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Sewing My Stash | McCall's 7908
Whew! I’m sliding in on the last day of the month with my final make for 1st Quarter. I wasn’t sure if I’d make it but here she is. This is pattern #4 of my personal challenge to sew 22 patterns that I already have in the year 2022. But before I get into the details, did you catch my first Tea Time Live Q & A and GIVEAWAY on YouTube last Sunday? If you missed it, make sure you get signed up to my PRIVATE EMAIL COMMUNITY for the next one. We had a blast! Great conversation, giveaways and company! You can catch the REPLAY HERE. If you were there LIVE, thank you so much for attending. I can’t wait for the next Tea Time Live.
Sewing My Stash | McCall's 7908
When I first saw McCall’s 7908, I was drawn to the center front zipper, the front pockets on the pants, and the cropped length. I’ve pulled it out to sew many times, but always changed my mind. But when I pulled it again a couple of weeks ago, I decided to get started, and I’m so glad I continued this time because I love the jumpsuit so much. It’s very comfortable and I’m in love with all the pockets, even though I don’t use them. I just like the design element they add to the garment.
Pattern Alterations
Before I started sewing, I knew I would need to make pattern alterations. I’ve mentioned several times before that I like to check Pattern Review to see what others are saying about the patterns I’m planning to sew. I’m really happy I checked on this particular pattern because there were a couple of warnings from others that helped me to avoid lots of drama while creating the garment.
I don’t always make muslins (practice garments) before sewing a new garment, but this project needed a test fit because there were a lot of adjustments needed based on the finished pattern measurements. In fact, I actually made three muslins before achieving the fit I desired. I cut a size 14, which is larger than usual. However, that was the size I needed to get my desired fit. I’ve shared all the alterations I made to the pattern below. I sewed the jumpsuit with my Baby Lock Soprano, and finished the seam allowances with the Baby Lock Vibrant Serger.
WIDTH & LENGTH ADDITIONS
- 1″ Bodice Length
- 1/4″ Bodice Front & Back (at side seams)
- 3/8″ Bodice Front & Back (at waist – this was in addition to 1/4″ already added at sides)
- 1/2″ Hip Side Seams
- 1/2″ Pants Waist at Side Seams
- 1/2″ Pants Back Crotch Point (full seat)
- 1/4″ Pants Back Crotch Curve (full seat)
- 5/8″ Front Pants Pocket at long, untouched edge
- 5/8″ Back Pants Pocket & Moved Fold Line Up
WIDTH REDUCTIONS
- Reduce Pants Back Dart Width by 1/8″
- Reduce Bodice Back Princess Seam 1/8″ at Waist
OTHER CHANGES TO PATTERN
- Stitched 1/4″ Seam at Bodice & Pants Side Seams
- Interfaced Zipper Area
- Installed Invisible Zipper
I got so involved with all the alterations that I forgot to add the front pockets to the pants. It wasn’t until I had already completed the topstitching that I realized my mistake. Initially I decided to leave the pockets off. However, when I tried on the jumpsuit, I really missed the look of those pockets.
I set the garment aside for a while before I went back to remove the stitches in the areas where I needed to insert the pockets. I dreaded this work because I had to remove serger stitches and topstitching. It didn’t take long at all though and I am very pleased with the finished garment.
Fabric & Notions
I used a mystery fabric that I purchased from Michael Levine Loft in Downtown Los Angeles many years ago. The Loft was a department where they sold remnants and discontinued fabrics. The fabrics were thrown into boxes and you could pick through to find gems for a very low cost. Unfortunately, the Loft closed years ago. I thought Michael Levine had closed last year. However, I found out during my Tea Time Live that they’re still open, just under new management. I will have to take a trip there to see if they still have the same amazing fabrics.
The fabric is a lightweight stretch woven with a nice drape. I used an exposed zipper that I shortened to accommodate the length of the zipper opening. I also added a zipper ring to the pull. The interfacing I used for the zipper area was a lightweight woven fusible.
STYLING THE JUMPSUIT
The color of the fabric is what drew my attention and I knew it would pair well with the jumpsuit for a soft Spring look. I’ve paired it with a pair of gray pumps and a pink, straw, bucket hat. I also added a scarf around the neck and a DIY Clutch purse to dress it up a bit for a nice dinner outfit.
For cooler evenings I would add a button down shirt underneath. I also think it would look nice with a turtleneck and pair of boots. And to dress it down even more, a pair of sneakers or flat sandals would look cute.
