THAT party ready look in easy to sew crepe…

With the Christmas party fast approaching, it’s great to make a few key pieces for your handmade wardrobe isn’t it? Today I’m delighted to share my five reasons why I love my 70’s inspired jumpsuit in gorgeous classic black crepe.

1.It’s easy to wear

 I fell in love with jumpsuits last Summer when I was pregnant purely for how comfy they are and I haven’t looked back! And I feel so dressed up and party ready in a crepe night time version. This New Look 6413 pattern is a great pattern for your collection. The pattern has a stylish V neck top with sleeves incorporated into the pattern piece (no need for sleeve inserts) and the option of a skirt or trouser bottom. The waist is gathered with an optional sash. The pattern does say a front zipper but my crepe was so beautifully drapey, I didn’t want my zip at the front, so I inserted a 12cm zip in the back seam. On heavier weight fabric I would have gone for the front zip style but I love how this jumpsuit as turned out.

So, if you are in a hurry to get party ready, you can dress this jumpsuit up or down and I think it’s super flattering with the gathered waistline and the tapered trouser.

2. Easy To Sew Crepe

I know that crepe doesn’t get the best press, but this crepe doesn’t gather up in the sewing machine or pull with the needle like a nightmare. Trust me, this fabric has all the floatiness of a crepe and is great to make with. I tried sewing with a standard new needle and I was amazed that it didn’t pull or snag and glided through my feed dogs like a complete dream. It was just like sewing a lightweight cotton fabric for a comparison and I would sew this fabric again.

The crepe has a lovely watermark, so bear this in mind if your pattern has a nap, it’s very fine but you can notice it in the right light. The fabric is a bargain at £3.99 per meter and comes in over 15 colourways. I used 3 metres for my jumpsuit.

3. A Flattering Neckline

The 70s feel of this make was all in the neckline, It’s not too low and sits perfectly and with the elbow skimming sleeves gives the jumpsuit it’s dressy feel. I used a zip on the back to make sure the neckline had a crisp V. This was helped with a deep facing and under-stitching so it laid flat. The instructions were really detailed on this too.

4. New Look 6413 Flatters Your Figure Oh And it Has Pockets Too

I do love how New Look patterns always seam to get it right with their cut. The pattern top was only two pieces and the waist gathering was at the perfect length. I always like how I could mix and match the top and bottom half so made a 10 top and a 12 bottom and could adjust as necessary. I wanted my trousers to be a little bit baggier than the model.

The pockets inserted in the side seam are an added bonus too, all adding to the comfy appeal of this make.

5. You Can Make It With Minimum Fitting

No darts you say? No pleats? None! It’s all in the cut and the gathered waist. I could not believe that a pattern for a fabric with no stretch could have no pleats or darts but still be gorgeous and flattering.

There are no catches with this make, so why not order the crepe in two colourways and make two at the same time? I really recommend it.

Thank-you Minerva for such an amazing fabric to make with, in a few evenings I have made a beautiful party ready jumpsuit that will have lots of wear this festive season…I’ll raise a glass to that.

Samantha writes a creative craft blog www.crafternoonteas.com and hosts Crafternoon Tea Parties and Events www.crafternoonteahostess.co.uk in the Midlands and beyond!