27 August 2011

215. Simplicity 2187: Transition to Fall Romper


I don't know if I've ever smiled a cheesier smile on camera.  But I am happy about this romper.  Sometimes there's a style bubbling among the like-minded.  I bought Simplicity 2187 early this the month, and then Tina blogged about rompers, and then Johanna blogged about rompers, and now mine is finally done.



The romper has been on my to-do list since last spring (2010) because I recognized a need for me to drag myself around the excruciatingly hot summers in something dressier-looking than a t-shirt and shorts, and something more lounge-able than the many dresses I already wear.  Also, we usually go straight from summer into winter in Austin, so we can realistically expect another 2 months of summer  (for example, today, August 27, we are supposed to reach 110 deg F / 44 deg C).  I don't have what I consider "transition" clothing.  If I redefine "transition clothing" from summer to fall for Austin, I'd say I still want to wear light single layers and simply change the color palette to something more suitable for fall/ winter.

I can stay in analysis paralysis forever with my sewing:  Do I draft the pattern myself or do I look for a RTW pattern and pray all the proportions will work for me?  Took me about 18 months to just get a pattern a go for it!

I bought a yard and a half of this lovely rayon challis from Pacific Fabrics in Everett, Washington, earlier this month when I was there for work.  It behaved so well, almost as predictable as a cotton.

The pattern itself underwent some changes before I cut -- namely, I took about 2 inches from the width of the entire garment.  I folded it all out in areas where gathering would happen, but I don't think it negatively affected the shape and drape of the garment at all.  I also made the shorts length, not capri length.  Wore it yesterday and it's just what I wanted.

I've never seen a pattern with pockets made like this.  The pocket piece is meant to fold over itself to form the pocket bag!  It's so dang smart.  Have you ever made pockets like this?  I'm betting that jeans are similar, only the pocket bag is made of thin cotton, not denim.


I am thinking about making one more romper before I turn my attention fully to winter clothes.  If there is another one, it will have a different bodice: either a draped cowl in a knit, or maybe a crisp, tailored top half like a shirt.

And as a fun little random surprise, I am today's "Featured Member" on PatternReview.com.  Kind of lit a fire under me to live up to this very arbitrary turn of events by making sure I photographed this romper, blogged it, and wrote a review of the pattern.  So I will link to the pattern review when it's done.  ;)


13 comments:

  1. you look adorable in the romper!

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  2. Good on you for being able to wear one without looking like an over-sized toddler!
    The main obstacle (apart from anticipated fit problems) between me and all-in-ones is that I imagine going to the toilet becomes a hassle. Maybe not so much in warm weather though.

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  3. Antoinette, that looks GREAT!

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  4. I think the changes you made look great. Especially the length of the lower part - the shorts.

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  5. You are totally rocking this look. It really suits you. I was so shocked to read how hot it is where you are! Our summers are simply wonderful. Warm but not hot. Winters cool but not cold. Having lived in more variable climates I have come to appreciate a moderate one. Rayon is a lovely fabric for humidity and it drapes better than cotton (on the whole) so I'm a big fan. A good quality viscose or rayon is a very nice piece of fabric.

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  6. Want!!! Well, "want" to rock it the way you do =). It looks lovely made up in rayon. You hemmed it the perfect length!

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  7. Very nice. I like the design changes you've made. The romper looks more polish.

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  8. Looks like summer to me Antoinette. Love the casual ease of your style. I wonder if I could get away with the longer version of this pattern?

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  9. Such a cute romper. looks good on you!

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  10. I have this exact pattern. Would you say it is easy to follow? I'm not the most experienced tailor so I don't alter patterns. Do you think it can still look/fit well without removing 2inches all around?

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  11. This is super super cute! And I don't think your smile is cheesy at all!

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