Pattern Description: round neck Chanel style short jacket, with trim variations and long or bracelet-length sleeves
Pattern Sizing: Version 1 was too tight in the back & much too big in the upper chest, and the bust point was too low. It's sized (imho) for the fuller, more mature figure.
This is my 2nd attempt with this pattern. I needed to make a lot of changes to get it how I want
Fabric Used: A red/purple/cream/gold polyester boucle from Goldhawk Road (London). It shredded badly of course, so I finished all the edges before I started sewing it together.
The lining is a bog standard polyester.
I used a black very thin ribbon and a cream twist for the trim on the pockets.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Thanks to LaurieEm's review about the over-generous sleeve .
I took the time to fit as I sewed, so I could tweak it as I went (I would usually just rush right in).
I had to alter quite a lot:
- 2" broad back adjustment
- I took 1cm out of the bicep area
- 1cm out of the sleeve cap
- I had to taper the left shoulder seam from 15mm at neck to 20mm at outside edge, for my droopy (fwd) shoulder
- one inch out of the princess seams for a better fit at the bust.
I have lost a little weight. admittedly (gave up alcohol) but when I came back to this jacket after a couple month' break, it was WAY too big in the back. So I inexpertly put in a couple of darts in the back to take out the surplus, and removed probably 6 inches of fabric. I still have to finesse that adjustment, it's sticking out a bit in the photo.
Women's clothes never have enough pockets. I always need to carry phone, keys, money, tissues, lipstick, dog poop bags ...
I added a pocket to the seam of the left forearm, so I have a very secure hidden hidey place, for credit card, cash etc. Neat huh? (Just remember it's there before laundering!)
The hip pockets it does have are very small and at a bizarre angle: you can't put your hands in them at all: of course for Chanel, they were holders for her cigarettes and lipstick, not a place to stuff cold hands.
I sewed this slowly, really concentrating instead of rushing to get it finished. I took the time to try it on during construction at all stages so I could tweak it. I got fed up half way through, and left it for a few months. I have HATED making this jacket, and really wanted to just throw it away rather than finish it.
I think this boxy style just doesn't suit my figure (I need more waist definition), so I will make more fitted jackets in future.
PS. The cowl neck sweater underneath is made-by-me too.
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
The sleeve pocket is brilliant, just the sort of personalized touch self made clothes can have.
1/23/13 11:48 AM
Thanks, Miausiau. I had one on a RTW jacket, and it was really easy to copy. (Mary Mulari taught me to do pockets).
1/23/13 12:16 PM
Ditto on the brilliance of the sleeve pocket! I'm so stealing that idea.
1/23/13 3:22 PM
Very well done
1/23/13 5:19 PM
This is beautiful and very clever adding a sleeve pocket! It looks great on you from the pic.
1/23/13 7:16 PM
Ditto on the sleeve pocket comments! I'd never seen one before! Very pretty fabric, and it looks like a very nice and flattering fit! (not boxy-looking at all IMO)
1/24/13 0:35 AM
KarlaB: I made clumsy darts in the front & back to reduce the boxy, shapeless shape of this jacket. I DO prefer jackets to cardies, I'm still searching for that perfect informal casual indoor jacket
1/24/13 4:05 AM
I like the sleeve pocket idea. Lovely jacket.
1/24/13 7:02 AM
Beautiful jacket. Love the style.
1/24/13 9:28 AM
Love the jacket and the sleeve pocket is wonderful.
1/24/13 10:41 AM