Hello, my fellow Minerva Makers! It’s Laineemakes here and I’m back with my latest Minerva Brand Ambassador assignment. Here’s a complete change of mood with this project. Having gorged on Minerva’s Exclusive viscose challis for a while, I’m working with a completely different material today. I’m also going with a solid colour rather than a riot of print as my last few makes have been.

I’ve got hold of a piece of Minerva Core Range 200gsm Washed Cotton Denim Fabric in Mid Blue colour. This fabric has a very soft hand, and while it’s heavier than Chambray, it’s lighter than regular denim so you could use it to make a dress, trousers or shacket. As usual for this type of woven fabric, pre-washing is essential because …shrinkage is real! Get that out of the way before you start working on it. I have lost more than one newly made woven item to shrinking because I skipped the pre-washing stage.

I made this boilersuit using a self-drafted pattern that I created for the Sew Together For Summer jumpsuit challenge in 2019. I love the large belt loops and the patch pockets on the chest, lower front and back. I promised myself back then that I would make myself another one in denim and finally, here we are.

You could use one of many jumpsuit/boilersuit patterns for a similar look. For example, the Style Arc Melrose, Closet Core Blanca or Fibre Mood Leah all have similar details.

I sewed it using my overlocker to complete all the seams as for me this is the easiest way to finish them - with a 5-thread safety stitch, it closes the seam and finishes the raw edges in one go. I used basic overlocking thread (Moon, I think) and on the sewing machine, I used normal thread but doubled it for the topstitching.

It’s a nice project and a satisfying sew. There are not too many difficult elements. The hardest bit I found was inserting the zip, as it was difficult to get it even, especially if you want to make it contrasting, which will stand out more. I used a white chunky zip as I thought it gave a nice focus at the centre front.

Compared to my previous version of this pattern, the denim automatically gives it a more distinctly utilitarian vibe and emphasises the “Boiler Suit” appearance. As usual, you can style it differently to get a different look. Worn with trainers, you get a tomboyish, casual kind of look but with heels, you can still make this look smart and dressy. I love the overall look of this piece.

Thank you so much for coming along with me to see my newest make and as always, thank you Minerva for always coming up with these awesome fabrics and letting me loose on them.

Happy sewing friends, see you next time,

Elaine x

www.laineemakes.com

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