Simplicity 8608 Jumpsuit
Saturday, August 04, 2018
I'm really leaning towards Big 4 patterns lately. I've been practicing seeing beyond the picture on the pattern envelope, as lets be honest, the Big 4 releases don't always hit the mark on first look. But the Simplicity 8608 stood out as the picture is... surprisingly nice - and there are a whole bunch of versions on Instagram that suggest other makers feel exactly the same!
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| Simplicity 8608 view D in contrast fabrics |
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| Planning the polka contrast! |
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| And checking I got it right! |
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I was forewarned by a kind Instagrammer that a zip might be necessary, and after sharing my finished jumpsuit, other people have said exactly the same - only a contortionist could make their way in and out of this garment without one! Luckily, in using the contrast fabrics, I'd already split the back piece rather than cutting on the fold, so when I ambitiously attempted to make it as directed - it wouldn't even go down past my shoulders - it was just a case of unpicking the centre back seam.
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| Carrying the contrast through to the back! |
I could have gotten away with a zip on just the upper half of the bodice, but instead inserted a concealed zip that runs the full length of the back (22") to avoid any additional stress on the elasticated waist when taking it on and off. Other than that quite big hiccup, the instructions were really easy to follow - is it just me or are Big 4 instructions getting better?! - and the whole construction only took a day.
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| Party in the back! |
The bodice faux-wraps across the front, and you sew a channel in the waist seam allowance to thread a skinny bit of elastic through for a closer fit. I guess the tie belt could be optional, but I prefer mine worn with it as it pulls together all of the contrasting pieces. The neckline sits a little wide for me, so I would probably adjust the shoulders if I make this pattern again - securing the pieces together at the bust did help a little, but I broke the stitches on the first wear! The overall fit is perfect for me, but it's worth noting that there isn't a great deal of depth in the body - I'm 5ft 6", but taller ladies may want to consider lengthening it.
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The circle sleeves are more feminine than I'd normally go, but I really like the movement and hang of them. The black crepe is slightly heavier and has more bounce than the polka fabric and annoyingly, the hem curls to the right side, but this jumpsuit was made for moving/dancing so hopefully no one will notice! Another 'oops' moment with the sleeves was being too lazy to change my overlocker threads from cream. The inside seams of the sleeves become visible with movement so I had to emergency colour the overlocker stitching in with black sharpie!
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I honestly think this is one of the best things I've made in ages - maybe ever? - but then I say that about nearly all of my latest makes. It definitely brings back fond memories and fills the gap left by this old favourite polka jumpsuit which no longer fits! I'm particularly proud of how well the contrast fabrics turned out, and I feel very much encouraged to experiment further with this in future makes (a potential for #sewingleftovers)!
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| At Jodrell Bank to see my favourite guy play at Bluedot festival |
It might not look like practical festival attire, but it had it's first turn in the field at Bluedot the other weekend and was greeted with some lovely compliments. I know I'm not the most practical dresser, but in my defence, the jumpsuit is much easier to get on and off with the zip and more importantly, it has pockets! I also wore it with heels to a recent work event, so I can definitely seeing it getting wear on all occasions!
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I really love how this pattern turned out and I can definitely see myself making a lengthened version of View A if I can find the right fabric - a solid colour or a minimal graphic print maybe? I'd definitely recommend the Simplicity 8608 to makers of pretty much all abilities as it's such a great and versatile pattern, but PLEASE remember to include a zip!
Stay in touch!
14 comments
gorgeous make - thanks for the tip on zip! looks great on you, I will be on the lookout for this pattern
ReplyDeleteThank you Eimear! 100% recommend this pattern regardless of the weird zip error :)
DeleteLove it love it love it :D
ReplyDeleteThank youuuu! :)
DeleteI love this Shauni! The blocking effect of the two fabrics is soooo fab!
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane! It was worth the headache trying to work out my cutting :)
DeleteThis looks great! I love the diagonal different fabrics.
ReplyDeleteYay! Thank you! :)
DeleteLove it! Maybe I missed it, but what kind of fabrics did you use (what material?)? Still struggling with picking out the right fabrics for the right projects. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The black is a mid-weight crepe and the polka is a slightly lighter viscose mix (I think?!). Both have great drape, but the polka works slightly better for this particular project as it's that little bit lighter :)
DeleteAh you look like a modern Harlequin! It's awesome!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thank you! I did wear it to a (non-fancy dress) Circus themed dinner dance recently :)
DeleteHI THERE,
ReplyDeleteSUCH A PRETTY JUMPSUIT.
TELL ME, IS THE SEAM ALLOWANCE INCLUDED?
Thank you. Yes seam allowance is included!
Delete