Introducing The Sallie Jumpsuit And Maxi Dress Pattern

The big day is here! I'm so happy to introduce to you my new baby. Please meet the Sallie Jumpsuit and Maxi Dress, a super comfortable and easy to make sewing pattern designed for knits. No joke, I've been wearing it pretty much every day for the last couple of months. Two words: secret pajamas.

The impetus for this pattern came from a few places. I love 70's fashion, in particular the swinging, sexy, Studio 54 Halston and Yves St. Laurent years;  they really nailed glamourous knits. With Bianca Jagger in mind, I was inspired to design a modern take on the jumpsuit since they are devastatingly chic and so easy to wear. I was also determined to design one that could be taken on and off easily, since wearing a jumpsuit with zippers and buttons when you really need to use the bathroom can be harrowing. Sallie is a breeze to slip in and out of. She's also so comfortable it's silly; lounge around the house all day and then throw on some lipstick when it's time to go out - you'll look smashing either way.

Did I mention how simple and quick Sallie is to make? After a few time intensive patterns like Carolyn and Ginger, I wanted to design something easy and breezy. Sallie can be made in an afternoon no matter your skill level. The instructions include direction for making this on a regular sewing machine, so don't worry if you don't have access to a serger.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR SALLIE

As per usual, this little lady has a number of options you can mix and match to suit your taste. Choose between a self lined V-neck tee with tie neck closure, or a strappy tank with shoulder ties. On your bottom half, mix and match wide leg pants, culottes or a maxi skirt with side slits, all with convenient pockets and a comfortable elasticized waist.

Here is the tee with the wide legged pants option:

The strappy tank with maxi skirt bottom:

And finally, crop the pants for a culottes jumpsuit!

SUGGESTED FABRIC

Sallie is designed for light to medium weight knits like cotton and bamboo lycra blends, ITY and jersey. I really love her made up in a drapey lightweight rayon jersey (like the graphic print above) but she also works well with slightly heavier, denser knits. I designed this pattern for the warmer months, but I'm also excited to experiment with some ponte when the weather starts to turn. If you're worried about the clinginess factor of knits, I would just like to point out that I am a size 12/14 and find this incredibly flattering, especially in black, navy and graphic prints.

As you may have guessed, this pattern is named after the inimitable Sallie Oh. Creative, idiosyncratic, master of watercolour and dye, hilarious, generous and kind, she's one of the great internet loves of my life. Not only a wonderful friend since we met through our blogs and eventually in real life (where we shared a double futon the first night we met!), but also a constant source of sewing inspiration and general life support. We share a passion for knits and 70's vibes and I could not pick a better muse or namesake than she. Sallie is the jam. And now also, The Jumpsuit.

The pattern is now live in my newly expanded size range (0-20) along with a French translation. I'll be sharing a few posts over the next week or so with styling and fabric inspiration. Since this pattern is so beginner friendly, I wasn't intending on hosting a sewalong but if you'd like one let me know and I'll see what I can do.

So what do you think? Will you be getting your groove on with Sallie this summer?