July 4th Jumpsuit Miracle: a TRUE STORY!

Readers, you're not going to believe what happened to me today.

Let me set the stage: I'm coming home from running -- normally I swim on Fridays but the pool was closed on account of the July 4th holiday, so I decided to go running instead; in fact, since the weather was relatively cool, I did an extra-long run, and when I was coming east on 24th Street toward home, I saw, in a large pile of refuse outside a gallery building, what looked like -- honestly, I'm surprised I looked twice because it really was a yucky-looking pile -- a men's jumpsuit. On closer inspection, I realized it was a flight suit. So I grabbed it.

Ta da!

Now on closer examination, this garment could use some TLC, not to mention a good laundering. It's actually too large for me, but it does have all sorts of neat details I might consider adding to my own jumpsuit. It's covered with velcro and metal-zippered pockets and quite a bit of oil paint -- people pay mega-bucks for that oil-paint-splotch thing.

The long center front zipper looks like a replacement.

I can't tell if this is a bullet or a lipstick holder. Anybody know?

The backside seam is completely ripped, which is an easy repair. I guess somebody really needed to go -- or something.

Seriously, though, isn't this a cool find and spookily synchronistic? Either the universe is telling me I need to make that jumpsuit or else it's time to join the Air Force.

In today's sewing news, my jacket is coming along rather slowly. My navy cotton herringbone shows every little mark when I press it, even on a not-particularly-hot setting and using an organza press cloth. It's frustrating.

I used my chalk wheel on one side, and you can actually see a mark on the other (pic below) -- that's not the chalk, that's the indentation from the pressure. I think this is a dark cotton poplin sort of thing thing. I've experienced it with denim too, but denim is more forgiving.

Naturally things like pocket seam allowances must be pressed minimally and carefully.

I've thought about using the vintage polka dot poly fabric I picked up at the flea market for the half lining. It doesn't take a crease very well though, so maybe not. I have bemberg in my stash which would be a less colorful but maybe a better choice. I did line a pocket with the polka dots though. When you iron it it smells like moth balls.

I've decided to keep the green striped piping -- I added a whole lot more today.

And that's it.

Happy Fourth to those of you who celebrate it!

(Anybody wearing a flight suit for the occasion?)