Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Floral Zadie Jumpsuit

The weather in Vermont isn't quite consistently warm enough for short sleeves and bare ankles, but I don't think that's going to stop me from wearing this jumpsuit immediately, and often!


This pattern needs little introduction because it's been the hotness of the online sewing world these past couple months. It's the Paper Theory Zadie Jumpsuit, a lovely, relaxed-fit, wrap-style jumpsuit with two sleeve options and ankle length pants. It's got nice big slash pockets, tucks in the bodice and pants for shaping, and no closures (my favorite!).


The Zadie jumpsuit has been really popular recently (so many amazing versions on Instagram!), and for good reason. It's easy to sew, easy to wear, and looks fabulous on a variety of bodies. The proportions are just right, methinks. It also has a wide size range, which I love, UK 6-28. 


I've had at least 4 or 5 people ask me when I was going to make Zadie jumpsuit ... am I that predictable? I was trying to not add any patterns to my stash, but I really couldn't really resist this one. So I guess you all had me pegged right.


So the Zadie is designed for medium weight wovens, perfect for this gorgeous linen/cotton blend floral from Fabric Mart. The earthy green background color and the large-scale print were what drew me to this fabric, and they didn't disappoint!


I had originally planned to make a casual blazer with the linen blend (the Style Arc Loren Jacket), but it was lighter weight than I anticipated, with a looser weave, and so, so soft after washing. I decided it would work best for a floaty jumpsuit.


This is a size 18 Zadie, no fit changes, which worked really well for me. The body measurements lined up with my bust just right, although the 18 hip measurement is slightly smaller than mine. But the pant legs are wide, so it was all good.


I was a little bit concerned that the waistline would be too low for me, but it turned out perfect. I was also anxious about the woven wrap gaping around the bust, but I needn't have worried. It's staying put, no gaping. It feels very secure. Stay-stitching is a must on that neckline, folks. Also, understitching.


I made a few minor construction changes: I cut the back bodice on the fold, used packaged bias tape as a facing for the wrap neckline (because I had ordered enough fabric for a blazer, I was ever-so-slightly short on fabric for the jumpsuit and didn't have enough for self-fabric binding) and I topstitched the waist ties to give them a little bit more heft.


I am absolutely delighted with my Zadie jumpsuit! The fabric and pattern combination worked out perfectly, and the jumpsuit is incredibly comfortable and chic. It feels very "me."

I'll definitely make another! I'm thinking a tencel twill version will be perfect for a wedding I'll be attending this summer, and I have some railroad stripe lightweight denim that is screaming to be another casual Zadie.


Now bring on the warmer weather so I can wear it without a jacket!
(this is my Alina Design Co. Hampton Jean Jacket)


One more photo for those of you still reading... it had to be done!: