Ta da!
I made this jumpsuit from Butterick 5629, a vintage pattern from the Sixties sent to me by one of my readers, Paulette. As soon as I saw it, I knew we were meant for each other (the jumpsuit, not Paulette). I used a stretchy cotton twill I'd bought last fall with the intention of making a trenchcoat, but never got around to making it.
Even though I generally wear a 36" chest, this 38" pattern fits me well. The only alteration I made was to take roughly four inches off the legs, which turned out to be about two inches too much. There was only enough length for me to turn the hem up 1/2 inch and topstitch.
Ideally the pants would be at least an inch longer and the hem would be wider. With an ankle boot or hightop sneaker it's acceptable as-is -- barely. I could probably make a faux pants cuff if the jumpsuit shrinks in the laundry, or maybe I should do it anyway. That hem needs more heft.
Essentially this is a muslin, I remind myself.
I bought a teal zipper and matching topstitching thread, which I used on the front and back princess seams and on the front pockets, which are stitched onto the outside.
I decided not to make the matching belt. I like the strong vertical line of the zipper and I didn't want to break it. A belt would also shorten little 'ole me (I'm 5'7") and make the top look blousey.
I'm curious to see if cousin Cathy chooses this garment to be part of my new look!
What do you think? Me/Not me? Wearable/Wearable but only on Halloween? (Don't spare my feelings; I'm all about total and complete honesty.)
Other than the future-as-envisioned-in-1956, where might I wear such a garment?
More pics here.
Posts
You know I think you are phenomenal, and this jumpsuit is very well made - but I don't think it's a regular rotation kind of item. It looks vaguely uniform-like - as in mechanic from the 60s. And I do think the cuffs are a smidgey to short.
ReplyDeleteMind you, I LOVE how you've styled it and you could look fab in a paper bag. So feel free to ignore my comment...
Very fashion-y. :) You need to walk around until The Sartorialist finds you for his blog!
ReplyDeleteA jumpsuit is *so* much better than a trenchcoat!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely fashion-forward, but it is wearable. You made it in the perfect fabric: the basic material tones down the trendiness of the jumpsuit.
I think the best time to wear this would be in the spring, with dark leather flip-flops or hurache sandals, unzipped half-way, with a plain Hanes tank or a colorful deep-V neck T underneath.
I actually like the length... it is short, but these aren't tailored office trousers. It's the perfect length to wear with sandals, or right now with the ankle boots as you've styled it.
I love it, how stylish! You are definitely not making a foulard out of yourself wearing this outfit. That pattern sewed up amazingly well, someone at Butterick must have known how to draft back then. Those button cuffs with all the pleats are so cool. For winter I can see this in a fine wool gabardine or suiting with all that topstitching. Nice sewing!
ReplyDeleteI love the prince seams! But I have to agree with K. up there, the fabric and color shout mechanic coveralls to me. I think you've got to bring it up a notch with some crazy fabric - no twills or solids!
ReplyDeleteTremendous! I love it with the pink neck hankie. BUT, you need some fabulous shoes to really make this outfit.
ReplyDeleteHigh waters are in right now if you follow the Sartorialist's street photos, but this one does make me think of mechanics overalls. I think that this is the pattern I commented on before? Crazy fabric is in order for this.
ReplyDeleteOy.
ReplyDeleteSew your name on the breast and wear it to work on oil spewing cars.
Actually, I like the upper half. My first thought is ditch those pants, redo your zip, and you have a great spring jacket. My second thought is that it is time to change my tires.
You look just like those chic French garbage men! Great foulard.
ReplyDeleteI had to read all the comments (so far) and look at all your pictures several times to let it all sink in - but I do like it. I have a son in mechanic school - I don't see that at all here (and I tried to see it that way - I only got fashion.) The shorter pant length bothers me a bit, but then I am not a fashionista, and I do understand that this length is current style, so I can let that go. I love, love the sleeves - those pleats are great. I don't love the black shoes with this - the tan boots looked better, but I am not sure you have found just the right shoe as yet. You definitely should make this in a knock out crazy fabric.
ReplyDeleteFinal verdict from Tweety's Granny - I like it.
I think it's totally you! You are rockin' it, with your neckerchiefs and hats, and the turquoise zipper and blue topstitching make it your own (geez, I sound like Paula Abdul). I love the details, the sleeve pleats, etc. I don't see mechanic, I see your personality coming through, and that's what makes a look anyway, in my opinion. You might add the faux cuff, but that may be a personal bias. At my height, I am mortified of high water pants.
ReplyDeleteYou. Definitely you. Like P, I love the color of the zipper and the topstitching. Just an unexpected bit of color with all that khaki. I'm also with P on the adding of the cuff. It's not the length so much, as the needing the heft of the hem to take it up to the next level.
