StyleArc: Audrey Jacket (Audrey Jacket) - Type:Coat/Jacket  | | Viewed 467 times
| | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 6 people | | Reviewed by: | sunnysewer | 
| About sunnysewer | | CA USA | | Member since: 8/3/09 | | Reviews written: 70 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | Favored by: 45 people | | patterns reviewed: 67 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 11/25/12 11:44 AM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
StyleArc Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Easy & Great for Beginners | | | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: 3/4 sleeve, slightly flared retro jacket with wide sleeves. Stand up collar and overlapping jacket front.
Pattern Sizing: 6 - 24, I made a size 8
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Not as much as I expected. The neckline was not as wide as it appeared on the sketch. Style Arc doesn't have photos so you have to go by the drawing. Note that this pattern will probably work best for someone with a small bust, (as with any double breasted jacket - not the optimal for a large busted person)
Were the instructions easy to follow? They were OK, kind of minimal but if you are familiar with making jackets they should be fine. I didn't really use them. Style Arc calls this pattern Challenging but I would call it easy as compared to some other jackets.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the sleeves, a cute retro look with the wide 3/4 sleeves. I didn't like the way it overlapped in the front with no buttons except on the collar. I toyed with the idea of changing it to a center front button jacket with no overlap and now I wish I had done so, as it would be easier to wear. As it is it doesn't look as good unbuttoned, too much fabric in the front.
I am not sold on the length either, but that could just be me. Note that this pattern will probably work best for someone with a small bust, (as with any double breasted jacket that doesn't button - not the optimal for a large busted person since the front tends to swing open)
Fabric Used: I used the remaining fabric from my coat refashion project. See that review here.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Since I was using the remaining fabric from my coat refashion I had to be a little creative with it so I did have to piece the bottom to get the length. Otherwise it would be a super-cropped jacket  which would not be a good look on me. So that is why you see the band around the bottom. Also I had to take in the center back seam at the bottom about 2" when cutting out as that was all the fabric available for those pieces. So it is slightly less flared than as the pattern is designed.
I used a plaid fabric for the sleeves and collar, putting the collar on the bias for a design element and that worked fine. I interfaced the wool collar with woven weft fusible and then knit fusible on the collar lining to make sure it stood up properly and that seemed to work well.
I reused the buttonhole from my coat on the front and added more buttons as a design element.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will not sew it again, it is such as distinctive style and there are so many other jackets I want to make but it worked out well to use the coat refashion fabric. I could imagine it as a jacket over a slim sheath dress for a 60's look.
Conclusion: Hmmm, if you love Style Arc and retro style this may work for you. I think it works to add some volume on the upper half as a style choice, perhaps to wear with slim pants. Definitely a good pattern to use small pieces of wool to do a color-block jacket as I have.
Here is the blog post with lots of photos on construction.
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7 Comments
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Thanks for reviewing this - I have had this same pattern cut out ready for sewing for a couple of months. Must get to finishing it, pronto. I love the mixed fabrics you used, it is a lovely effect
11/25/12 1:05 PM
Bravo on an incredible jacket!
11/25/12 2:40 PM
This is just ADORABLE. I love the way you've mixed the fabrics, giving JUST the right touch. :o)
11/25/12 3:10 PM
It's a beautiful jacket and ingenious way to refashion something you haven't worn in a while.
11/25/12 7:39 PM
Very nice combination of fabrics! Beautiful jacket!
11/26/12 4:59 AM
Hey! I live in a cold climate, love blue AND have a small bust. When you tire of this gorgeous jacket let me know and I'll send you my shipping address. I really like what you've done with the fabric and buttons. My favorite style is one with buttons on top only, warm but lots of freedom to move. Very nice work!
11/26/12 11:34 AM
Really cute and stylish.
11/26/12 1:44 PM