30 July 2023
Hey, so I’m a bit of a pattern hoarder. I’m like that kid in the candy store who wants to buy everything, I love the new patterns, I love the vintage patterns. I just really enjoy trying out the new shiny thing.
I have a list on my phone where I add new patterns that I’d like to purchase.
So why do I love a new pattern, that's a good question, I enjoy trying out the different construction techniques, I like the challenge of a new design, and getting the pattern to fit, well that's a challenge right! I think though essentially it comes down to the novelty. The enjoyment that comes with the new shiny thing. I do surely have my TNT (tried and true) patterns, which I make over and over again, and are the basic core of my closet, these are the patterns where the fit is spot on, you know the construction back to front, those patterns that lend themselves to tweaks and changes. With the variety of construction techniques employed by the pattern designers, the pattern can be similar but there exists just enough of a difference that it has you wanting to make it up. Not to mention what I love to call the "mix up and match", all those favourite construction techniques or pattern drafting points that can be combined and slapped together to make your garment dazzle.
A little of this a little of that. A little Pomona, a little Lander and a touch of Persephone.
Well, it came as no surprise to me that sitting in my stash, waiting patiently to be made, was the Blanca Flightsuit by Closet Core Patterns. https://closetcorepatterns.com/ It was in my stash, and on my to-do list for longer than I would have liked- this pattern be a thirsty gal (time and fabric), so bear in mind I was anticipating some costs in relation to fabric- I really wanted the long arm and long leg version. AS to what fabric, well that hadn’t been decided…until… lo and behold I thrifted, like meters of, a heavy weight slight stretch denim. For $10. Score.
I had the pattern, I had the fabric, next was to find the time and motivation, to find that fueling spark that would push me across that sewing finish line. For me in this case, it was the cessation of my autumn sewing and the beginning of the winter sew season. Our winter has been pretty mild, but chilly often enough that a long leg long arm Blanca would be a welcome addition. It was a risk, to make a garment with long arms and legs to be worn in the temperate region I live in. Seriously, it can only be worn for a couple months at most.
The Risk paid off; I’ve worn this make a hella lot.
It's great for camping and yardwork, and trips to the park, and when I wear it, I feel special. I also love how it garners a conversation, which inevitably leads to talking about sewing, while I don't mind the odd chat, talking about my interest hobby is invigorating. Especially if I can info dump. Part of that conversation, is always the bathroom one; people are like, ‘but isn’t it a pain to go to the bathroom?’
Uh yeah, but I do it anyway.
So onwards to the meaty construction part!!
I went with the size 16, B: 110cm W: 85cm Hip:111cm, I come in at just over 165cm. The fit for me is spot on.
I opted for the ankle tab, and made a matching set for the wrist, utilising the contrast Cheetahs, instead of using the press stud option.
I legit only scooped the butt curve a little, and that was a purely out of habit reflex. When compared to my Harlene Dungarees, it was such a close curve match to my already altered Harlenes, I really didn't need to do it. And that was it. Maybe next time I could raise the waistband, but it’s not so much a fit issue as a style preference for me with this one.
I should mention that I have a bit of a mum tum, you know, a power pack, a front porch, a shelter for the kitty, a reverse bumbag. I call it a fadouplah. And this pattern, well it just makes me feelgood about my body. I love my Harlene's, but it accentuates the mum tum, which while I'm learning to be accepting about, I find myself enjoying the fit of the Blanca, as it skims and doesn't accentuate the power pack. Do i still wear my Harlenes? You betcha that I do, it's just one of those fit instances, where I like and am comfortable with how my body looks wearing it.
I paired the thrifted denim with a Ruby Star Society, cotton canvas, Cheetah Rainbow by Melody Miller. If you have a chance to sew with any of the cotton canvas range, highly recommend it, it gets so soft with wear, whilst still maintaining structure. I am a massive fan of The Selvedge Society in Sydney, where I purchased this fabric from. Their range of fabrics, *sigh*, they're so good. Not to forget, Effie and Jenny, of whom I’m yet to meet in person- mainly because I’m scared that I’ll spend my entire paycheck at their shop. IYKYK. (Not endorsed, I swear, just my humble opinion) https://theselvedgesociety.com/
The Zips are from my thrifted stash, and of course the gummies. Another excellent conversation point.
I added little gummy bear charms to the zip tabs. These little cuties and so many others, are from a quilting shop on Beaumont Street, called Sew Be. This shop is owned and curated by Bec Brennan, and gosh, when you walk in. Let’s just say eye candy for sewists and crafters. (Purchased these charms with my very own monies, so this is truly just an honest shout out to a lovely shop). https://sewbehome.com/
If you're not much of a thrifter, I can understand, it can be a tad overwhelming when your first starting out. Or maybe you're a seasoned thrifter, either way, check out the buttons, often it's just a practical addition to your stash. If you're on a pretty tight budget like me, then it's what can make or break purchasing that cute fabric you've had your eye on. I make a list, albeit a mental one of all the things I check for when I'm thrifting. On that list is buttons and zips. I also check for thread, embroidery equipment, any and all haberdashery really. It often comes in handy.
The reason I bring this up, is that I have quite a selection of buttons. It's not often I find myself in the following predicament- purchasing buttons from a brick-and-mortar store. Gosh dang, they are expensive. Like I get it, kinda, but man, when you want the thing to finish the thing, ya kinda have to go with what is available to you. So, whilst my button stash may have failed me, Spotlight did in fact have what I need on sale, and I was able to get these cute buttons for the Blancas' wrist and ankle tabs.
Labels are a must for your makes, it just adds something else. Kylie and the Machine are my 'go to' label company, and the Blanca, there are just so many placement options. If I had to decide on where to spend my money, buttons or labels. I'm going LABELS every time. https://www.kylieandthemachine.shop/
I didn’t have enough denim for the belt, I also didn’t want to use any more of my contrast Ruby Star Fabric- I want to make some shorts for O. That being said of course, I managed to stretch my fabrics… Tetris skills for the win. I made a pair of overalls for bae, so we could be matchy matchy. These fit, but they are a bit big for her, so I’m expecting quite a few years of wear. Did I mention I love vintage patterns!
If you’re on the fence about the Blanca, the instructions are well written, the pattern is well drafted, (in my home sewist, self-taught experience), and the measurements for fit, are extensive. This was enjoyable sewing, and a welcome addition to my wardrobe.
Oh and the zip insertion instruction, oh my gosh, this is one of those instances, where, inserting a zip can’t be that easy…right?
It was. I enjoyed this so much, I have another planned, in pink antique washed linen in the short sleeve and cropped length. Ready for a hot girl, Barbie style Spring.
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