In our next ambassador post Abigail has made this brilliant boilersuit. Boilersuits and flightsuits are so good... a comfortable and easy outfit solution perfect for all seasons, particularly the cooler ones. Over to Abigail:

Pattern choice: I chose the Intrepid Boiler suit by Alice and co but you could also go for the Blanca flight suit which has nice detailing with ankle tabs and zipped front pockets) [or the Thelma is a good option too]. I have been wanting to make a boiler suit for years and I chose the intrepid boiler suit as I wanted to make two boiler suits one that is very informal with a linen blend and one a bit more structured with corduroy and the Intrepid boiler suit pattern suits that fabric range.

Fabric choice: I chose the New Rust 50/50 linen/cotton fabric, it's really comfy to wear, has some give, relaxed drape, and frays easily. I wanted the Rust boiler suit to have an easy wearable vibe whilst appreciating its utilitarian workman roots. I also choose the 21 Wale cotton needlecord in moss for a full-on festive vibes boiler suit! Getting my Christmas workwear wardrobe ready! And I choose corduroy for extra warmth in Winter.

I purchased 3mts of each fabric, if making a size 12+ it could be worth purchasing extra fabric as my cutting was tight.

My measurements are: Bust 94.5cm; Waist 80cm; Hips 99; I am 5ft 2". So, my measurements varied, a 12 on the bust and hips and 14 on the waist. I went for a 12 everywhere but slimmed down the legs to a 10 and they  still have plenty of room. I know the waist would be okay due to plenty of ease and it is absolutely fine.

Pattern amendments made:
-I reduced shoulder length by 1.5cm
-I slimmed down the collar depth by 5mm on the rust version (I will slim it down a further 10mm on the moss corduroy)
- Shortened the leg by 4cm
-Used the full 3cm s/a on the waist seam on both top and trouser and I then slimmed down the back length again by 3cm at CB back to 0cm at the side seams

I opted to draft my own zip facing (which the pattern instructions talk you through) as I am using a heavy metal exposed zip and felt like the fabric would benefit from the extra reinforcement from the zip facing to balance the heavy zip.

I found my collar was too narrow in length, so I had to redraft a collar for the Rust version. This could have been my error I am not sure.

I inserted elastic into the waist casing for a more flattering look.

Seam construction: I did french seams where I could and everywhere else, I zig-zagged the seam edges but bound seams would look nicer internally if I had the time. I did no top stitching except on the pockets as I didn't want the fabric to be controlled and restricted by the stitch line, I was after a clean simple look in the Rust.

When I make the second jumpsuit in Corduroy I am looking to do more run and fell seams to create a more sturdy, hardworking garment.

Evaluation: It feels fun and comfy to wear and you can't ask for more than that!! I love the fabric colours and the feel of the Rust cotton linen cloth. The pattern instructions were clear and simple. I prefer no visible overlocking on the inside and might add a few extra details to make the next jumpsuit like a popper tab on the cuff to make the cuffs a snugger fit. But that's just personal taste. But it's a great fitting boiler suit, a really rewarding sewing project that makes dressing in the morning super easy! Wish I hadn't waited so long to start making and wearing boiler suits.

Pattern: Intrepid Boiler suit by Alice and co which we don’t stock, but the Blanca and the Thelma are good alternatives
Fabric: Linen/Cotton Blend: New Rust with plans for a 21 Wale Cotton Needlecord version.
Size: Abigail measures Bust 94.5cm, Waist 80cm, Hip 99cm. Abigail made the size 12.
Adjustments: Made a 12 but slimmed legs down to a size 10. Shortened leg, reduced shoulder length, slimmed collar depth, altered seam allowance.

About Abigail:
Abigail is an artist based in Derbyshire who loves working with textiles, whether it's weaving words through tapestry or making her own organic wardrobe she is having a go at making it herself
Website: https://www.abigailwastie.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threadoflife/