Happy weekend! I’m currently in my sewing room whipping up a quick coat. Aka no tailoring, minimal hand stitching, maybe even no buttons… but welt pockets might make an appearance. Let’s wait and see.
In other news I wanted to push my sewing with a garment that’s pretty different for me. I reviewed the Butterick 5926 jersey blazer pattern that comes free with Love Sewing 49 (out Thurs 25th Jan in the UK). You can also read my thoughts inside the issue but here are the essentials.
Every time I reach for my jeans I agonise what to pair them with. I feel like I’m constantly chasing the ideal outfit that makes me look effortlessly put together; modest and tasteful but comfortable and easy. Generally I opt for a bright blouse and cardigan but it felt like time for a change.
I don’t think I’ve worn a blazer for at least 10 years as I’m petite with slightly squeaky voice and always live in fear of resembling a schoolgirl. The thought of a casual knit blazer was appealing but I wanted to make sure it felt feminine. This pattern calls for stable knits like Ponte Roma but didn’t mention scuba, which seemed like a great fit in my mind. This gorgeous geometric pink was £4 per metre at The Knitting and Stitching Show Harrogate and I used 1.5m to make this jacket.
I chose to make view B, the hip-length version with shorter bracelet length sleeves that I rolled up for a relaxed feel and omitted the button fastenings. The blazer comes together really easily but you’re asked to reinforce a lot of areas of the collar and facings with stay stitching before clipping close to but not through the stitching line (always a tense part of the process for me). Shortening your stitch length can help here and a universal needle helped me avoid any skipped stitches.
The recommended hem finish, with stitching that finish along the front edges wasn’t to my taste so I decided to top-stitch everywhere, varying the distance from the edge as I worked my way around. With this approach I had to be careful that the collar still rolled neatly to the outside where the front facing turns out and used a few pins to get the turn point just right.
I also used my trusty blind hem machine foot with an adjusted needle position to attach the pockets which were very bulky to sew in place. I should be on commission for the amount of times I mention that foot! It was also the last outing for my singer overlocker before it committed suicide by firing the blade into the moving parts! Not pretty.
This is a versatile pattern that looks great in a big, bold prints as well as plain colours and feels as comfy as a cardigan. I really think notched collars are very flattering as they frame your face but more importantly they’re pretty fun to sew! Like I say the issue is out Thursday and actually comes with a second pattern, McCall’s 7357 and both are double stuffed with all the sizes inside e.g. 6-22. Winner winner quorn chicken dinner!!
For some other gorgeous takes on this pattern see Manju’s bold floral blazer, Allie’s comfortable cool version and cmtsews chartreuse wonder
Your jacket is so cute! I agree it’s just the sort of jacket you’ll reach for all the time – jeans, skirts, capris – I like that it’s short (just waist length) and the colour is so springy (a welcome sight in Jan I must say!) I think you should make a bunch of them đŸ™‚
Cute blazer. I really like the color. I can relate to your thoughts about looking put together in jeans. I once heard the key is 3 pieces, i.e. jeans, shirt and another item such as a blazer, cardi, scarf or statement necklace. Simple advice but it’s helped me on many rushed mornings!
Love it Amy! Looks perfect on you. I have made this pattern twice and sadly the floral version has been donated now. It was my first attempt at a notched lapel. Anyway, I like the look of the other pattern so I reckon I might have to purchase this issue.
It’s gorgeous! I love the colour. It looks so lovely with jeans too!
Very stylish. Yours looks shorter in the body which I like. As comfy as a cardigan you say? Might have to give it a try.
This looks fab, Amy! I would never have thought to pick up this pattern but I’m dreaming of it now…
I love it- Just added it to the top of my patter “must have” list. I have some purple scuba that might just be perfect for this! I really love how it dresses up the jeans… Definitely a casual but put together outfit!
Lovely jacket, I will have to put that on my to-sew list. I was interested in using the hemming foot for the pockets, is there any information on how to do this?