It’s gross outside, ladies. I mean, the sky is orangish gray in a dystopian movie kind of way.
For the last couple of weeks, smoke from wildfires in British Columbia, Eastern Washington, Oregon, and California have swirled their way to Seattle and settled in for a short summer’s nap. I can’t imagine what it must be like for those nearer the fires.
Hubby took this photo yesterday just before sunset:
By comparison, I took this photo a couple of weeks ago when the sunset was still visible:
Authorities in charge of monitoring air quality recommend residents stay indoors as much as possible. That goes double for people who are at risk for respiratory illness.
Stay Indoors and Sew a Jumpsuit
So, while the skies loom with unbreathable air, I work on projects to brighten my spirits. If there is a silver lining here, it’s that the smoke gave me the opportunity to sit down and finish a summer-colored, palazzo-pant jumpsuit before the summer disappears into fall.
As many of you know, I took up sewing last year. Squint a little at my jumpsuit photos and you may see some of my rookie mistakes. Unlike my previous two projects, though, I feel good about wearing this one in public.
Below are pictures of my first tries at sewing apparel. Sure, these pieces didn’t end in disaster, but I have never been able to get them to fit right so I don’t wear them.
I did try visually tweaking the sleeveless dress by adding a layer underneath it, but it still seemed too something for my body. I sent it to my sister with hopes she can make it work, but we’ll see.
Back to The Jumpsuit
My jumpsuit has a 1960s vibe because it is made of vintage sheer poly chiffon from the 1960s. I got the fabric from Seattle-based Circa Fabrics on Etsy. Because the fabric is sheer, I lined it with fabric I purchased from Seattle’s Stitches store in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
FYI – For those not in the Seattle area, Stitches offers a small collection of fun and unique fabrics for purchase online. I don’t say this as an advertisement. Just passing along info.
Swish Factor
Whenever I think of “swish factor,” I always think of my friend Suzanne with all of her gorgeous maxi dresses that swish-swish-swish their way across the world when she wears them. (In case you’re interested, some of her swishy maxis are for sale in her Etsy shop!) It was Suzanne who coined that phrase “swish factor,” so I use it here in honor of her. Also, this jumpsuit has swish factor out the wah-zoo. To demonstrate, I made a little video for you.
The question now is: which belt?
The pattern I used, McCall 7755, came with a pattern for a belt, but I don’t like the look of it. Because it’s made from the same fabric as the jumpsuit, it gets lost in the pattern and doesn’t feel WOW. So now I’m in search of the perfect belt.
Below are two belts I’ve tried so far. I don’t hate them, but I’m not 100% sold on either. Do you have a preference? Can you think of other styles or colors I should try?
Wearing My Jumpsuit & Feeling Groovy
Clearly, given the retro style of the suit and the vintage fabric, I’m feeling quite the vintage vibe right about now. The bright abstract pattern also adds a little sunshine into my dystopian smoke-filled world. I’ll take it where I can get it.
I’m also feeling pretty groovy over the fact that I MADE THIS. I know, I know. Lots of people make more intricate things, but YOU GUYS–it’s so cool to see how my clothes come together. And maybe one day I’ll be able to create marvels like my friend Sue does at A Colourful Canvas.
Outfit Details
Jumpsuit: Sewn by me.
Similar here.
Brown belt: vintage.
Similar here.
Gray belt: Eileen Fisher Obi Belt (old)
Similar here.
Shoes: Rockport Vivianne Sandal
Available here.
Linking up to the lovely Patti’s Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style.
Affiliate link disclaimer: Please note, some of the items linked above may be affiliated with companies I am associated with. By purchasing from these stores, I receive a small commission and you support the work I do here. Thank you for your support!
I much prefer the Obi belt with your jumpsuit, it makes a link with the lovely fabrics of Japanese kimonos
Thank you, Rosemary! I love your idea of the obi belt connecting with the Japanese kimonos. I suspect you’re seeing what I see, too–that the jumpsuit fabric has an almost silky look with the lining underneath. The idea of a kimono is not too far off.
