a rachel comey inspired jumpsuit — simplicity 8907

I know many folks have found themselves spending their shelter-in-place days wearing soft pants, and in the beginning I was glad, even a little excited, to do the same. But as the days have stretched into weeks and months, I’ve realized this isn’t a winning strategy for me. It gets a bit depressing and somehow makes the days feel a little… I don’t know… lumpy. So I’ve resolved to try and get myself a little more put together most days, and—thanks to their cozy, one & done simplicity—jumpsuits have become a favorite go to. I’ve been getting a ton of wear out of my Zadie, as well as a cream linen one I was gifted by the lovely local brand MuuMuu. And I’m taking the opportunity to make up a couple more, including this one I made using Simplicity 8907.

The fabric is a mid-weight cotton blend I found in the sale section of StoneMountain & Daughter before the shut down. I sewed a straight size 14, which is actually a size down from what would be recommended based on my hip measurement (40” last time I checked). The only adjustment I made for fit was to shorten the crotch by close to 2”, which actually might have been a little aggressive, as there’s not quite as much ease as I’d like when I raise my arms overhead. But the elastic waist makes the whole thing pretty forgiving, and thus totally wearable.

All the other adjustments I made were stylistic, so I could achieve something similar to the Rachel Comey Holt jumpsuit, pictured above on the left. As you can see, the Simplicity 8907 pattern provided a really good base. I cut the sleeve into 3 pieces, and added a little length so I could run 1 3/4” elastic through the cuffs. I also added a style line to the bodice, and I sewed all these new style lines using a faux felled seam. This was more work, a lot more time consuming, but so worth it for the extra detail and texture it gives to the finished piece.

I also drafted an enlarged front and back facing, and stitched it down using contrasting thread so it would be visible. Again, this adds some fun interest and texture to the garment. The pattern is drafted for an elastic waistband, but it’s only meant to have one. Instead of sewing the seam allowance in one direction, as instructed, I sewed one allowance up and the other down, creating 2 channels for the 1” elastic to run through. Getting both elastics through those channels was probably the most challenging part of this whole project, and all in all it wasn’t too bad.

Lastly, I stole the brilliantly drafted pockets from my Zadie jumpsuit to make side seam pockets, instead of the patch pockets the pattern comes with. And while the pattern calls for 5 buttons, I went with 2 snaps, which I was lucky enough to have on hand after buying a bunch years ago for my Tamarack jacket. Installing snaps is fast, easy, and fun! They’re a great alternative to buttons if you’re working with a reasonably sturdy fabric.

At this point in my sewing journey, I’ve gotten really excited about layering in fun details that add that little extra layer of interest and finish. I’m really pleased with how all the extra details worked out here, and I’m especially excited to see how they look over time. I think this is one of those pieces that will just get better with wear and washing.

Hope everyone is staying safe out there!

xx.e