ORCHID X PARASOL PATTERN RELEASE
To say I am super excited about today is an understatement, I am so pleased to announce that the pattern collaboration I’ve been working on with my good friend Gabriela of Chalk & Notch is finally live! We each designed a pdf sewing pattern: The Orchid Midi and the Parasol Trousers & Jumpsuit. The fun part is that they can be mix and matched to create 3 different top options, 4 bottoms, a choice of 2 waistbands and so many ways to make it your own.
We’ve been talking about doing something together for years now and it’s finally come together. Isn’t it funny how the internet works sometimes? I’ve know Gabriela for over three years now and had the privilege of meeting her in person when I visited San Francisco in April of 2016 (something I wish I could do with all my close “internet” friends). I’ve always been a huge fan of her style and her sweet and generous spirit. We always knew we wanted to work together- I am pretty sure our friend Emi had something to do with it too (she has also been an intricate part of getting these patterns together) but we just had not figured out how until early this spring. I really wanted to make some high waisted trousers inspired by the first pair of trousers ladies started wearing to go to the beach in the 20’s & 30’s. Then I thought how fun would it be to make a top that could go with the bottom to create a jumpsuit. That is when I asked Gabriela if she wanted to collaborate on the jumpsuit, one thing lead to the next and we ended up each designing 1 jumpsuit/ trouser and a dress. The whole process was so smooth and such a pleasant experience, we worked together on pretty much every level of the process from designing to pattern drafting to planning and trouble shooting. Don’t be surprised if we work together again!
Both patterns are on sale during release week, now through Wednesday, October 10th. You can purchase the designs separately, but we are offering a larger discount when you buy the patterns as a bundle. This bundle will only be available through October 31st with even less of a discount after release week.
THE PARASOL TROUSERS & JUMPSUIT
The Parasol Jumpsuit is a double wrap tank bodice with high waisted trousers and comes in three different lengths: [1] full length [2] cropped length, and [3] shorts. The pattern comes with flattering slanted pockets and no side seams, an elasticized waistline or wide belt option. There is also a separate high waisted trouser pattern which has a concealed waistband.
THE ORCHID MIDI DRESS BY CHALK & NOTCH
The Orchid Midi Dress is a wrap bodice with a midi length skirt. View A has ruffle sleeves. View B has long sleeves with a gathered cap and wrist.
FITTING
We strongly advise that you muslin the jumpsuit (and I would argue any pattern, not just the jumpsuit) to ensure you get the proper fit before cutting into your treasured fabric. A jumpsuit covers the length of your body, and everyone carries their length differently. Some carry it mostly in their torso and others in their extremities. Custom adjustments are covered in both patterns, and we will post more about fitting on our blogs, so don’t worry, you will have help if needed. Another thing that you should know about the Orchid x Parasol jumpsuit has no closures and it does require a bit of a shimmy, both in and out. Just a heads up from a friend. Show us your #jumpsuitshimmy on Instagram!
FABRIC
The Orchid and Parasol Jumpsuit patterns look great when sewn with a light to medium weight woven fabric with nice drape. If you use rayon challis, rayon crepe or rayon voile, you’ll have a really drapey dress or jumpsuit. If you use cotton lawn, cotton voile, cotton shirting, linen or double gauze, you will have a little more structure. The Parasol Trousers can also be made with more structured fabric like cotton twill and denim. We will have a post soon with fabric recommendations from some of our favorite indie fabric shops, so stay tuned for that!
Here are a few examples of the combinations you can create with the Orchid x Parasol patterns. You can also search the Instagram hashtag: #orchidxparasol
Leslie of Threadbear Garments
Mia of Sew North
Nicole of Merritts Makes
Suz of Sew Pony
With so many options, we are really excited to see what you come up with. If you share your makes, make sure to tag @chalkandnotch & @ensemblepatterns and use the hashtags #orchidxparasol#chalkandnotchpatterns #sewensemble so we can see your creations.
Happy Sewing!
Celina & Gabriela