– Sherry
Oh the smoky days are scary, for everyone and especially for those who have trouble breathing on a good day. You jumpsuit is ab-fab, does not look one bit rookie, and flatters your coloring like a boss! You did a great job, congrats and cheers to you.
I like the tie belt best. A man’s tie in harmonizing colors would be another choice. Have I said how wonderful you look?? xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thank you, Patti! I’m happy to report the smoke cleared up and the skies are blue and healthy to breathe again.
Now you have me pondering the idea of using a man’s tie for the belt! I love it!!
Hugs,
Sherry
Hi Sherry, I’m Ann and your jumpsuit caught my attention over at Visible Monday. I am “green with envy” at your sewing skills, plus green is my favourite colour. I have inherited my Mum’s sewing machine but apart from looking at it, I haven’t done any actual sewing yet. Maybe one day? As a vintage girl, I fully approve of the vintage fabric you used, and I would totally wear the jumpsuit. I do love it with the obi. I have a purple elasticated belt which I think would look fantastic with it as well. xxx
Hi Ann! Thanks for dropping by and sharing your ideas about belts to pair with this jumpsuit. Your purple belt sounds very intriguing! If we were neighbors we could take turns wearing the jumpsuit and belt! 🙂
For what it’s worth, I didn’t start sewing until last year–when I was 47. I’m still new at it–there are still so many things for me to learn–but I’m having fun and getting some new favorite clothes out of the deal. So, it’s never too late. It wouldn’t surprise me if there are 87 year olds out there picking up this hobby and making a splash at it.
Thanks again for stopping by. I loved hearing from you.
Warmly,
Sherry
Great jumpsuit. I want one! I like the obi style belt.
Thank you! The obi belt is the clear winner! Thanks for weighing in! <3
This jumpsuit is really very impressive Sherry. I’m amazed that you just leapt right into working on such slippery fabric! You’ve got courage and determination girl!! You should be proud of this accomplishment!!
To my eye a pale, metalic, obi belt would compliment these citrus colors so nicely. The dark colored belts just seem to contrast too heavily against the spring hues.
I’m disappointed to hear that you haven’t worn the navy dress. It looks really cute with the striped tee and high tops!!!
Your little video was so charming!!! I love the sincerity you exude with each swish!
We’re getting smoke here in the Black Hills as well! Did you know that the weather here is influenced by the Chinook winds from the Pacific Northwest?
Hello, my Jude! <3 Thank you for your lovely comments and for the email you sent me! I will respond there soon!
I like your idea of using a metallic belt for the jumpsuit. The gray obi belt I featured has a metallic sheen to it, which is one of the reasons I chose it, but it's still not quite "the thing" in my mind. When I envision what you mention as a pale metallic belt, I see something that has a stronger metallic presence than the one in my photos. So--I'll be checking out the link you sent and hunt for the perfect belt with your thoughts in mind! <3
Thank you for your thoughts, too, about the navy blue dress. It looked okay in that photo but when I moved it hugged me in places I don't want to be hugged and it was too big in places I needed it to be smaller. Overall, it just wasn't comfortable, in spite of the fact it is made from a super comfy fabric.
I'm sorry to hear you're getting smoke too in the Black Hills! I didn't realize your region was impacted by my region, but it so makes sense! Stay safe, my friend!
Hugs,
Sherry
Sherry, I absolutely love this jumpsuit. The color, the pattern, the cut of the top and of course the swish factor make it adorable! You did such a wonderful job! I really like the the second belt better, but I am curious what a bright yellow or a bright green would look like as well. Very cool, girlfriend! I hope your air quality improves soon and that all the fires come to an end! Take care. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Thank you, Amy! The obi belt is the clear winner among voters. 🙂 But I also agree that a different colored belt–one with more brightness like the outfit–might make the outfit feel more complete.
Air quality cleared up for a day but we’re getting smoke again today. Fingers crossed rain comes to all the parts of the region dealing with wildfires so we can all get a break! I hope all is well by you.
