Before we get started on our Durban Sewalong here on the blog, we want to say a huge thank you to all of our incredible testers who have worked on their own Durbans for our test round. We had such a wonderful response from them and some incredible suggestions that have made the pattern what it is today! The testers have (as always) knocked their makes out of the park and we’re so excited to share them with you in this tester round-up! Let’s take a look at the Durban Tester Round Up!
WHO
Stephanie
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I really liked the pattern overall! It’s a fun make and I love that there are so many variations to make so that you can mix and match to get exactly what kind of jumpsuit you want. Despite there being many variations, the instructions are really clear and easy to follow. And LOVE the deep pockets :) Very happy with the result of a summery jumpsuit that’s very comfy and can’t wait to wear to the beach.
WHO
Charis // @charis_makes
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I liked the simplicity of the instructions, the quick construction time and the number of variables the pattern provided.
WHO
Carolyn // @cm.page
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I really like the length. Being 5’8″, most RTW jumpsuits are too short and in rare cases, the crotch is too high. The jumpsuit is the right length for me. Just enough of a crop, but not enough to expose half my calf.
WHO
Hannah // @hannahrae.designs
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER VERSIONS PLANNED?
After making View B with the wide legs and sleeveless bodice, I had a vision of making a corduroy jumpsuit with a slightly deeper v neckline that I can wear with turtlenecks and boots in the fall and winter! It filled a hole in my wardrobe between my overalls and dresses and I can’t wait to make more. After I make my corduroy jumpsuit I plan on making a dress version in wool with a full skirt for a more professional style.
WHO
Michelle // @made.by.michl
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER VERSIONS PLANNED?
The one I made for the pattern testing was done in a fine wale corduroy. I’ve never worked with corduroy, so I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. The next one I have in mind is a lighter one, maybe in a gauze or linen and the sleeveless romper version.
WHO
Jo // @fivespicepower
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I love how versatile and on trend this pattern is – I could see it working with a soft drapey rayon challis (for the wide leg versions) or cotton twill (for the boiler suit version).
WHO
LeeAnne // @leeannew10
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I will get a lot of wear from this. I was a little worried that a jumpsuit would be too young of a style for me but the Durban is suitable for anyone!
WHO
Katherine // @sheerstitchery or Sheer Stitchery
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
The best thing about the Durban is that it is so versatile. I love how though it has a wide leg, it still provides shaping on your bottom. There is also enough ease in the garment that no matter what position you happen to be in it stays comfortable and doesn’t pull – making it great as a travel outfit.
WHO
Julia // @julia_seams
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
The Durban jumpsuit is the perfect addition to the Megan Nielsen pattern family! Super comfortable, stylish, and your new favourite go-to farmer’s market outfit!
WHO
Charlotte // @charlotte_makes_a_lot
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
It’s an amazing pattern! I love the fit: very comfortable yet elegant. Loose but not too loose. You can get dressed that quick & look put together hehe. And I love the belt: it accentuates & hugs your waist.
WHO
Naomi // @whatnaomimade
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MAKE
I love a wide leg, especially in the summer but wanted a little it of arm coverage so I combined the short sleeve V neck of the A bodice with the wide leg of B. I also made a tie belt and added inseam pockets.
My version was in a very drapey viscose so I’d love to try a nice crisp cotton poplin or lawn version without sleeves for the really warm summer days.
WHO
Julie // @julieeaube
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I really enjoyed all the tips along the way, I learned new things and they were very helpful! An overall lovely pattern! I am really in love with the fit. It’s easily customizable which is really fun!
WHO
Karen // @sew_karenish
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I was so impressed with how clear the instructions were for this jumpsuit, particularly the notes on how to get an great fit through the rise. I was a little nervous about what the fit would be like, but it was both flattering and comfortable.
WHO
Felicia // @feliciacalautti
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
The way it fits! It’s not a tight fitting garment or a loose one either. it just fits really well.
WHO
Eugenia // @crumbsandgiggles
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
The placket topstitching and top fitting. I’ve already sewn two and cut out a third. I’m planning on adding puff sleeves.
WHO
Ariane // @nan_and_ariane
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I love how many mix and match options this pattern includes. You rarely get patterns this versatile, that you can make for all four seasons. And beyond just the included combination options, I feel like it has great hacking possibilities! I’m already imagining turning View D into a dress!
WHO
Poh // @b.a.o.l.i.n.g
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
There are many variations to make for this pattern and so comfortable to wear.
WHO
Sammi // @ragtradeclothingco
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
This pattern was just such a joy to make! I love the classic, timeless design that can be dressed up or down depending on the fabric you make it in and how you wear it! Its a very versatile design so ideal for of you are putting together a capsule wardrobe. I love the clean, simple lines and the tapered leg. Just the perfect jumpsuit!
WHO
Tiffany // @sparkledust.makes
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I love how versatile Durban is with so many different possible combinations. For my pattern test, I immediately went for View D but with the V-neckline, inseam pockets and rear patch pockets (instead of front) since I was so excited about being able to mix and match so easily. Felt like hacking without having to really hack!
WHO
Moira //
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I really like the flexibility of this pattern. I liked that there is enough ease I was able to make it in a straight size with no modifications even though my measurements spanned three sizes. I liked not having to do the extra work of grading just to make something up quickly, with a relaxed fit, but could grade between those sizes for a more tailored look. This is such a great pattern that you can make small tweaks to and get really different pieces. It won’t feel repetitive quickly.
| LOOKING FOR MORE DURBAN POSTS? |
Here’s the full list of Durban posts and tutorials:
- How to Choose Between Durban & Durban Curve
- Inspiration & Ideas
- Durban Tester Roundup (this post!)
- Durban Curve Tester Roundup
- Prep, Stabilizing & Darts
- Bodice Seams & Sleeves
- Sleeveless Facings
- Inseam, Patch & Back Pockets
- Combining Bodice & Pants
- Placket & Inseam
- Placket Tips
- Closures, Hemming & Belts
- D-Ring Belt
- Durban Maker Roundup
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNdurban and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
