Is it a pinafore? Is it a jumper? Is it a bib?! Whichever it is, it’s a Sew House 7 Simplicity 8641 and is my entry for the sewing challenge #sewbibs.

Other than the Cleo, this is my first attempt at making a pinafore, and judging by how much I enjoyed wearing this jumper yesterday, hot off the sewing table, it won’t be the last. I bought the pattern a month or two ago when lots of Simplicity was half price. The fabric was from Fabworks and has been in my stash a couple of years ~ for no apparent reason I seem to have bought about 4m so there’s still loads left. I actually nearly sold it recently, but didn’t. It’s a heavy denim which is checked on one side and has a more subtle hashtag type pattern on the reverse ~ which is probably the wrong side. I played about with the print a little, on the pockets and also the carriers at the back.

As it’s the holidays I wanted a more technical slow sewing project. There were quite a few pattern pieces for this make though I didn’t bother to interface as my fabric is so stable. To line the bib I used some pretty floral linen. I cut a size 14 and managed to just eek out the side seams to get it to fit. The invisible zipper I used was 12inches rather than 9 and could still do with a hook and eye at the top.

I chopped a good 20cm off from the length as I prefer just above the knee rather than midi. It’s still quite long so I have the option of shortening it in the future. I hand sewed the bib lining down as I didn’t quite catch the bottom fold when I stitched in the ditch from the right side. I omitted the side splits but may include them next time. Oh, and I didn’t really finish the raw edges this time but would make more of an effort to do so next.

Yesterday I paired my dress with this short sleeved RTW Gap tshirt and I’m excited to see how I’ll be able to style it differently. You’ll probably spot how the bib kind of pulls/bubbles at the front where it joins the waistband. I imagine I could fix this but actually I don’t mind too much. I’m sew pleased with how this make turned out. I love the back with the long straps, crossover detail and the ruffle created by the six carriers is gorgeous. I like the fit and the shape and the pockets are so roomy and comfortable.

In the UK it’s a pinafore dress, but whether it’s that or a bib or a jumper, wearing it really does make me want to jump for joy!