In our next ambassador post we welcome back Gemma who has made these fantastic Closet Core Jenny Overalls in Denim. Over to Gemma:

Hi everyone, I’m very happy to be back on the Backstitch blog again today! My project this time has been the Jenny Overalls by Closet Core Patterns and I made them from the ‘Rutland’ denim which is a lovely quality stretch denim. I’ve been looking for a pair of dungarees for so long that actually had some shaping to them and I think I’ve found the perfect pair in the Jennys.

The Jenny overalls pattern actually has four different views - the overalls, trousers, short overalls and shorts so it is quite a versatile pattern. I would say it is a reasonably involved make, and they certainly took me longer than I expected. I had planned to do some embroidery on one of the back pockets but I unfortunately ran out of time. Do “stay tuned” though as I am still hoping to do this and I’ll share the results once I’m done. I bought some stick and stitch transfer patches from “Tales from the hoop” to help me with the embroidery designs - I am definitely going for an autumn vibe!

I made the size 14 in this pattern and I think it fits perfectly on the waist and hips. I did make a toile pair of shorts prior to starting this project and I’m so glad I did as I had a lot of extra fabric at the crotch. I ended up removing 3.5cm from the front rise in the end after watching a YouTube video by J Stern about “how to alter the rise.” She shows you how to pinch out and measure the excess fabric, while also demonstrating how to sew the adjustments.

The instructions for the pattern are very comprehensive and it was definitely an enjoyable sew.  I went for the single zipper option, but you can go for a double zipper if you need a bit more room to get them on and off. This was my first time sewing a lapped zipper, and while it felt very odd when I was sewing it, the results look very professional. I then added a jeans button at the waist so that it really tied in with the dungaree buckles that I was using.

I used a leftover lilac gingham fabric that I had in my stash to fully line the straps and for the pocket bags. To fully line the straps (as this isn’t in the instructions), you just sew your main fabric and lining fabric right sides together down the long edges, then flip it right sides out.  I ended up taking 10cm off the length of the trousers which I thought was quite a lot. Im 5’6” for reference. I then hemmed them another 3cm.

The denim I used was really lovely - the dark colour is perfect for this time of year, it has good stretch and recovery and was also good to sew with. Some parts of this project do get pretty bulky at times, but I didn’t really have any issues.  My main piece of advice for this project would be to toile before you cut into your main fabric - I’m definitely glad I did this before starting!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my latest project, I’ve certainly enjoyed making it! Until next time, happy sewing! Gemma x

Pattern: Jenny Overalls by Closet Core Patterns
Fabric: Stretch Denim 'Rutland'
Size: Gemma measures Bust 37", Waist 31". She made the size 14.
Adjustments: Removed 3.5cm from the front rise, took 10cm of the trouser length.

About Gemma:
Gemma is an occupational therapist living in Nottingham with her husband and 3 year old son.  She loves to travel and of course sew!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedaleythread/
Website: https://thedalythread.com/blog-feed/