This is Simplicity 8641. I have had this pattern for some time and intended to make it when I did my Linen Series (this is a project I am planning for the spring) but I decided to do a test on some fabric I had sitting around my sewing room. I used the test fabric for my jumper. See below. I love the texture. After I made my jumper, and tried it on for my sister’s review, she said she loved it. Her birthday was coming up, so I asked her if she wanted one for her birthday, and she said “YES.” I made her jumper in denim. Here’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
So, this is a pretty straight forward pattern, although it is more work than it initially appears. The jumper is simple and cute and even though I made it with some old fabric I had laying around, I think it turned out really good. I have to make it again with a lighter fabric though, because the fabric I used was an upholstery fabric. The fabric I used for my sister’s jumper is the same fabric I used to make my first pair of jeans. If you missed that post, here it is. I Made my First Pair of Jeans! So both of these fabrics were heavy. It would be super nice in linen or light cotton. I love the big pockets on the front and the bib. I especially like the topstitching on my sister’s jumper. It’s not perfect, but good enough. The tie front is nice because it is long enough to actually wrap around the body and the ties can be criss crossed in the back. At first I tied mine in a bow in the front. But then, my sister just knotted hers in the front and let it hang. I liked hers better. So I changed mine. [smile] Also, the back of the dress has belt loop gathers. I wasn’t sure how this would gather up, but it comes together rather nicely.
I made one modification to the jumper. I wanted my jumper to be a maxi instead of knee-length, so I made modifications to the front and back skirt pattern pieces. It was a simple modification I made to the bottoms of both pieces. I love a maxi, and turning this into a maxi was quite simple and worth the extra invested time.
Now, let me tell you about what I found difficult in making this jumper. Although I love the ties and straps, and how long the ties are, they were an absolute beast to turn. Basically, turning them inside out. It was absolutely horrible and extremely time-consuming. I have quite a few turning tools, so that was not the problem. I spent an astronomical amount of time turning these ties on both jumpers, and it was quite the bear. I absolutely hated that part of the construction, but clearly, it was a necessary evil. In the future, I will find another way to make the ties because I felt like the instructions on this part of the pattern could have been better. So, if you decide to make this jumper, just beware. You may want to use some bias tape for the ties instead.
My sister was very happy with her jumper, and I think it looks pretty doggone good on her. She is not normally a dress person; so I was surprised when she said she liked it and wanted one. I wear dresses all of the time, and I love them, but she is a jeans and leggings girl for sure. She agreed to take some pics for my blog with me, and I am happy to share them with you today.
Before ending this post, I want to mention how much fun it was to do this photo shoot with my sister. We are very close and she is one of my best friends as well as my sister. She loved her jumper and I loved mine too. This was just fun. Until next time, thank you for letting me share my passion with you. I hope you liked this sewing project and are making your life better [and others’] one project at a time.
I will speak the truth. But always with love.
Sharon, this jumper is adorable and so flattering on you both! I agree that turning those straps are so frustrating! I’m glad you took the time because it looks so stylish! It’s a very “young” look and you both rock it!