Laura’s Blanca Flight Suit
Laura made a statement with this months Luxury Box brushed cotton tartan and made the Closet Core Patterns Blanca Flight Suit.
When I see tartan, my mind is immediately transported to the 90’s punk rock era. And when it comes to fashion inspiration, there is no one more emphatic in this era than the great British fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood.
And with the recent passing of Vivienne Westwood, it seems only fitting to make an outfit inspired by her iconic tartan looks.
After thinking about the look and attitude I wanted to evoke, I decided on the Blanca Flight Suit from Closet Core Patterns. A tartan jumpsuit is a very bold look!
The Blanca is a pattern I have had in my stash for ages but never got around to making and now seemed like the perfect time. I got some patches from a shop on Etsy that I think evoke that Westwood feel and make it extra special.
I went with the short-sleeve variation with the long leg (with ankle button tab) and regular breast pockets.
The rebel I am decided to go full in and not toile. Will this be a mistake? Hopefully not! I have made a few garments from Closet Core Patterns and found that they generally fit me without the need for adjustments so kept my fingers crossed and dove in.
I tried my best to pattern match across the front and back seams (which meant cutting out on the single layer). I think I managed a good effort! It’s not perfect but I think I just about get away with it. Besides, it’s punk! I cut all the patch pockets on the bias to save myself the headache.
This is quite a meaty project, perfect for if you’re lucky to have a full weekend of uninterrupted sewing bliss, or if you want something to chip away at every now and then. Mine took a little bit longer as I had to individually sew on all those amazing patches.
Even the zip insertion was very straightforward, which is not something you will usually find me saying! But because you baste the front closed first and sew the zip on behind it, then remove the basting stitches, it just made the process so much easier.
It has just been a really enjoyable sew. The sewing gods were smiling down on me as thankfully the fit has come out perfectly. It is quite close fitting around the bum and thighs so make sure you study the finished measurements carefully.
Obviously, what makes this garment special are the adornment of patches. I am absolutely thrilled at how they’ve come out.
The red and blue in the hummingbirds and butterfly marry so utterly wonderfully with the colours in the tartan like it was meant to be. The big orange lily symbolises Westwood’s iconic red hair, and the bees are a homage to my home city of Manchester. It couldn’t have worked out more perfectly.
I love working with brushed cotton as it makes such super snuggly, comfy garments. Truly the epitome of secret pyjamas!