I would wear the jumpsuit out to lunch with my girlfriends, and on a movie date with my sons. It’s also a lovely piece for just lounging around the house. And I don’t know about you but when I’m sewing I like to wear something that’s easy to change in and out of easily. When it’s time for a fitting, the jumpsuit is super easy to pull off and on.
Another thing I love about this particular jumpsuit is easy access for the ladies room. The center front zipper is easier to operate than having it center back. Overall, I’m calling this jumpsuit a WIN!
Now with 4 patterns completed and 18 to go, meeting my goal looks promising. With nine months left in the year, I can finish by sewing 2 stash patterns per month. YES! This is a very attainable goal. I plan to add in sew alongs and other more recent patterns too, so we shall see what happens. I’m really committed to meeting my challenge goal of sewing 22 stash patterns this year.
SEWING MY STASH IN 2022 | PATTERNS SEWN
If you’d like to see the other patterns I’ve sewn from my stash in 2022, click the links below.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
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(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 21 Comments
Another beautiful make from you. I do have a question. Since you needed to make alterations did you trace your pattern instead of cutting the pattern out? I agree the pockets make the outfit.
Hi DeAnn! Yes, I traced the pattern to make the alterations.
It’s a lovely jumpsuit! I’m glad that the time you took to get the fit just right provided such a beautiful finished garment.
Carolyn!!!!!! Thank you so much, my sister! ?
Hi Anita, I love your jumpsuit! Pretty color and the front zipper making it restroom friendly is a plus.
Thank you, Carla! Yes, love the front zipper.
Tea Time was terrific!! This jumpsuit is perfect for the upcoming warm weather. You are about to convert me to exposed zippers!! I have avoided them for so long but the outfits you’ve made using them is causing me to slowly change my mind. I love your sewing plan. Without a doubt, you’ll complete it. Happy sewing !!!
Hey De! I’m so glad you were able to attend Tea Time!!! Yeeesss, sister, come on over to the exposed zipper side. Happy Sewing!
What a great way to hold yourself accountable for what you buy, what you make, and what you just WANT to make! I need to institute this plan because I just keep buying patterns and fabric without actually planning time to make anything. This was a great motivator to do just that…however now I want to buy THIS pattern ? nice job!
Marie!!! ? I just screamed laughing at your last line! ??? I so get it! It’s okay. I decided that as long as I’m sewing from my stash this year, it’s okay to buy a pattern or two. But I’m not showing up to every sale. Nope! Not gonna do it. I’ve done very not falling for the FOMO (fear of missing out). Let’s GO, Marie! We can do this!
Anita you did a Great Job! This is SO YOU!
Thank you so much, beautiful Dara!
Hi Anita!! I actually have this exact pattern and it’s been sitting with my stash for while. I definitely need to check pattern reviews often. I would have gotten so discouraged. I haven’t sewn anything since the Pandemic. I’m inspired by you to get my sewjo back on track
Hey Debra!!
I agree that Anita is definitely inspiring! I would LOVE to see pictures of your jumpsuit when you make it! Notice I said “when” and not “if” because I have faith in you! Even if you don’t start back sewing with a bang with this jumpsuit, but start out with something a little quicker to whip up, I’d love to see that, too! I’m SO HAPPY you are getting your sewjo back!! I DEFINITELY understand that feeling!
?☀️?☀️?☀️
Hi Debra! It’s really okay that you haven’t sewn anything since the Pandemic. But now that the inspiration is coming, have fun getting back into it. If you missed the Tea Time Live, someone asked what I do to get my sewjo back. I do nothing. I allow myself to do nothing when I don’t feel like sewing and that’s okay. When that sewjo does come back though, WHEW! You can’t stop me. LOL! ??? Happy Sewing, my sister!
Your jumpsuit looks fantastic, as with all that you sew. You are and inspiration. I look forward to your sew alongs. God Bless.
Audrey Moore
Thank you so much, Audrey! I appreciate you for being here and more sew alongs are coming.
Your jumpsuit looks fabulous, Anita! I love the pink (my favorite color)!
Thank you Laura! I love pink too. This fabric was so perfect with the pattern.
You look so beautiful, as always, and the fit on that jumpsuit is amazing. This pattern is in my stash too, and now I’m inspired to sew it up!
Thank you so much, Carolyn. It’s a great jumpsuit and I plan to wear it a lot. Have fun making yours.