Hugs,
Sherry
OH MY GOODNESS!
Sherry, you’ve done amazing work here! SO GOOD! I gave a quick thumbs up on IG but had no idea that you were working with such difficult fabric. AND…you lined it which just adds another layer of complicity. I’m doing the happy dance here.
Now..let’s talk fit. Your jumpsuit looks perfect on you from tip to toe, so kudos!
I also think that buying vintage fabric is pretty cool. I haven’t jumped down that rabbit hole, unless I come across a find in Value Village but…. Okay, NO. I am on a fabric buying diet and trying to sew my stash. Well…maybe later.
I like the tonal grey of the obi belt. I like the shape of both belts, but the v shaped one looks a little too contrasty for my tastes.
I’m well chuffed at the mention…thank you so much. I’m having a moment of sewing inertia. I’ve been finishing up some makes, contemplating sewing my swimsuit, and not much else at the moment.
Thank you, Sue!!! Your thoughts about my makes mean the world!
The obi belt is the clear winner among those who have weighed in on such a thing. I see what you mean about the brown one being too contrasty. Someone else made a similar remark–that it’s too dark for such a bright outfit. So, the winner (until I can find a more perfect one) is the obi belt!
You taught me that sewing has its own timing, so it sounds like your sewing muse just needs a break. Because I always enjoy seeing what you do, I’m selfishly hoping your muse shifts into creative inspiration soon! Are you contemplating anything for the fall yet?
– Sherry
That can t be a easy fabric to work with! Great job. It s a very cool jumpsuit. I prefere the Obi belt, but An Orange one would look great too!
It was a tricky fabric to work with, Nancy! So slippery! But I pinned it-pinned it-pinned it, used some tricks I learned on Craftsy.com, and survived working with sheer fabric for the first time! Whew!
Thanks for the idea about the Obi belt and an orange belt! I’ll have to give the orange idea a try!
– Sherry
Oooh! Sherry! You’ve outdone yourself! I LOVE that you used vintage fabric! How cool is that? I’m very impressed with your new found sewing skills. You are rocking this jumpsuit!
I feel like you are challenging your personal style with this piece. Upping your visibility. GO Sherry!
Your videos are always so much fun. Def a 8+ swish factor. So groovy! This could have been perfect for the party. Shame you can’t make it.
I prefer the Obi belt. Your waist is so tiny and I’m so jealous!
A+ on this project.
Thanks for the shout-out too : )
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
You know, when I finished this piece, I thought, “I should go to Toronto. This would work so well for that party!” It’s too bad I can’t get away for the festivities. I’m sincerely bummed about that! But you all will have a splendid time. I can’t wait to hear every detail!
Thanks for the kudos on the jumpsuit! I knew you’d like it. It’s kind of got you written all over it with that groovy fabric and the swish factor! I want to find fun ways to style it so if you have any suggestions, send them my way!
And you’re right–this is bolder than I normally go, but I’m pushing myself to try things that I really love but which call attention whether I want it or not. 🙂 I’ll keep you posted on how that experiment goes.
Hugs,
Sherry
WOW, that is a stellar make!! Chiffon PLUS lining. Double wow. Don’t underplay the skills required to do this, Sherry. Swish factor, indeed. I’m glad you made that little video. I agree that Suzanne is a master swisher! Belts, hm, I genuinely like both, not just saying that.
Sewing is an excellent way to get through these smoky days, which we also have up here in Vancouver. I can’t imagine what it’s like for those who live nearer the source. We need a good rain. When it gets here, you’ll have another reason to make more fabulous groovy jumpsuits!
Thank you, Mel! I’ll try not to downplay my newfound skills too much. I’m grateful for that reminder. I just see what others do and go WOWSA! Then I want to learn how to do that. 🙂
Rain, rain, rain!! I’ve been chanting that for about a week now. I know you’re doing the same up in Vancouver. And I worry so much for the people and animals close to the fires. I can’t imagine how they’re coping. So…rain, rain, rain! And more jumpsuits too! 🙂
Hugs ya!
– Sherry