simone overalls

 

I came across the Simone Overalls pattern last weekend and immediately became very interested in making a pair for myself. I wear a LOT of overalls in my daily life in my textile studio or at the pottery studio or while gardening. I'm a big overalls gal. 

I have never undertaken sewing a jumpsuit before - this was my first. It's also really interesting because the pattern is designed to be "zero waste". This means instead of printing and taping a pattern together, you draw the pieces (all rectangles) using a fabric marker directly onto the fabric. The pattern also has an option to custom fit the design to your specific measurements instead of using the general size range options. I measured myself and then compared my measurements to the pre written sizes and decided to go instead for option C. The only printing required is the piece for the front and back bib. Brilliantly, the excess material that is cut away to make the bib is the pocketing material for the inseam and patch pockets! 

I intended to simply prepare the pieces and cut them out yesterday, but instead I became completely absorbed by the process and made 95% of the garment. My fabric was 53" wide instead of 56" so I made the straps and the waist ties each 3" wide instead of 4" wide as the pattern recommends, and it worked out totally fine. I also made the tie loops half the size so they would fit the thinner straps.

I purchased 3 yds of denim to make the Anna Allen Helene Jeans pattern, but when it arrived it was not the right weight and was a bit too stretchy for my liking to be used for jeans. I had it sitting around for a while and loved the overalls in the above photo and decided to use that for my overalls. 

 

The instructions were a bit confusing, and I wish there had been a video of some of the trickier steps, but I was able to sort it out correctly in the end. I also felt like some of the simpler steps were made more complicated by the instructions - for instance, making the ties (folding into the center and then in half and sewing closed). 

 

I've been inspired by my ceramic practice to approach my sewing practice more in steps instead of doing like what I did yesterday, in one big burst. I think I can stay more fresh and attentive to details and not get burnt out if I approach my sewing like in this way:

day 1 - wash the fabric

day 2 - print the pattern and assemble 

day 3 - lay out the fabric, cut and mark all the pieces

day 4 and onward - sew the garment

But sometimes when you're really in the zone, it's hard to step away! I made it most of the way through the garment yesterday. All that remains now is to sew the back pockets and hem the legs. I may do some embroidery on mine like the inspiration image. I think it looks so cute! 

 

I want to fiddle with the ties and try different tying options. This video is helpful to see different methods on the designer.