Laura’s Winslow/Gilbert Faux Jumpsuit
When I found out what the Luxury fabric was going to be this month, and that it was my turn to get it, I was absolutely floored.
I have been enamoured by all the Fabric Godmother special fabric collections, and they just seem to be getting better and better. This viscose jacquard base feels almost silky. The colour is rich and full-on autumnal vibes, and the pop of electric blue accentuating the zebra stripes is just the pièce de resistance. Can you tell I’m in love?
With a generous 3.5 meters to play with, obviously I had to make the most of it. And with the popularity of matching sets recently, I decided to jump on the bandwagon with two of my tried and tested patterns from Helen’s Closet – the Winslow Culottes and the Gilbert Shirt. Both I have made several times and love.
The Winslow Culottes are a classic – super wide leg it almost looks like a skirt, fitted waistband and of course, pockets! Making it up in this fabric will feel super luxe and take full advantage of all that swishy goodness, I went for the full-length palazzo style version.
The Gilbert shirt is a simple button up with a camp collar, which also have been a super popular trend this year. Whilst the Winslow’s obviously take up much of my fabric allowance, I managed to squeeze out the short sleeve Gilbert with the longer hem (for reference, I made the straight size 14 in both patterns).
The Winslow Culottes are a lovely quick sew. Yes, you have a lot of fabric to wrangle, but it’s very straightforward construction. The only fiddly bit is the invisible zip at the back. Fortunately, I now have a fool-proof technique for inserting invisible zips thanks to Rachel of Stitched Up! She uploaded a “Top Tip Tuesday” video on her YouTube channel a little while ago showing her technique and it is perfect for me. I have used it several times now and it works perfectly every time.
Making up the Gilbert shirt took a little bit longer, but I think it is one of my favourite ever makes. The pattern construction gives a wonderfully neat finish which is always oh so satisfying. There is an inner yoke that is completed in the burrito method and the facings that form the button placket are sewn down with the edges folded in.
The beautiful “Nightshade” Pigeon Wishes buttons from the October box were a perfect match to bring out the pop of blue in the fabric. They are a little bit bigger than the pattern recommends, but I love the big button look and think it adds a little “je ne sais quoi”. I have placed as per the pattern suggestion, but obviously this is entirely a personal preference, and you can place them where you want.
Worn together, I’m calling these my “super trendy pyjamas”. I feel very fashionable and expensive in this outfit, like I’m front row at Paris fashion week. I so pleased with my pattern choices that I think really make the most of the gorgeous print and stunning drape.
To show off the versatility of these garments, I have teamed the shirt simply with jeans and converse which I absolutely love and will has quickly become my classic go-to “jeans and a nice top” look.