Dungarees and jumpsuits have been 'on trend' for some time, and now the closely-related boilersuit has stepped into the limelight too. Although we are wary of the fickle world of fast fashion and make sure we think about our handmade garments as much as we would an off-the-peg purchase, a jumpsuit is a wonderful wardrobe staple and can be worn in so many ways, we are sure it would be a well-worn addition.

An all-in-one is the epitome of an easy outfit, and utility-wear is by its very nature, hardworking and practical (once you learn to navigate the full-strip required to spend a penny!) But the choice of fabric can change the garment entirely - denim and chambray are good choices for an everyday neutral outfit, but washed linen will make a comfy and relaxed garment that could still be dressed up on occasions, fine wool or corduroy would make a lovely autumn/winter style, while a bold print or colour will transform it into a statement piece. And we haven't even got onto the onesies yet! Perhaps a controversial item in terms of popularity and usually available in faux fur, but a onesie made from organic cotton sweatshirt fabric or even brushed cotton flannel could make it very chic as well as cosy.

If you are wanting to add a boiler suit to your wardrobe, then we highly recommend these three patterns: Simplicity 8907 (pictured middle left, made in green Sevenberry Twill) has large patch pockets and an elasticated waist, Merchant & Mills 'Thelma' (pictured middle right in Hunslet stretch denim) is a more traditional utilitarian overall fitted specifically for women. Alice & Co. 'The Intrepid Boiler Suit' (pictured left and right) can be made with many hacks and variations to suit your preference. Alice is a familiar face in our sewing school and she ran a weekend class this summer at Ray Stitch, teaching students how to make their own versions.

The Simplicity 8970 Boiler Suit takes on a totally different feel when made up in patterned fabric - shown above in one of our new 'Fantasy' prints by Sally Kelly.

We stock a wide range of patterns for dungarees, jumpsuits, rompers as well as boiler suits (and a onesie too!)

from L-R top row: Closet Case 'Jenny Overalls', Sew House Seven 'Burnside Bibs', True Bias 'Yari Jumpsuit', Vogue V1645 'Misses Jumpsuit'

L-R bottom row: Papercut Patterns 'Sierra Jumpsuit', Sew House Seven 'Burnside Bibs', Tilly & the Buttons 'Mila Dungarees', I Am Patterns 'Colibri Dungarees'

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If you want to make a boiler suit under the supervision of our expert tutor and in a sociable friendly group, then this class on 8 February 2020 is for you. In one day session, you can make a new outfit which could be the perfect addition to your homemade wardrobe and our class will teach you a few more techniques to help with your future projects.

As always, we are here to help advise on anything you need to get started, so if you'd like some help with choosing a pattern or the best fabric for your project then please get in touch or pop in. And if you have made an all-in-one recently then show us by tagging us in your Instagram or Facebook posts.