Zadie LOVE

I'm fairly sure every sewist has seen one or made one. They've achieved cult status around the world. And are universally loved!

I'm talking the fabulous #Zadiejumpsuit by Paper Theory patterns.

I'm not sure how I stumbled across this pattern but as soon as I saw the pictures I fell in love and knew I just had to make one.

Me and jumpsuits have never got on. I'm 5'1 (156 cms, 157 if I stand up properly :-)) so I've always struggled with length and rise etc in all-in-ones. That's part of the reason I've come back to sewing actually...to make clothes that fit me (although it's a big learning curve I have to admit!).

The burgundy linen jumpsuit (fabric from Spotlight stores) in the photo above was the second garment I made in October 2021 (after my Trevor Loves Mommy pyjamas, see my blog post here ). Yeah, safe to say I bit off more than I could chew!! I did have the good sense to make a toile (some call it a muslin, basically a practice garment) so learnt that I needed to raise the rise by 1 inch. I also followed the Zadie hashtag on instagram and read about other sewists' Zadie makes, so discovered it comes up big, so I sized down to a size 8. (My bust is 37in, waist 33in and hips 39in). 

I LOVE IT. To the point where I hardly wear it - huh? I know. But I don't want it to fall apart...I really must wear it more though. Saving it for best isn't really working. Anyone else do this?

The crossover wrap bodice is perfect for most body types and enhances the waist. The full wide pants give it a great contemporary edge and there's lots of ease for the comfort factor. Secret pyjama territory! I also get lots of compliments whenever I wear it.

It's also easily hackable! I've seen people add longer sleeves, turn it into a playsuit, shorts, tops...the list goes on. And I'm not immune to Zadie hacks myself...

This is a Zadie top I made from a thrift shop dress, the fabric I think is a viscose blend. I lengthened the bodice by 10cms then sewed it up as per the pattern. Then....

This is a double gauze from Spotlight fabrics. I lengthened the bodice like the one above. I'm not so in love with this make, to be honest. When I wear it I feel like I'm extra from Star Wars...not sure why :-). Just goes to show that fabric choice is key in dressmaking. Also, the wraps seem to be in the wrong place and they ride up when I sit down.

Last (but definitely not The last)..is this blue and white viscose Zadie. Fabric from Spotlight (yes, again. It's my closest fabric store and even though I do venture further afield and buy from smaller fabric stores (or buy online), I get great bargains from my local Spotty.

Same as for the burgundy linen one, I shortened the rise by 1 inch. Stuck to the size 8 but lengthened the legs to floor length. I love this one too, but the viscose has stretched a bit around the neckline so it gapes a bit (also the pockets have gone baggy)...I think it's the viscose so I probably won't make one in viscose again. I still wear it, but with a cami underneath to save my dignity!

I have some lovely bronze coloured linen that I snagged for a bargain price of $4 per metre from Spotlight and some navy and white gingham, so I see more Zadie and Zadie hacks in my future. This is a pattern I'm going to use again and again.

Have you ever made a Zadie? What do you think?