What Was I Thinking {Vogue 9075}

Pattern:  Vogue 9075
Version:  B - the wide legged jumpsuit
Sizing:  14
Fabric:  knit ponte
Notions:  invisible zipper
Instructions:  it doesn't matter
Modification:  no pockets; removed the sleeves; lowered the neckline; added top-stitching
Recommend:  nope

The other day, I stepped out of the craft room for an opinion on my latest creation.  It was meant with a forced smile and complete silence.  After prying a bit, the response was, "you probably shouldn't wear that."  I had snuck a peak at myself beforehand and could not have agreed more with my critic.  I have no idea what I was thinking when I bought Vogue 9075. I should have known it would be a disaster.  By looking at the envelope drawing, the neckline is very high, finished above the collar bone, and the wide-legged pants supposedly end below mid-calf.  After making the pattern as drafted, I also notice the sketching, specifically with the sleeves, illustrates a narrowing (somewhat squishing) of the upper chest by how the seam lines are drafted.



All these elements ended-up being a concern when I finished my first attempt.  The neckline was ultra-high, the armpits and bust were tight, and the length was extra long.  Since the garment is made out of light-weight BLACK knit ponte, it took on a very conservative feel (only if I kept the bust tension at bay), even invoking comments about a nunnery and church.  Most important thing though, I felt horrible wearing the jumpsuit.  Awful.  Frumpy.  Ugly.  Unskillful. 

Having nothing to loose, I took my scissors out and started cutting.  First went the sleeves; which were cut right at the seam.  Next came the neck.  I cut two-and-a-half inches out at front center, tapering at the shoulder, then tapering down about three inches at center back.  I decided to leave the leg length, but at any moment may opt for trimming to above the knee. 

My seams are finished with a bit of top-stitching.  The edges around the legs and armholes were completed with a narrow fold-over hem.  The neckline is completed with a bit of bias tape sewn at the edge and folded-over also.  At the waist, a long piece of clear elastic supports the seam, helping to reduce fabric drag.

I certainly would not recommend this pattern, but I am not disposing of my copy.  I am interested in completing a version with pockets, but using the skirt pattern pieces instead of the jumpsuit.  I have hopes that by combining the skirt portion with a different bodice, the pattern would make a nice dress.  Surprisingly, what was a disaster became a wearable outfit---even making an outing to dinner and being slated for a concert later this week.  The entire thing is ultra comfortable, probably due to ease and my knit fabric.