#closetcorepatterns

Annnnnd.... I'm done!

This was my test fit for the Blanka Flight Suit by Closet Core Patterns and I'm in love. I really look my time with these as I really find myself cutting corners a lot - esp with finishing and top-stitching and things. The material is a poly cotton from Ikea and is really thin and low quality and I have LOADS so I'm using it as muslin. The zipper is white, I know - but I didn't have anything else this size when I started (typical, they arrived today).

However, as I new I'd not be getting a lot of wear out of this I wasn't precious about the zip. I might take it out at a later date if I feel like it.

So - first thing - the pattern was FANTASTIC. Instructions were clear, complete, matched the pictures shown and were very beginner friendly. I cut this in a size 18UK and it's a perfect fit for me. It's also very flattering. It does come with two sleeve options which I was going to do, but ended up realizing that I'm def a bit partial to sleeveless, and I feel hardcore.

This took two weekends to sew, I'm a slow sewer and worked on this pretty sporadically - if you were sitting and WORKING, I'd say 2 days.

The actual jumpsuit is... fantastically comfortable. There is enough ease that I can sit criss cross without cutting myself in half, and I'm currently wearing it sitting in my chair with both legs tucked up with zero crotch issues. I do have to put the zipper down a LITTLE so it's not RIGHT at my throat but I'm a long person and I have to do that with EVERYTHING.

I can't belive its taken me so long to try these 'indie' patterns and each one of them so far has been a total delight. Although this isn't the best fabric and it attracts fluff and cat hair like a magnet, I'm keeping this on. I'm sooooo happy with how this turned out.

The actual pattern has different options and layouts, zipped pockets and sleeves to pick from. There is a LOT of topstitching so this is a thread hungry fabric, but who cares when it looks this good at the end?

The PDF version of the pattern is £14.25, printed it is £17.25 + postage.

The total cost to me was: 5 yards of DITTE fabric at £3 a yard, a zipper from an old bedspread, and the pattern. I didn't bother with interfacing because this is just a tester, but it holds up okay without. I used almost two bobbins (which is how I measure thread).

Finally finished the shirt - I'm calling this the "watermelon tunic" and I'm really happy with how it turned out.

The fabric is a light cotton from Mood Fabric (yes I love this shop okay? Buying it makes me feel like I know what I'm doing). It's called the Rose and Green lightweight cotton twill, and it was on sale.

It frays like a motherfucker because it's more of a lightweight weave. However it's cute as fuck and I love it so much. I have discovered what I love is a large check. I enjoy looking like a tablecloth.

It's made with the Kalle Pattern from Closet Core, which is another 'indie' brand I've tried out now, and I was quite happy with the instructions. I would say that it's not AS clear as the Friday Pattern Co, but it's still miles better than the big 4. Very beginner friendly.

I made the mistake of trying to make the bias tape out of this fraying fabric and it was a nightmare. I did manage it, but I'm not super happy with the end result on this - the hem is... not the best work I've done.

I think this DOES need a button but I'm not going to put one in - I used to get a loot crate so I have a LOT of pins and I'm just gonna use those as buttons!

I don't want to be like 'modesty required' but like, my whole titty could fly out of this collar. I think if you were wearing like a nice bralette or you made this as a pullover for the beach in a lighter / see-through fabric it would be totally fine. But my beige 38 DD bra isn't giving those vibes.

So I love this tunic and I get to wear fun pins.