OMG I made a JUMPSUIT!

Talk about getting out of your comfort zone! This is not only the first time I've sewn a jumpsuit. It's also the first time I've ever WORN one! You may be asking yourself why I've never worn one. Well, it's not for lack of trying. I think jumpsuits are stylish and I've taken many a ready-to-wear jumpsuit into the fitting rooms of numerous stores hoping that THIS would be the time I finally found one that looked right on my figure. And each time, instead of looking stylish and put together, I could almost audibly hear the sound womp womp as I looked in the mirror at another ill-fitting jumpsuit hanging sadly on my body. Generally, the bodice would be too long, and the crotch curve hanging way too low had me looking like a baby with a full saggy diaper. Not flattering my friends, not flattering. Not to mention that since I'm only 5'1" there would be a ton of excess length pooling around my ankles. It got to the point where I quit trying on jumpsuits and just accepted that it was my fate to admire them from afar. But then I learned to sew! And I bravely put a jumpsuit on my Make Nine list for 2019. This was my year to conquer it!

The Pattern:

Originally I was planning to do a Mimi G jumpsuit pattern for my Make Nine (and I'm sure I'll make it eventually), but it seemed a bit involved and I've been short on time lately. I decided for my first attempt to go with something a bit more beginner friendly. Enter the Sirocco Jumpsuit from Deer & Doe Patterns. I'll tell you what it was that really sold me on this jumpsuit pattern. I follow the hashtag #ddsirocco on Instagram, so I've seen a ton of versions made up in all sorts of fabrics and on all sorts of body types. I honestly don't think I've seen one that isn't flattering. It's like Deer & Doe made a wish to the jumpsuit fairy and said, please make this jumpsuit look amazing on everyone who makes it. Boom! Wish granted. Seeing all the amazing versions made me so eager to get started on my own!

The Fabric:

I chose a black polyester/lycra crepe double knit from Fabric Mart Fabrics. I was a bit worried that it would be too sheer, but my husband assures me that he can't see my underwear through it even when I'm standing in the sun. I decided to go with black this time because it's slimming and I don't tend to like the way pants made in printed fabrics look on my body. I will definitely consider making one with a contrast fabric on the bodice though, I think that would be really cute.

The Process:

I have to say that this jumpsuit was very enjoyable to sew. The instructions were very easy to follow and as a result I didn't need to curse and reach for my seam ripper nearly as often as I usually do lol. I thought about making some alterations to the pattern before cutting my fabric. Perhaps altering for a sway back and deepening the crotch curve, but ultimately I decided that I wanted to stitch it up as-is first to see if those adjustments are really needed with this pattern. I'm so glad I did because it turns out that I do NOT need to change the crotch curve. I love the fit of the pants. The back bodice on the other hand is going to need to have some length taken out of it next time, but I was able to make it work this time by stitching down the pleat (more or less making it into a dart that goes higher up the back). The stitching is visible which isn't ideal, but getting this great of a fit on my first ever jumpsuit is totally worth it! I didn't have any other fit issues aside from the length. The pant legs were way too long so I took off about 4 inches I would say. I love, love, love the fit of the bodice. The mock wrap front fits perfectly and it's not too low cut for me. I can wear a regular bra and not worry about it showing. I'm a C cup and heard this was drafted for a B, but the fabric has a lot of stretch so it worked out fine for me. If I'm being super nitpicky, I would say that maybe I could take in the shoulders by 1/4 - 1/2 inch, but that's being super particular and I'm in love with the overall fit of this garment. The look on my husband's face when I walked into the room wearing it made it clear to me that he's a fan of this pattern too!

The Styling:

I kept it simple since it's warm out, but I tried it on with a few different belts. I made sure not to shorten the hem too much in case I wear taller heels, but this also works with flats. I actually made the gold belt myself with some gold elastic that I removed from a skirt I picked up at the thrift store.

The Conclusion:

I'm extremely pleased with my first ever jumpsuit and I guarantee it won't be the last!