I really loved the industrial-chic vibe of the Closet Core patterns Blanca flight suit pattern as soon as it came out… loved the zippered breast pockets, the front opening zip, the front hip pockets, the er.. bottom? pockets; sorry have momentarily forgotten the technical term for those things. Anyway… such a plethora of fabulous topstitching possibilities! I actually love top-stitching, it’s one of those calming zen activities that pleases my inner love for well-ordered neatness… and just the pure and simple visual joy of looking at that evenly dotty line marching its way across cloth. *happy sigh*
I think though, that I’ve long come to terms with the fact that I want only a limited number of trousers/pants in my wardrobe. I have some nice ones that I enjoy wearing but the thing is that I really really love dresses and skirts the most. And jumpsuits, I’m even more happy to have none! But of course, how easy is it to make the Blanca pattern as a dress? Super easy! I didn’t take any pictures, but you just simply cut the pants pieces in a skirt shape instead. I think I added a squidge more width to the hip area too… just in case, with a view to removing it if I needed to. I didnt #pearfromwayback
I also added a walking vent to the skirt back in the centre seam… It’s not really necessary for walking, I put it in mostly for visual purposes because I thought the back skirt would look a tad bland without something there. I’m really glad I did think of it, because I think it does add a touch of interest.
Want to see something funny/annoying? I originally cut the vent to a certain length which I thought would look visually nice. Then I hemmed the skirt and of course the vent became too short! So I had to carefully unpick it, and splice in a little wedge of fabric neatly to fill the gap, and redo it. Was this easy? NO! Ha! I think it looks neat enough, and since it’s hidden inside the vent away from view you can’t really see it at all. I’m pretty happy with how almost-invisible it turned out though, even if you’re looking!
Note to self though; if you’re putting in a walking vent ad hoc, cut it way way too long to start with. You can always cut the top down if it’s too long, and if it’s not? This simple precaution will save you a heck of a struggle later on.
Those tabs are supposed to be down near the trouser hems in the original pattern, I put mine on the sleeves instead. The buttons are pretty marbled ones from my stash. Oh, fabric… I bought this rusty coloured cotton twill from Spotlight stores, fun fact: this is actually the very last piece of fabric I bought before lockdown commenced. I bought the wine coloured zips at the same time, and I already had the ivory topstitching thread in my stash.
Look at this perfect belt buckle!! I bought this from Closet Core patterns too… it’s the absolute perfect finishing touch. I had to wait a whole month for it to show up, but I’m so thrilled with it!
I had a small scrap of striped linen, leftover from this Perth top I made for my sister-in-law S, which I managed to cut the lining for the front pockets. I love this little Beetlejuice touch peeping out!
Back belt loops, back pockets. Any excuse to indulge in a bit more top-stitching…
Who says you can’t fly in a dress? Up up and away!!
You are brilliant. I’ve been looking and looking and looking at this pattern and resisting, because, well, jumpsuit. I’m a skirt and dress lover too. But a Blanca flight dress? Perfect!
thank you Elle! 🙂
It is super cute.
That looks great and the color is so nice on you. Side note: I think I had this exact dress when I was in my 20’s. (my mantra…there are no new patterns 🙂 also topstitching, you do it so well. I find it so tedious and often avoid it.
thank you Beth! Hmmm, it could be true there are not many new patterns… but none? That’s a tough call! 🙂
I like this a lot! I just haven’t bonded to the flight suit concept–at best, it looks okay on most people. But this is an adaptation I will consider.
And yes, great color.
thank you Jean!
Wow! What a beauty! You did such a great job adapting the pattern… and the amazing top stitching. You are a whizzzzz!
thanks so much Barbara! xx
Hi Carolyn What a lovely dress! You continue to amaze – both with your adaptations of patterns, and with your skills – that wedge solves the problem, and looks great (.ie. in this case invisible). How I wish you 1/taught sewing and 2/lived closer.
aw thank you so much Anne! on a side note; I’m so glad things are improving for the folks in Melbourne, we’re all hoping for good things around the corner for you!
Love, love, love!
thank you Cussot! 🙂
I like this dress very much, you have good ideas. Many years ago I had a yellow jump suit, my daughter said I looked like April from the Ninja Turtles movie. I enjoyed wearing it then but doubt I would wear a jump suit now, but the dress you made is a winner, love it.
thank you Connie! I don’t think a jumpsuit would suit me, but I love the other components of this design which is why I was determined to make it work for me!
Great flight suit dress – and flying photo! It is a winner. Your topstitching is always wonderful to see. I am amazed at your back vent patch solution! You are so fearless!
thank you so much! 🙂
Like Sewinelle, I’ve wanted to make this pattern, but knew I’d never wear a jumpsuit enough to justify it. You’ve made it up just the way I want to wear it! Clever *and* utilitarian!
thank you so much!
This is awesome – love the colour and now I want a dress suit/flight dress?
thank you Chloe! 🙂
I love this on you and I know what you mean about top stitching . I was wondering if there is a seam joining bodice to skirt or pants or if the shaping is all done with the belt ? I am asking because my Pregnant DIL would love something like the flight suit to wear during her pregnancy and I was thinking there might be enough room in there for some expansion for at least the middle trimester and then being able to use them afterwards with a belt to give some definition to the waist . What do you think ?
thank you Mem! There is a seam joining the skirt – or I should say, trousers to the bodice, and it is not very loose fitting design about the waist, so I think it would not be so good for a maternity outfit. However the Closet Core patterns Amy jumpsuit would be great for maternity, I think! I gave mine to my expectant daughter and she is happily wearing it and declares it very comfortable 🙂
Thanks Carolyn . Will have a look .
Wow, that is so smart/practical/the most clever use of this pattern that I have seen. I love it. I would never have thought of buying this pattern until I saw your elegant conversion (well, jumpsuits, so impractical…). It looks terrific on you.
Wow! I really like the design as a dress. It reminds me of a safari dress I had years ago.