This is what I wore to church on Easter Sunday. Yup, finally finished that jacket.
Sorry about the grouchy face, I really wasn’t in a bad mood.
See? Smiling.
I’m quite pleased with how the jacket came out, except that there still is one fitting issue. There’s about 1/2″ too much fabric on each side between the shoulders and the lapels. It’s more obvious with it unbuttoned.
Here’s my review of the pattern.
Pattern Description: Lined Princess Seam Jacket with individual pieces for A, B,C cup sizes
Pattern Sizing: I made a 14 with a B cup, although according to my measurements I should have done an 18 for the bust and a 16 for the hips. It’s just a teensy bit snug across the back of the shoulders.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, a very classic style.
Were the instructions easy to follow? They were great. I really like these Amazing Fit patterns. Although I know what I need to do in order to make a garment fit properly, (mostly, lol) I often get in a rush and don’t take those steps.
These patterns have built-in 1-inch seam allowances and the instructions walk you through everything you need to do in order to get a good fit. It’s time-consuming, but worth it.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the classic style and the waist shape, which makes it a bit more feminine. I also love patterns that have separate pieces for different cup sizes.
Fabric Used: I used a linen blend from Joann’s.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 1 inch to the sleeve length, but will add another inch if I make it again. Following the directions for fitting, I had to shift some of the fabric at the underarm seam from the front to the back in order to make it hang properly. Since I’m something slightly less than a B cup, next time I’ll need to take out a bit of the excess fabric between the shoulders and lapels.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This was a wearable muslin. I definitely plan to make it again, especially now that I’ve taken all the time to alter the pattern pieces.
Conclusion: A great pattern with many helpful tips for getting a nice fit.
Happy creating!
Oh, that is nice! And such a pretty color. Linen blend? I love linen but I seldom wear it because I cannot iron it properly; I’ve never had an iron that was hot enough. Thus my linens always have to be taken to the dry cleaners, which adds up. But your jacket probably has to be dry cleaned anyway, doesn’t it?
Yeah, linen isn’t my first choice because you only have to look at it for it to wrinkle. Lots of steam and patience, allowing each section to cool before going on to the next seems to work for pressing. It helps that this is a lined garment. I prewashed all the fabrics, so will probably just wash it by hand when it needs it.
What a beautiful jacket! A perfect fit and such good work! I have this pattern but haven’t tried it yet. Are you wearing it with Simplicity 2247 dress? Your dress is very pretty too and together they make a perfect outfit.
Hi Judy, thanks for stopping by! Yup, that’s the Simplicity 2247 dress.
Are you sewing anything special for the fall?
I think that looks great on you and I really love the colour with your complexion although I can see what you mean about the extra fabric at the front shoulder.
I am about I make this jacket and would welcome your advice re sizing. I wear a 14 jacket (English) and measure 39/32/40 which according to the size chart means I need a size 18 for the bust too. I haven’t made a tailored jacket before and I’m worried it’ll either fall off me or be skin tight. I made a fitted Vogue dress according to my measurements last summer and it was big enough to share with a friend.
Any thoughts welcome!
Hi Elizabeth,
Good for you on attempting a tailored jacket! It’s no small project, but very satisfying.
My favorite way for choosing the correct pattern size is to find a similar style garment in your closet that you are happy with the fit of. Measure that garment at all the key fitting areas and then compare those measurements with the finished garment measurements of the pattern.
I go into more detail about choosing the right size pattern in my blog post “All About Ease.” http://keepsakecrafts.net/blog/2013/07/03/all-about-ease/
Hope this helps, let me know how it comes out!