wardrobe essentials 2022 - the Georgie Pinafore

I made a pinafore and I love it. I've been looking for the perfect pinafore pattern for a long time. There are so many but each had a feature I didn't like. Back in November last year I saw the Georgie pinafore by Jennifer Lauren Handmade. It is described as a semi fitted 1960s inspired dress. It does look quite 1960s on the pattern sleeve. The pinafore has an exposed zip, large pockets and princess seams and who doesn't like a princess seam? 

The pattern was on sale, I think it cost me about £6, which is excellent for a independent designer pattern. The sizing is very inclusive. There is the original size range and the curve size range, both based on a different block (aka body shape). Both size ranges come in six tailoring cup sizes. There is some overlap and it is worth the effort doing some careful measuring before buying a Jennifer Lauren Handmade pattern. 

Richard bought gave me the most beautiful needlecord fabric for Christmas. No, he didn't just come up with this fabulous idea, I noted fabric down on my Christmas wish list with link and all. When he went to order it with Guthrie & Ghani it was out of stock. He was undeterred, called up the shop and over the course of a few phone calls, an alternative was found that was quite similar to what was on my wish list. He said the ladies in the shop were very helpful indeed. You can't beat customer service of a small independent shop. It is impossible to photograph but if you imagine the green/blue square patch on the wings of a mallard duck, this is the colour exactly.

I had already done careful measuring before I bought the pattern but with Christmas indulgences in between pattern buying and sewing, it is worthwhile checking that the measurements are still accurate. I always agonise over choosing a size. It is tempting to go too big just in case but I resisted and went with my measurements, after checking the final garment measurements. 

The pattern instructions are well written and suitable for beginners. I took some short cuts, some steps in the instructions are for confidence really, rather than necessary. I hand basted the zip in and then stitched it in place. I always hand baste zips in because pins can distort placement a little and with an exposed zip this is immediately noticeable. I made a bit of a booboo with the facing, mixing up the two front facing pieces, which meant it didn't match the main body of the dress. It was an easy fix, always a relieve. I made sure to make a note on the pattern piece (join here!) so I don't make this mistake a second time.

The pockets are fabulous, they are integrated into the seams but function like pockets sewn on. They are roomy and unlike pockets stitched into the side seam they don't weigh the dress down when filled with handbag essentials. I am a woman with few handbag essentials, phone, keys, debit card and mask. 

I also like to wear the pinafore over jeans. This avoids having my lumpy thighs exposed when it is windy, which it is often in my part of the word. 

Would I make another one? Yes I think I will. I like the fit and it is a versatile garment that can be dressed up with a blouse or worn with a plain t-shirt. Elegant tights or over jeans, anything goes.

Since taking these terrible pictures (referring to the image quality, not content), I had my hair cut. It is properly short again and feels so much better.