Gemma’s Sirocco Jumpsuit
Gemma’s first box of 2022 was the Luxury and she turned her galaxy print cotton jersey into a fabulous Deer and Doe Sirocco Jumpsuit
What a fabric to start the year! This foiled galaxy themed jersey is absolutely stunning, and such a fantastic fabric to brighten up any new year blues, and give you fresh sewing inspiration! It took my breath away, and I knew immediately that I wanted to make something extra special with it. As I had such a large amount, there wouldn’t be much I couldn’t make, and surprise, surprise….. I wanted to make a jumpsuit!
My favourite jersey jumpsuit pattern is the Deer and Doe Sirocco, a Mock-wrap knit jumpsuit with short set-in sleeves and pleated trousers. It’s an incredibly flattering shape, and pretty easy to make. I’ve made a couple and it is such a comfortable garment to wear, especially with the large pockets! However, size wise…. It wasn’t the most inclusive.
Personally I was on the largest size available in the initial paper pattern, and as you put it on over your hips without any notions such as a zip, it can be a little snug depending on how much stretch your chosen fabric has (it does recommended jersey with quite a bit of stretch and good recovery because of this.) It was good timing that when receiving this fabric, Deer and Doe had just released their new extended size range for the pattern, with sizes going up to 57inch bust and 60inch hips. Looking at the new size range, my current measurements actually put me a few sizes into the new block, so i was really interested to give it a try and see how much of a difference it would make – although it is designed to be close fitted, you want to be able to get it on without much struggle!
Size wise, I went with the 50, in the new larger size band (which is 46inch bust & 48inch hip, my exact measurements). The larger sizes are only available as a pdf at the moment, so if you’re not a fan of sticking paper, I highly recommend getting the A0 files printed – I did this and it’s so much easier!
The foiling on the fabric didn’t cause me any trouble when cutting out the fabric, although as always, do be careful not to stretch the fabric out of shape. I decided to be brave and sew this primarily on my overlocker, the first time I have done this with a jersey, and what a difference it makes in terms of the speed of getting it made! I had it all made up in one night, rather than a couple of days, so I am an overlocker convert now! The jersey had the perfect amount of stretch needed, especially when it came to the neckband, as that really needs to be eased to make it fit. I have found this tricky with a few other jerseys, but not this one!
Trying the jumpsuit on when finished was such a great moment – the jersey is lovely and soft, and works so well with the pattern, it fits like a dream! I do find the fit much better with this size band: even though I still had the fitted bodice and waistband, I found getting the jumpsuit on much easier over my hips, which has been the main problem area for me in past versions. I also think having the larger sizes gives you more versatility with what jersey you use – you may be able to use one with less stretch as you can make a bigger size.
This one is a little long in the leg for me, but then most patterns are on me. I could shorten it, but I might see how I get on with the legs rolled up. And let’s talk about that print – how beautiful! The fabric is a perfect partnership for the pattern, it feels super comfortable and is almost on ‘secret pyjama’ territory. I’m so happy with it, it is such a glamorous looking jumpsuit – great for a date night, especially if the stars are out!