Do you want to join the jumpsuit trend but haven't quite found the right one to stitch up yet? Say hello to Alexa, a jumpsuit or playsuit (romper) with utility-inspired details that is easy to fit and wear!
If you haven't already been introduced to Alexa, then make sure you read all the juicy deets, including the fabric requirements in our previous post.
The beauty of this pattern is that you can make a jumpsuit or a playsuit, so it will see you through spring, summer and early Autumn. As with so many of our patterns, the fabric really changes the look and feel of the finished garment. You can pick a linen that will give it a lovely summery feel, a Tencel that's packed with drape which will look oh so smart and chic, or a crisp chambray that is perfect for picnics.
Alexa is a stylish pattern that will have you as feeling as cool as a cucumber when you wear it. We have a LOT of inspiration for you to kick start your project planning.
We have not seen these gorgeous fabrics up close, so it's worth requesting a sample from the lovely independent fabrics shops we have been window shopping at.
Grab a cocktail or mocktail and enjoy this fun selection!
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Nothing makes you feel fresher in summer than a bright white. A pretty white playsuit in a linen, lyocell (Tencel), or even lined eyelet would be so nice and breezy for the hottest summer days. The great think about such a stark colour is you can have fun with accessories to accentuate your look, or keep it clean for a modern look.
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These white fabrics with texture (top left and bottom right) would be stunning for the Alexa playsuit or jumpsuit as it would give it an extra special little detail.
Nothing feels more like summer than a palm print, and if you're anything like me and can't keep white clean, the print would hide that dribble of gelato on your prized Alexa playsuit!
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My favourite accessory of the summer has to be an ice cream or ice lolly, so why not dress like one? I think Alexa would look so cute in a sweet gelato shade of pistachio, strawberry or banana - and don't forget the sprinkles! A simple sprinkle or dotty print is timeless and a lot of fun.
I couldn't exclude lilac from this palette - one of my favourite ice cream flavours is ube (not a typo - Google it), which is (gasp) actually lilac coloured!
I couldn't exclude lilac from this palette - one of my favourite ice cream flavours is ube (not a typo - Google it), which is (gasp) actually lilac coloured!
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These sweet shades actually make me drool they are so edible. A crisp linen is perfect for the playsuit in the palest of pinks that you could contrast with wooden buttons. Of course, print is always in vogue and I love the pale blue cheetah viscose (bottom left) for the jumpsuit version and think the pale blue pebbles (row 3 right) viscose linen would make a dreamy playsuit.
If you're going for a plain colour you could even use a different colour for the pockets and waist tie. There are so many possibilities.
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Alexa has quite a utility feel, especially when the pockets are added. As the design is ready for adventure, why not stitch up your version in these earthy tones that feel like they are ready to take on any terrain?
I think a khaki coloured Alexa would look really sleek and modern - people might think you bought it from a trendy boutique!
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If you fancy making a khaki jumpsuit or playsuit, I've found a few fabrics that are perfect for the job! The olive green lyocell (Tencel) top left would be beautifully drapey for either version. The crinkle viscose (second on row 2) would be a lovely choice or, for an expensive-looking silky Alexa, you could choose the olive viscose jacquard (third on the bottom row).
Rust is a shade that suits almost everyone, and I could really see this rust gold dot double gauze (2nd on the top row) being a showstopper as the Alexa playsuit. Did I mention it has gold dots?
Rust is a shade that suits almost everyone, and I could really see this rust gold dot double gauze (2nd on the top row) being a showstopper as the Alexa playsuit. Did I mention it has gold dots?
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We used a blue Tencel (lyocell) fabric for our main cover image jumpsuit, so I couldn't ignore those blue hues. Denim shades will work hard in your wardrobe, matching with almost everything you own. Navy is a timelessly chic choice if wild prints and bright colours aren't for you.
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Blue is a classic that you will reach for again and again - it never goes out of style. I found the perfect chambray (bottom left) to make either the jumpsuit or playsuit in, or you could use a striped chambray (bottom right). I looooove the Tencel dobby fabric (top left), I think it would make such a cool and pretty Alexa.
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Ready to make your own little black jumpsuit? Like the LBD, every wardrobe needs a throw-it-on-and-look-instantly-chic jumpsuit that works just as well with a pair trainers as it does with a pair of heels.
We made one of our model samples in a black linen-viscose blend and fell in love with the chicness of it. A playsuit would look equally elegant in a simple black fabric with a pair of gold sandals.
I have scoured the fabric shops for the perfect black fabrics for Alexa and here they are!
If you want a crisp linen, the bio-linen fabric on the bottom right could be the one for you! If you'd like your Alexa to have a lux feel, the viscose jacquard spot on the top right would be a gorgeous choice.
What about a crinkled viscose (top right) that would give you make a worn-in feel? If you like texture, the Tencel grunge jacquard (bottom right) would be lovely.
I hope you are feeling inspired and ready to make your first Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit - and don't forget to style it with an ice cream in hand! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @TillyButtons and use the hashtag #SewingAlexa so we can swoon over what you've made!
If you don't have the Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit digital sewing pattern you can grab it here.
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Author: Louise Carmichael