ReplyDeleteI don't really see mechanic with the teal zipper and fashionably short length. I really do think you need to pair the right ankle boots with it. I like the tan better than the black.
ReplyDeleteEmbrace the short length and roll them up even shorter to wear with sandals. Unzip a bit and wear something wild (or nothing!) underneath.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great! I'm vowing to make a jumpsuit this spring. I think I can handle a shorts length easier than long pants. Is that a playsuit then? At any rate, I'm gonna do it!
ReplyDeleteI see a very chic, Formula One Pit Crew Captain of a FutureCar. Wear Boots with this for a differnet feel.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I do think, though, you need to add cuffs to the bottom for more length or roll them up a bit to make the most of their almost-too-short length.
ReplyDeleteNo one should be able to pull off a jumpsuit but you make it work as much as anyone could. Should it be a wardrobe regular? Probably not but you do look snazzy.
ReplyDeleteyou are my hero - my boyfriend now refers to you as my New New York super friend....
ReplyDeleteI like it, but think it could use a bit of color. Would an ascot be pushing the look too far?. Wear it to a trendy dance club! Everyone will think you're on to something and if you go back a couple of weeks later, half the guys will be wearing one.
ReplyDeleteIt's a Rusty Venture Speed Suit! Bravo!!
ReplyDeleteI love the unexpected use of color in the zipper and, as always, your incredible workmanship. Love all the accessories, too (except the black shoes.) With all the fabulous detailing on the top half, cuffs would add the needed heft to balance that. As you said, it's not so much the length as the lightweight look/feel of the hem. You are about to start another trend. Stretch khaki never looked so smart and sassy.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've been validated. Several have agreed with my assessment in a previous post that "I'd avoid that Butterick 5629, View A. It looks a bit too "Want that oil checked, ma'am?" ;) That being said, you look wonderful in your jumpsuit and I would personally be thrilled to have you check my oil, especially with that turquoise zipper and pink ascot! A stylish gas station attendant. Who knew? Seriously, I think you could wear it to informal cocktails at a fashion forward friend's house, for example. Also, I agree with meli88a that you should wait around for the Sartorialist to find you.
ReplyDeleteI think you definitely need some weight at the hem but otherwise I like it. The teal zipper and top-stitching are great. Not just anyone could pull it off but it works for you. How about unzipping that collar a little bit?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to echo some of the other posters. Unzip the top a bit to let something colorful peek out, roll those hems up, throw on some sandals, and rock that thang.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the teal zipper against the khaki!
Just found your blog via Gertie, and feel compelled to add my 2 or 3. First of all you are fabulous and I adore your blog.
ReplyDeleteOk the jumpsuit, I think you are close but it's not quite there. I realize that this is a wearable muslin, but the color washes you out a bit, I would love to see this in a darker or brighter color, I think an allover print may be a bit much but if you could work a small amount of a print in maybe the pockets or the lining of the pockets.
I also agree with the hem needing something... rolling them up, a cuff, or just a deeper heavier hem.
Ok and finally my last knit-picking is that i would like to see the top part a tad more fitted not much, but it looks a little to loose in the underarm area.
Ok I can't wait to see the next one, there will be a next one?
From the knees up: great job! but the leg length is nyeah. I'd consider converting them to cuffed man-capris for spring/summer, with either sandals or giant these-boots-are-meant-for-walkin' clodhoppers. Also, the twill says: I'm a canvas - get yasself a paintbrush and some fave fabric paint, and jazz me up.
ReplyDeleteOh. Dude. Just... I mean...
ReplyDeleteDude. I do not want my tire pressures checked. Really.
Maybe if you had a Pucci remnant?
The ultimate paradox: a beige jumpsuit.
ReplyDeletePattern = awesome. You in jumpsuit = awesome. But in its next manifestation, such a fabulous concept is deserving of more colour and movement!
working in a chain gang... started going through my head as soon as I saw it. In that colour it does remind me of overalls. If it had arrows painted on it pointing up it might be good as a costume.
ReplyDeleteMaybe another fabric/colour would make me see it differently?
Ooh, I love that song, Sue!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a tough crowd - LOL.
I'm going to add cuffs to the pants for sure and maybe try to accessorize this differently.
I could definitely see this in a really bright colored canvas, or some kind of wild metallic.
Now I have to go check my oil.
Please, lengthen the legs, cuffs or something. Apart from that it fits great but does look like a uniform. A different fabric will certainly create a different look and you can definitely get away with wearing it!!
