I love overalls, so when Janet from Decades of Style asked if I’d be willing test an overall pattern, I jumped at the chance. Plus, pattern testing for independent designers is such an enjoyable process!
Decades of Style is a Bay Area pattern company specializing in bringing home sewists styles from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. The Ophelia Overalls are part of their microline: Decades Everyday. The line’s focus is high quality patterns, but with zippier sewing. And these did sew up pretty fast!
I’ve been wanting to make a striped pant/overall/jumpsuit for a while and thought this pattern would be perfect. Initially I had wanted to use a lighter weight striped denim, but couldn’t find exactly what I wanted… and the timing just didn’t work for a trip up to Stonemountain.
So I went to Joann Fabrics hoping to find a deal. I had to venture in to its Utility Fabrics section to find the stripe I’d envisioned, and ended up buying this pillow ticking! Before washing, it was really stiff but now it’s like walking around in a soft and drapey pillow case.
Word to the wise though, if you plan on making a garment with pillow ticking it SHRINKS SO MUCH. The yardage I bought shrunk about 30%. It was insane and necessitated another trip to Joann’s.
Well, after shortening the pant pieces by 4 inches, I was going to make it work on the shrunken yardage, but then I somehow managed to cut out one pocket the wrong direction. Gah!
I made a straight size 8 (View A). View B has a “cleaner” finish and feels a little dressy. The only modification I made was to shorten the pant legs by 4 inches because I’m 5’2″. If I were to make these again I would also shorten the straps a few inches because there’s a lot of extra strap dangling behind the bib.
The pant legs are divided into four pieces so the pocket edges fit neatly into the seams. Each side has a button and snap closure, but I’ve found that at least on me, I never have to undo the snaps or buttons to get in and out. I just have to loosen the side belts and wiggle!
Both views feature side belts that allow you to cinch the waist. I’m toying with the idea of making a version without the belts for a super relaxed fit.
I’ve been wearing these at least once a week since finishing them. If you’re looking for an overall pattern that has 1940’s Land Girls vibes, these are for you!
Decades of Style is offering 20% off your entire purchase with the coupon code: OVER20 for the next two weeks!
Could you comment on the amount of ease, specifically at the hip? I am hesitating about sizing as I fit the waist for a 6 and the hip for an 8 but I don’t want them to be too big and not fall correctly with the lightweight canvas I have chosen for the fabric. I want to avoid the stiff-sticking-out-at-the-sides look. 😂
When in doubt, make a muslin! There’s a decent amount of added ease but if you’re unsure about how it’ll work on your body, I’d definitely recommend making a muslin before altering the patter, or cutting into your fashion fabric.
Super cute and great fit, but 30% fabric shrinkage is crazy!
I know! I couldn’t believe it!
These are gorgeous!! You really suit them and the fabric looks so smart.
Thank you!