Escada Inspired Summer Jumpsuit

Overall: I love Jumpsuits for so many reasons and this by far is one of my favorites! It has class and pizazz--just my kind of outfit. I love flare, but I love a lot of class to go along with it. I think this accomplishes both. I was inspired by this initial creation by NeedlesandFashion and I thought, what a lovely outfit. So I went on a search for the initial outfit and I really fell in love. Traci Ellis Ross wore this absolutely gorgeous lime green number that captivated me. I thought, I have to have one--of course I can't afford it, so I tried to make it.

Patterns: Here's to another Frankenstein creation! Anytime I make something, I don't usually try to make it exact--unless I want to. It will be Cleopatra's version of it. Afterall, that is the beauty of sewing. So, I found a couple of patterns that would help me out: 1) I used Simplicity's 8178 pattern for the pants--sort of; 2) I used Vogue's 1434 for the bodice; and 3) I used Burda's 120A for the flounce--well, not really, but this pattern is very similar to a Burda pattern that I used.

Fabric: I used a crepe back satin type of material for this jumpsuit from Hancock Fabrics during the liquidation sale. When I saw the color, it caught my attention. So the outfit--without the lining, probably cost $10.00 or less. Although this fabric is very light, I would have liked to used a tad bit lighter fabric for the flounce. Nonetheless, I am still so happy and grateful.

Garment Making: This was fun and pretty fast to make. I like when I am putting my own spin on something, I like to see it take shape. First, for the pants. The pattern I used had elastic and gathering--two features that I did not want for this pattern. So, I used the wide leg pants from S8178 for the base and some other culotte pattern for the waist/hip area. What I mean is, I needed to take some fabric out of the waist and tummy area, so I used another pattern to place on top of that pattern to put in darts and grade down the extra space. Also, I measured the crotch using one of Gertie's methods and I added a little extra to the crotch so the pants weren't so tight and unsightly in that area.

For the bodice, I made it as is with the lining from Vogue's 1434 pattern. I used it before and I liked the fit of the bodice. I did not want the strap sleeves from the designer's version. To add the flounce, I cut the flounce on the seam so that I can not have a seam for the flounce in the middle at the top. The flounce is like a big circle that grades down. I had to take some of that out to cut it correctly on the seam which was good because I didn't want too much fabric at the top. I cut two of these out so that I did not have to hem the edges, this is where light fabric would really make a difference or double sided fabric that look the same on both sides. I intended to make a sash or obi belt to go with this, but I did not have time, so I grabbed a pink belt. For the hem, I used a blind hem at the bottom of the pants. I thought I made these very long, but I wear such high heels that I need to go a little longer I see.

#EscadaJumpsuit #Vogue1434 #Burda120A #Simplicity8178