I have been adamantly against rompers ever since I stopped wearing them in kindergarten. Rompers are back and they are everywhere. I have never even considered a romper pattern for myself until I saw the Cali Faye Fenix Romper. I love that it almost looks like a dress.
When I first started purchasing fabric I had no idea what I was looking for or how to visualize what it would make later. I have ended up with some fabrics that have remained untouched since purchase. This 100% cotton cocktail fabric is one of those and I thought it would make a great fun romper.
Of course the Fenix Romper does not come in my size, but I thought “That’s OK because it is really roomy so it should be easy to fudge.” So I did a little slashing and spreading. I ended up grading it up to a 26. I did have to take it in several inches at the top as I am usually at 22-24.
Then I threw away the bodice facing pattern pieces and just traced them off the bodice when I got it put together. For some reason, none that I could discern, this pattern is not cut on the fold. Instead the front and back are 2 panels sewn up the middle. If I decide to make this again, I will be cutting on the fold next time. No pattern matching, less work, less fabric.
Another intriguing part of this pattern are the very narrow adjustable straps. I like the idea of adjusting it, because it is cut VERY low. The instructions ask you to fold a 1″ x 40″ piece in half right sides together, sew, and then turn it inside out. Uh. No thank you. I basically made double fold bias tape.
Then I sewed that bias tape closed along the edge. Whew! That saved A LOT of time.
After cutting 2 straps and two little loops you add rings and slide adjusters! This is a pretty gratifying process. I would do this again!
Here it is on the hanger. Obviously, I did zero pattern matching, again.
It think the crotch shape is what I don’t care for the most. You can see the facing here.
Eh? I’m not in love with it. It only looks like a dress on me if I cross my legs.
The back comes so low! I would definitely redraw the neckline if I were to make again.
Since it is shapeless, I thought I would try a belt. Slightly better, but I still have bra straps showing.
Throwing a shrug on over it may be the way I like it the best. It gives it a little more shape and hides the bra strap and extremely low back.
I’m not sure I can bring myself to wear this out anywhere. I sort of scrunches up in the crotch when I walk and I feel a little like a balloon. On the other hand I am really liking this fabric. Perhaps I can refashion into a tank or a skirt? Any ideas?
Someday Sewing 
Love the fabric, very cute. I like the romper, but it you take out the crotch and make it into a dress would you like it better?I
I just took out the crotch and pinned up the edges and I like it a lot better! I just don’t think I am going to ever feel comfortable in a romper. It’s just not my thing. :)
Very cute fabric–and the colors look great on you. I wouldn’t toss it just yet. I would lower the crotch a few inches, raise the front and back necklines, and make the straps more bra friendly by adding about 1 1/2 inches in width.
Thanks! If I made this again, I would take all of your advice! I am in the process of adding facing turning it into a high-low dress. But I think all of your alterations are right on.
Very cute fabric. I don’t think I will ever make a romper. I went through a culottes phase back in the 90’s but quickly got over it. I had this one culotte dress that I loved the fabric too much to give up so I turned it into a regular dress dress. It has seems down the center front and back, which I don’t like but overall it worked out okay.
I just saw so many of them, I thought I might give it a try. I just think they are not for me. I have just started to take it apart and re-cut the bottom hem to make a dress.
Fabulous fabric! I have, a few times, dived into a project and finished it only to realize that it wasn’t me. But then I move on and refashion it into something else. If you don’t care for it – change it! Save that lovely fabric!!!!
I am definitly doing that! I cannot let this cocktail fabric go to waste! I am adding facnigs to the bottom hem tonight and then it will be re-fashioned. It turned into a high-low dress. :)