Denim On Top

Hello all, and thanks for the love in my last post! I feel all warm and fuzzy. At least on the inside, outside it is still a very chilly winter!

But, the cold weather just means more sewing time, right? Here's the latest from my factory of one.



This is Butterick 5926, a jacket pattern designed for stretch fabrics. This fabric is a denim look knit, really lovely, from Fabricland. The pattern has two lengths, just above the hip and just below, and two sleeve lengths, full length and bracelet length. I prefer shorter jackets, so that was a no brainer. I usually like to push my sleeves up, so the sleeve length was a bit of a debate. In the end I went with full length.

Sorry about the lighting - I was so impatient to get some photos after weeks of cold & snow.

It was tricky to choose a size, I usually go with a 14 from the Big 4, but I sized down to a 12 and I'm glad I did. It's snug, but without much structure or lining, I was trying to avoid getting too baggy. The one piece sleeves do have a dart, and there are back neck darts as well as a bust dart in the front.



I made a couple of small pattern alterations, the usual shortening of the body (3/4") and the addition of a back neck facing. One of the other reviewers on Pattern Review suggested it, and in the end it gave a less bulky finish to the back neck. The most time consuming part of sewing this jacket was my decision to use a hong kong finish on EVERY SINGLE EXPOSED SEAM ALLOWANCE. Brutal. I'm happy, but that decision easily tripled my sewing time!


I made a couple of small pattern alterations, the usual shortening of the body (3/4") and the addition of a back neck facing. One of the other reviewers on PR suggested it, and in the end it gave a less bulky finish to the back neck. The most time consuming part of sewing this jacket was my decision to use a hong kong finish on EVERY SINGLE EXPOSED SEAM ALLOWANCE. Brutal. I'm happy, but that decision easily tripled my sewing time.


I have some indigo print Japanese handkerchiefs in my stash, and used three of them to make the bias tape for the seam finishing. I had two with the smaller floral, and used the larger floral for the hems and armholes.



Also for this project, I used my new (old) Janome 657. Instead of double stitching the body seams, as instructed, I used the triple stitch and gave my new friend quite a work out. I ended up returning to my not new but less old Kenmore to attach the pockets and stitch the hems, since the Janome presser foot has only one pressure setting.

There's something about this jacket that really says "spring" to me, and I'm looking forward to wearing it more as things warm up around here.

Til next time...


Comments

  1. Very cute! Love the fabric choice.

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  2. It looks great! I love knit blazers - I've pinned that pattern to remember it! DId you buy the fabric recently?

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    1. Hi Gillian - mid-January, I think. It came in black as well. And the pattern is on sale on BMV...

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  3. Hi Chloe. It is nice to see you get great fabric at Fabricland. You need a keen eye! Love the jacket. OMG the inside is beautiful.

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    1. Thank you! I do like the inside. And Fabricland - it's hit and miss for sure, but every once in while I find something good and they do have great sales.

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  4. What a fantastic spring piece - it'll layer well over so many things! Your Hong Kong seams are so beautiful - I love the sneaky addition of a pretty print to your solid-colored fabric.

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    1. Here's hoping! It's warmed up a bit, so I think I'll take it out for a spin tomorrow. And I do love knowing that the inside is just as nice as the outside. A common sewing trait, I think!

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  5. Love all of the Spring sewing that is popping up on my blog roll! Lovely to imagine that the cold is gone for good! Anyway, this blazer is awesome! I've been on the lookout for a pattern that I liked but hadn't considered one out of stretch fabric. Genius! And while the hong kong finish was no doubt a ridiculous amount of work, it was so worth it. Nothing quite like a garment with insides that are as impressive as the outside!

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    1. I know - winter is indeed coming to an end, thank goodness. And thank you! I really love how blazers can make an outfit, and with a stretch fabric I think I've hit the comfort/style jackpot.

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  6. Heyyy, this is fabulous! I can't believe that is a knit. And, am totally vibing on your fabulous bound seams. I think I want to make a blazer out of stretch fabric now. It seems that it would be easier to fit that way. how are you enjoying the 15 cm of snow we are currently getting??

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    1. Well, I could have worn my new stretch blazer while shovelling! It would have been very comfortable. This pattern was pretty straightforward, and designed for knits, so fitting could potentially be easier than with a woven. Give it a try and let us have a look!

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  7. Terrific jacket, and what a find that fabric is!

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  8. Thank you - and I'm almost wishing I had bought more! If I see it again I will be sorely tempted...

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  9. I love this jacket! It suits you well, and your finishing (while lengthy) is SUPERB!

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    1. Thanks - I have to admit, although I love how the inside turned out, I almost never wear this jacket! I hope it gets more use this fall, after all that seam binding!

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