All right ladies and gents, it's my turn to host a jam packed week of short sewing love. Rachael of imagine gnats just wrapped up a week of fabulous guest posts and next week will be Vanessa's turn on Designs by Sessa. But this week, Small & Friendly will be hopping with two posts a day (I usually post twice a week)! Hold on to your shorts ... it's gonna be wild!
After putting together the shorts on the line pinterest board, I was overwhelmed with choices for shorts to sew. That is until I came across this Playsuit Pattern by Salme Patterns. I have a serious soft spot for rompers. The thing is, I'm lazy. I love to wear dresses because I don't have to pick out a top and bottom. A playsuit offers the ease of a dress with the functionality of shorts! I have a rather unusual shape, so my attempts at purchasing a romper have turned into dressing room comedy sessions. I knew sewing my own was my only chance at romper success.
Okay, so what did I think of the pattern? I adore the style, and I am really happy with the end result ... but ... the instructions are a little slim. More than once I was lucky that I was working with a fabric (a grey chambray from Joann) that didn't have a wrong side. Since there are no button holes or zippers, this is not a difficult garment to construct, but you definitely wouldn't want to start with it. You really need to know your way around an adult garment and be prepared to use the old noodle; I added quite a few steps (basting, pressing, etc). I am super short waisted and ended up shortening the bodice by an inch. I would recommend adjusting for a long or short torso in the pattern cutting stage. Also, there are no seam allowances, and I'm lazy, so that wasn't my favorite bit; although, it's not a big deal. The printed pages fit together beautifully, and it is a very well drafted pattern, everything matched up really well. The sizing seemed right on; I measured as a 14 and cut that size with only the bodice shortening and a shorter, cuffed hem.
Overall, I am really happy with my new playsuit. The style is very summery, and it's got a fun pin-up vibe. Plus, the style completely changes with a different belt or sash, so you can add versatility to the list of pros.
And perhaps most important of all, it doesn't give me long butt. A serious concern for an adult in a romper.
Did you notice that I added a few more photos than usual? That's because my best friend and professional photographer came over for a relaxing Sunday, and I made her work. All photos are by the amazing Meg Messina.
I've decided that the playsuit is the perfect summer mom-gear. I might have to whip out a few more and call it a uniform. Cute and comfy, what more could a mama want?
Want to make your own? Elisa of Salme Patterns gave me one, and since I had already purchased it on Craftsy, she said I could give it away! Leave a comment on this post before Saturday at 5pm PST to be entered to win. Giveaway now closed.
Have you caught the shorts sewing bug yet? There is still plenty of time to join the sewalong!
Again, all photos courtesy of Meg Messina Photography.