ReplyDeleteI might also offer that you lengthen the rise a bit on the lower half. It looks like you need to put your hands in the pockets to um, pull it out of your, um... let's just call it a wedgie. Perhaps a line of coordinating teal piping and an extension to gain the neccesary length to get the correct fall of the hem if you care to wear the "muslin". And how do you feel about Converse's for a relaxed footwear style?
ReplyDeleteToo fancy for the flea market; too casual for cocktails- hmmm.
Love your jumpsuit...and love your blog! I hope you start a new trend!
ReplyDeleteYou look like the debonair villian who is just about to off Emma Peel.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I think it is very fun and I love the way you are wearing it with the ascot.
Fun Blog BTW.
- Becky
You know, I thought I wouldn't like this jumpsuit, but I do. I agree with Debbie Cook about unzipping (Bee Gees style) and rolling the hems up for a casual hot weather look. I also think you need brighter colours and I love the idea of a loud print. If you're going to wear a jumpsuit, then I think you should wear a JUMPSUIT, if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI'm visualizing vintage pointy-toe Beatle Boots with this, or Cole Haan loafers with white socks. It's smashing with the black hat.
ReplyDeleteI finally figured out what this reminds me of. If you wore it on Halloween you could go as Mr. Roper from Three's company. Excellent sewing job, though, I love the lines.
ReplyDeleteIf you do the faux cuffs, I'm gonna love it. Wear it to the supermarket, going out for coffee, walking the dog, hanging around the house, visiting friends, and (if you are a private detective) accessorise with a clipboard and use to gain access to assorted premises for survielence purposes. However the !@#$ you actually spell survielence. Mae
ReplyDeleteThe fabric choice says "mechanic uniform". Like others have said, try it in a different color in something non-twill.
ReplyDeleteThere is just so much fabric glaring at you all at once, I think this pattern would benefit from some decorative top-stitching. For example around the waistline you could do 5 rows of stitching. You'd get the belt look without ruining the line of the zipper.
I agree with the suggestions to add some color accent, maybe use a bolder color fabric, have a heftier hem.
ReplyDeleteI do think the length is very Sartorialist-style, which is a good thing.
I strongly disagree with the suggestion to wear this with sandals or flip-flops. I think it would ruin the look. I think the boots are a good look.
I can see it in pale ecru with lots and lots of brown topstiching. Safari!! Oh, and maybe a little zebra patterned silk square knotted jauntily aroung your neck.
ReplyDeleteVibeke in Oslo
DreinPa said it: High top Converse All Stars! They rock any outfit! I like the jumpsuit. I would like to see more heft to the hem and maybe just a smidge more length, but not too much. The solid color works for me, but a more adventurous color would be cool- maybe a deep teal or a plum. Then you could wear one of those fabulous print pairs of Converse!
ReplyDeleteI love the suggestion of wearing it to a club, then going back to see half the men wearing one. If not, they will have drive half of the retail clerks in NYC crazy trying to find one!
ReplyDeleteIt is very Rusty Venture. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteLove the jumpsuit and the aqua touches almost get it there...It's not so much mechanic as Flying Down to Rio.
ReplyDeleteCutting the legs down to make cuffed shorts would make it a high rotation garment.
I love the jumpsuit on you. You are as cute as bug and the zipper and topstitching are the perfect accent. They take the outfit away from the mechanical. That said, fix the hem. Too short for stylish and the hem as is looks bad.
ReplyDeleteGo, Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer Go! This is really a totally cool look on you, Peter. I do not see mechanic. But I see some potential Formula one look going on here. I was just glancing at my Ken Speed Racer Barbie here and yes, that's it! You would look even more fab with a red scarf showing beneath the suit partially unzipped (Debbie Cooks's suggestion). You could even make the suit again in blue/white or even add some checkerboard.
ReplyDeleteExecution is most excellent, but I agree that I think it would be even better in a bright color, with contrasting topstitching. Although, I must say, I do love the pop of teal against the khaki. :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you were a member of the Dharma Initiative.
ReplyDeleteYou are adorable, and you did a great job, but...dude. It's a jumpsuit. If you're not a mechanic or, yes, a member of the Dharma initiative (hee), then I don't know. But I love you anyway!
ReplyDelete-Sandra
I agree that the jumpsuit is much better then a trench coat! I've been looking for a jumpsuit pattern for a costume a friend wants made. I hope I can find this one, it's perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteI really like that jumpsuit and i've decided to make my version now that I've seen yours!
ReplyDeleteTo me the outfit says "casual 1970's radiation suit". I don't think it should be worn very often.
ReplyDeletewhere can i buy that pattern
ReplyDeleteLove that jumpsuit! I so want to make the short one, must find the pattern. Rock on :)!
ReplyDelete