Jeans & a Bodysuit MIGHT Be My New Uniform!
7:00 PM
So, it looks as though I've found my new fall uniform: a bodysuit with jeans!
I've never really been a t-shirt and jeans, kinda chick. So, something just as comfortable, but with much more pizzazz and flair with the added plus of not having to worry about coming untucked is a winner.
The bodysuit is Simplicity 8513, view A. My fabric is a 9 x 1 Rib Knit Black Solid from Mood Fabrics.com. It's 95% cotton and 5% spandex and it feels wonderful!
I cut the size medium and I added an inch of length at the waist. I also lengthened the sleeves.
Just like with jumpsuits, I was never able to fit RTW bodysuits. They were never long enough. And before sewing, I was the queen of stacked bracelets and cuffs. They filled in the negative space that too short sleeves created. See how sewing has blessed my life!
The bodysuit has a facing that was supposed to just hang free. I didn't understand why that was there. It seems like you can get the same clean finish with binding. So I took the opportunity to take that facing and add 1" elastic to the bottom and just create a shelf bra. And another thing I did was to add two additional loops because I had a gigantic opening in the already deep plunging V. I also skipped making the tie. I used suede lacing I had in my stash. And here's a tip: I used a crochet hook to thread the lacing through the loops.
And lastly, I was concerned about the leg opening creating a panty line. Y'all have no idea how anal I am about VPL (visible panty line). I have a huge collection of seamless underwear. Like every single pair I own can be worn under ANYTHING! And that's the number 1 reason I haven't branched out to sew my own panties. So, what I did was not serge the edge of the leg. I added the elastic and used a long and wide stretch stitch (#9 on BERNINA 350 PE). And it's folded over and stitched closed to the edge.
I love this bodysuit and I'll be making the other views.
I finally got around to making a pair of Closet Case Ginger Jeans. And I want to fight myself for not doing this sooner. I can get caught up in sticker shock when it comes to independent patterns. I always tell myself, "Nope... there's a Big 4 pattern twin out there." If there is a Big 4 jeans twin out there, I damn sure haven't ran across and I own A LOT of patterns and I've sewn a lot of jeans.
The last time I made skinnies, I had butt issues and twisting legs. None of that this time.
My fabric is this Dark Midnight Stretch Cotton Blended Denim from Mood Fabrics.com. I cut the size 14 and made a 1" full butt adjustment.
I also added half an inch to crotch length on each pattern piece.
And 1" of length.
Before I attached my waistband, I had to take in the waist significantly. If you notice, I have very little space in between the side seam and the coin pocket. The size is somewhere between the size 10 and 12 at the waist. For my next pair, I'll position the coin pocket better.
And I raised my back pockets up an inch higher than suggested. I always sew my pockets on last, after the jeans are completely done and I can put them on and place the pockets accordingly.
I've worn these jeans about 4 times since I finished them. I really need to make another pair soon before I wear these out!
And my Vogue 1517 gold jacket was the perfect topper!
.JPG)
39 comments
Great jeans, great bodysuit and great look on you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy!
DeleteLove it! So glad u addressed the VPL issue with bodysuits. That's the main reason I don't wear them. Do tell abt the source and brand of ur fave seamless panties...inquiring minds want to know;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Danielle! Here is a link to my favorite everyday panties: https://www.target.com/p/women-s-no-show-laser-cut-hipster-gilligan-o-malley-153/-/A-14919420#lnk=sametab&preselect=14922230
ReplyDeleteI know I'm supposed to be talking about your outfit - nice btw - but I really just wanted to tell you that I love your hair. It looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn! I'm trying my best to grow it back it and not cut it!
DeleteWonderful fit!
ReplyDeleteThank you Faye!
DeleteI had the same experiences as you with RTW bodysuits and always avoided them. But I am loving what you did with this pattern! Maybe it’s time for me to revisit them.
ReplyDeleteGive them a go! Thank you Sandy!
DeleteLovely outfit Erica! Closet Case Ginger jean is my favorite pattern! I’ve never worn a body suit before, EVER! Recently I purchased the Henley body suit pattern from Simplicity and can’t wait to try it. Thanks for your great review, it was definitely timely for me. Looking wonderful lady! (BTW...Carolyn is right, your hair is Slammin!)
ReplyDeleteI have that one too! Thank you Myra!
DeleteThe gold jacket really takes it to another level! I am waiting (impatiently) for the next Simplicity sale. I haven't bought any in months and now there are tons that I NEED! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit!!
Thank you Kisha!
DeleteI really learn a lot reading your posts! When I saw your IG pic, I had like 3 questions but you answered them all in this post! Thank you so much! and again... you look amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tasha!
DeleteThis is a gorgeous outfit and you look wonderful in it. I grew up wearing bodysuits and hip huggers in the 60's and I'm so glad to see the bodysuits coming back. So comfortable. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cynthia!
DeletePerfect outfit! I like that bodysuit and great tips on keeping the panty line hidden!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eryn!
DeleteErica, you always look amazing but this might be my favorite look on you! You are straight-up REGAL!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lauren!
DeleteAwesome look on you! And love the leopard print heels. I've been on the "hunt" for a pair like this for some time. Would you happen to be able to offer the details?
ReplyDeleteThey're Sam Edelman. This is his signature ponyhair leopard print that he uses all of the time. These are a few years old, but you may be able to find some similar. Thanks!
DeleteThank you!
DeleteYou’re welcome!
DeleteThe perfect transistional fall look. Lovely doll
ReplyDeleteThank you Ulu itz2!
DeleteAll of your pieces are beautiful. The whole ensemble is just so fabulous! I too have made the Closet Case Ginger Jeans and love them. I am thinking of making them in corduroy...we'll see when I get around to that!
ReplyDeleteI want a pair in cord too. Thanks Tomasa!
DeleteVery nice. I remember body suits when I was a teen. It was only a matter of time before they came back. The body suit makes the outfit look neat and polished. Is it possible for you to do a tutorial for the "shelf bra" Looks like you took the facing and drafted it into a sports bra. It is very nice because you don't have to have the "peek a boo" of a regular bra.
ReplyDeleteThank Erica, you are so inspirational.
Thank goodness all of the cool stuff is cyclical! Thank you Khyell!
DeleteErica, I feel the same way as you about indie patterns. However. If you say Closet Case jean pattern is....as one of my daughters would say.."the truth!!"...then I'm sold. I'll be ordering their jean pattern in awhile. Thanks for the recommendation. Btw. EVERYTHING. And I mean everything you make looks like you bought them. In a high end boutique/designer section of Nordstroms. When it comes to garment sewing, Erica, YOU are "the truth".
ReplyDeleteI do love it and I'm planning a corduroy pair! I hope you love it too! Thanks Sewsy!
DeleteThis is a great outfit; I even went out and bought the bodysuit pattern. I wore them a lot when I was a teenager and they were/are a great wardrobe addition. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThank you Deborah!
DeleteI love this post. I learned something new that I am totally going to try. I have never done a full butt adjustment the way you have, but I always have to alter for my hips and butt! Thank you for this tip! I can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Glad you like it!
DeleteWhere did you add the extra loops on the body suit? I am about to make a version in velvet for the holidays! Looks great btw!
ReplyDelete