The Magnificent Thread: July 2017

Jazz Ready to Sew

I've had the pleasure of testing another wonderful pattern recently. Please welcome the newest member of the Ready to Sew family and the follow up to the equally fab Joanne Culottes/Shorts pattern: the 6-in-1 Jazz Jumpsuit and Dress!

Ready to Sew Jazz!

Jazz is a relaxed and stylish pattern with 6 different bodice and bottom combinations. In truly predictable me-style, I of course went for view 1, a combination of the culotte bottom and sleeveless v neck bodice (see below for the other 5 variations). I had my quick-approaching summer holiday in mind - panic holiday sewing commence! - so picked an amazing lightweight printed cotton from my stash - a £2 treasure from the last Hebden Bridge WI Rag Market - to make it up in.

Jazz variations

Jazz is a pretty hefty PDF pattern, though if you're decisive about which version you want to make, you can be savvy with your printing and save on paper. Another great paper and time saving trick is to try printed option B. The pattern lines run right up to the edge of the paper, with just the slightest gap at the margins of the page, meaning no trimming before taping pages together. I've never used a PDF like this before but I'm sold! Note, the pattern is also layered meaning you can select your size, though in my haste to get making I forgot to take advantage of this function!

PDF option B with no trimming required!

I cut a size 42 based on my bust measurement. I could have graded down to a smaller size at the hips and waist, but I figured the style was fairly relaxed anyway. As with the other Ready to Sew patterns I've made - the Jane Shirt and Joanne Culottes - the prep includes overlocking all raw edges that need it prior to sewing. I really like this method of making, as I'm usually lifting my overlocker back and forth when needed mid-make (the woes of limited sewing space).

Loving my Jazz jumpsuit!

The construction is simple and the instructions are easy to follow, again with click through tutorials on the PDF for some of the trickier techniques. My only slight downfall with this version was not stay stitching or interfacing the neckline. I managed to warp the neckline out while making which is a bit of a shame, but with the relaxed fit and nice drape of the fabric, I can just about get away with it. This is something I mentioned in my tester feedback and the final version of the pattern does have a note to interface if your fabric needs it - useful for people like me who don't give it a second thought unless told to!

My relaxed neckline

I made the whole Jazz jumpsuit, including cutting and sticking the pattern together, in just one day! It really is a breeze to sew, with a few nice techniques such as making/topstitching the pockets and gathering the bottom of the garment into the waist, keeping it interesting to sew. The most time consuming and fiddly part for me was attaching the self made binding to finish the armholes - you could use ready made if you wanted to cut a corner here - but it's worth it for the lovely finish, inside and out!

Side view

Back view

In terms of styling the finished garment, I chose to make a simple tie and attach a couple of loops at the side seams so I could belt it in for a bit of definition a the waist. Jazz is super loose fitting around the waist, which I lots of people will love, but I know I'll get more wear from mine with the option to belt it.

I love love love the finished Jazz and just haven't been able to resist wearing it before my holidays. It also came with me on a recent work trip to Barcelona and doubled up as the perfect conference/sight-seeing wear! I've just finished version number two, in black crepe - the perfect replica of an amazing &otherstories jumpsuit I've wanted to copy for years - and will share it as soon as I've got some pictures!

Jazz on tour in Barcelona!

I can't recommend the Jazz pattern enough, particularly in terms of value with 6 different garments to make from just the 1 pattern. You can buy a copy of Jazz on the Ready to Sew website here and be sure to check out other versions for inspiration at #jazzreadytosew