Welcome new contributor Jess! She’s here today to share her review of the new extended sizing of Paper Theory’s Zadie Jumpsuit. We think Jess looks fabulous and we hope you do too!!!
Size Range (with measurements):
Extended sizes 16-28 (40.5”/103cm-55”/140cm bust, 43”/109cm-57.5”/146cm hip)
What size did you make?
I made a size 24 top and size 26 bottom.
What are your measurements, height, and body type?
Full Bust:47”
Waist:43”
Hip:57”
Height: 5’6”
I’m very hipped and choose to measure my waist closer to my underbust, rather than using my natural waist.
Since I sewed the pants a larger size than the bodice, I compensated by increasing the size of the pant pleats to punch out the extra fabric. I also sewed the largest size of the waist ties, but neither of these adjustments added to the time particularly.
What fabric did you use?
- A lightweight grey linen that was on sale at Tessuti Fabrics
- Bias binding is linen bias binding from the fabric store.
This came together so quickly, and if it wasn’t for my indecision regarding the bias binding and a small brain blank, I could’ve sewn this up in an afternoon. I think these angled pockets will be my new go-to way of adding pockets to pants, and the only step I changed was to staystitch the neckline directly after cutting, rather than waiting until some sewing has already occurred.
I got a bit confused about the placement of the ties (one on each side of the top, wrapping under and out the hole you made in the side), but when it finally ‘clicked’ for me it seemed so obvious that I’m sure it was my fault.
How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?
Yes, I love the fit! Although I do think that people should wear clothes they love and not worry about what fat folks have traditionally been warned to stay away from, much like sack-dresses and horizontal stripes, this looks great!
There’s obviously a generous amount of ease which adds to the relaxed vibe of the jumpsuit. Nothing is especially on display here (including boobs), and I’m not at all worried about accidental flashing when I have it on!
Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?
Definitely! I’d love to make this in a delicious coloured heavyweight linen, and also in something a bit drapery- I don’t have any fabric in my stash that fits the bill, so I’ll be sitting on these plans for a while. I’d also be interested to try the sleeves (which, from looking at the measurements, wouldn’t require a full bicep adjustment for me), and can it be cold-weather-ified?
I picked the largest size in the waist ties but next time I’ll make this I’ll instead use a measuring tape to replicate the path that the ties will take, so that I can be sure to have a decent amount of the dangling down after I’ve wrapped myself. I might also trial some lightweight interfacing in the ties so that they don’t fold in on themselves.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources (blog posts, fitting books, tutorials) that helped you sew this piece up?
This was an incredibly straightforward and quick sew. With no zips, buttons or ‘fitting’ to be done, it was truly my perfect sew.
Overall pattern rating
Size Range (1-5): 5 — based on the new standardized size range ranking (the ease in the pattern would also include a much larger range of measurements).
Instructions (1-5): 4 — The instructions were straightforward (contained some dire warnings) and the illustrations were helpful.
Construction Process (1-5): 5 —The construction process for this was incredibly straightforward, and the pleats made it really easy to mash together a top and bottom of different sizes.
Final Fit (1-5): 5 — I am thrilled.
Overall Rating (1-5) + Explanation: 4.75 I’ll definitely be making this pattern again!
Jess, thank you for giving our readers such a wonderful review! She can be found on IG @fat.bobbin.girl.
Contest!
Paper Theory has graciously given us a copy of the pdf pattern to gift to one of our readers, so please head over to our IG page to enter! Don’t have IG, then email us your entry by answering this question, “What’s your favorite type of fabric?”
Contest ends Wednesday, March 27th at 11:59pm PDT.
My measurements are very close to yours (but I’m a good bit shorter). Fitting my hippier shape off the rack is next to impossible but I LOVE a good jumpsuit. You look amazing. Thank you soooo much for sharing!!!! I am RUNNING to order this now. I adore the idea of winter-fying it too !!
Just out of curiosity – is it easy to get in and out of ?
Sami, sorry for my slow reply! It’s easy enough to get in and out of during the day, and since it’s quite a relaxed fit, easy enough to get on and off in general.
I bought this pattern when I saw it on your Instagram and after reading this I’m even more happy with my decision. It was a bit pricey (ended up being $26 australian) but I’m happy to pay that for a well made pattern. It looks fantastic on you, can’t wait to make my own!
I can’t wait to see your version Madelyne!
It looks super comfy and fun! But, you’ve got me dying of curiosity over the “dire warnings” in the instructions… lol!
And the neckline stays closed as is without a snap or additional closure? Wow! That’s pretty amazing! Must be an excellent cut to the pattern shape.
Oops. Sorry for the repeat comment. It told me I did the “I am not a robot” code wrong so I did it again… clearly the actual robot goofed.
So long as I tuck the left hand side over my boob on the right as I’m wrapping it, I get perfect coverage! So much so I went bra free the other day and had no slip-ups!
Looks super comfy and fun! But now you’ve got me dying of curiosity about the “dire warnings” in the instructions!
So the neckline stays closed without an addition of a snap? Wow! That’s amazing… must be a really good cut to the pattern.
I love your jumpsuit, and I think a more drapey fabric will make it a stand-out. Also, I know many women have ditched the shoulder pad, but I think a slight boost at the shoulder will give you some balance. My motto: Shoulder pads are your friend!
Thanks Mary- I love it just as it is, but I’ve seen lots of great versions on instagram in slinky fabric like tencel!
For me, I love the slouchy, oversized aspect and mostly wear linen (and look forward to the fabric ageing too)!
This jumpsuit is perfect! It’s elegant, yet still somehow breezy and casual — not to mention very well fitted. I’m impressed.
I’d like to pretend that it’s my very exacting sewing that got me this good fit, but it’s really just excellent drafting!
Thankyou Jess for your contribution to this great community. This is a great review of a pattern that I had been watching for a while. I have made their Kubuko top this winter and surely enjoy the funky vibe to their patterns. I bought some rayon linen this morning in a lovely and cool textured plum color. I was going to muslin first but based on your success I think I will just blaze ahead and give this a go. Your is lovely but I think you should be watching for the right fabric in a great color.
I hope my lack of a muslin won’t lead you astray Elaine, but this really was very successful straight off for me, so I’m hoping you have the same result! Textured plum linen./rayon sounds gorgeous!
Wow! That looks so cool and comfortable! Perfect fabric choice. Please share if you make another one in the different fabric later.
Not sure if you’re on Instagram Patricia, but I’ll definitely post any new makes on my Instagram account. I’ve got lots of plans swirling around in my head!