If you’re looking for the perfect throw-on-and-look-cool outfit, we reckon our latest free pattern – the Peppermint Valley Jumpsuit – does just the trick. This exclusive, highly wearable pattern was created for us in collaboration with the lovely French patternmaker Readytosew and is brought to you in partnership with our good friends at Spoonflower. 

Founded in 2015 by Raphaëlle Bonamy, Readytosew focuses on straightforward, minimalist and easy-to-sew patterns that allow everyone to develop their sewing skills and create a sustainable wardrobe. 

“To consume more intelligently and sustainably, we need to restore value and meaning to our garments,” Raphaëlle says. “Creating a unique garment, tailored to your shape and desires, is a concrete way to help the planet while nourishing your creativity and manual skills.”

In the spirit of going behind the seams, we caught up with Raphaëlle to learn more about her label and to rack her brain for tips and tricks when creating the pattern. 

Tell us about your journey into the sewing world? 

I actually didn’t become a sewist and then a patternmaker, it all happened at the same time. After I graduated in furniture design, I worked in this field for a few years and then realised I really wanted to design pants instead of chairs and dresses instead of tables! I started learning patternmaking and sewing (at the same time) after work and then, when I felt confident enough, I started my sewing pattern studio, Readytosew. I’ve been happily running this company for over five years now. It’s just me so it comes with a lot of challenges!

We just adore the Peppermint Valley Jumpsuit! Any tips and tricks for sewists when creating it?

I adore it too! It’s a very simple make and I’ve included plenty of tips, sew-alongs and even a video to help sewists create the perfect jumpsuit in the PDF file. All my PDF patterns come with clickable links to some tutorials and sew alongs on my website!

What inspires your patterns?

I think I get my inspiration from everyday life. I tend to design clothes made for daily life – very casual and easy to wear. My work is based on observations of people’s needs and how they interact or not with their clothes to bring unexpected solutions that are always simple but human and appealing.

Do you have any recommendations for fabric choice for those struggling to make a decision?

Yes, the best fabric choice in my point of view is linen or any linen blend. It will drape beautifully over the body and it’s very easy to sew.

Where do you plan on wearing the jumpsuit?

Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to wear this jumpsuit much in the months to come because I have a little baby bump coming up! But I will definitely wear it later because it’s breastfeeding friendly!