by…
Lifestyle blogger
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
