I made my first business suit this year. I used Butterick 6142 for the jacket and Simplicity 8056 for the pants. I usually purchase McCall patterns and know what modifications I need to make to get those patterns to fit correctly. I made the same modifications on both the Simplicity and Butterick pattern and seemed to get the fit close – but not quite right.
I did make a muslin of the jacket and decided to go down a size based on the fit of that muslin. But, the jacket still doesn’t fit quite right in the shoulder area. I heard on one of my sewing podcast that a lot of people have fitting issues in the shoulder area due to our bad habit of hunching over our computers and phones. Good to know for future projects!
I didn’t make a muslin for the pants, but I did make my usual modifications and cut the size I normally wear for McCall patterns… and ended up with pants that are a size too small. I can still wear them, but at the end of the day I can’t wait to take them off! (I’m not one for tight fitting clothes).
I purchased the fabric for the suit at JoAnn Fabric… the good thing is I didn’t spend a lot on it, so I am considering this outfit my ‘wearable muslin’. This weekend I’ll be making a trip down to Portland with plans to stop in at a fabric store known for its large selection of fabrics. I’ll be on the look out for some nice suiting fabric for a fall/winter suit. Wish me luck!
I wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!
Nikol
Sewtropolis 
You amaze me Nikol! And Hi there! Did you make your top too? If you did, I would love to know what pattern. I am inspired to start sewing some clothes again- Nothing that I made at Sewtropolis fits me anymore- sew I must sew some that do, and maybe alter some of the ones that don’t fit into something that does! Happy Summer!
Hi Maris!!! I did not make the top. 😦 it’s one of my favorite – I think because of the color and the fact that it goes with EVERYTHING! Can’t wait to see what you make! :0)