Hayley’s SeaChange Jumpsuit
I live for the season of pretty dresses in autumnal colours to pair with tights, boots and scarfs.
Something about that whole look just makes me feel more put together than when I reach for jeans and a jumper which more often than not ends up being my go-to outfit in the cooler months. Especially on rainy school runs.
I’m determined this year to be more intentional with my outfits and the ones that just make me feel good, I’ll just need a decent coat and umbrella.
The Lady McElroy fabric in the Luxury Box this month is the perfect example, stunning autumnal shades but in a floaty fabric that can be layered up to add warmth. One thing to consider is just how floaty the fabric is, and trying to hold down a dress on a windy day in the school playground perhaps isn’t the most ideal scenario.
So instantly a jumpsuit sprang to mind. The trouser legs mean no issues with strong gusts of wind, a shorter length leg means it will work well layered over thick tights and boots, plus a strappy bodice lends itself to being layered over long sleeved thermal tops with a cute denim jacket over the top.
Last year I made the SeaChange jumpsuit from Pattern Emporium in a floaty fabric from a previous box. I loved the shape and style but it needed a few alterations with the next version. I’m slowly working my way towards it being the perfect jumpsuit for me and knew it would work so well in this fabric.
The PDF pattern instructions are extensive, although you do have to hop between different pages depending what version you are making. There are different strap options, different waist tie options, the option to add side seam pockets. As well as all that there are different facing options depending on the size you are making.
Because my hips are a few sizes bigger than my bust there isn’t enough wiggle room to get the garment on and off over my hips so the suggestion is to sew an open back facing with a hook and eye to allow a little more space.
With my first version I cut a size 20 at the bust grading out to a 24 at the hips which came up a bit too large at the top so for this version I cut an 18 at the bust and graded out to a 20 at the hips which fit much better as there is a lot of ease in the pattern due to the floaty nature.
The open back facing works really well although trying to do up a hook and eye from behind is slightly fiddly, you just have to get your angles right!
With this version I went for the wide fixed straps but there are options for narrow, adjustable and tied straps so lots to play around with.
Now, don’t get mad but I chose not to add the pockets to this version. In a heavier weight fabric I would definitely put them in but as this fabric is so lightweight I wouldn’t put anything in the pockets as it would pull and distort the entire garment so… what’s the point? I know, not everyone will agree with me on that!
Finally I made the shaping ties a little bit wider and longer so that I could wrap them around the back and then tie them at the front to give just a little more shape to my waist, but with the option of making a larger bow at the back for a different look.
There is still room for improvement fit wise at the bust, whilst it works perfectly well as a layering piece there is still some gaping under my arms which, if worn on it’s own as a summer playsuit would be noticeable. Perhaps a dart from the underarm towards the apex would be a good solution.