Sunday 4 August 2013

Jean's Jacket

Yes, I made myself a Jean Jacket (how appropriate seeing that my name is Jean).



 Not just any old Jean Jacket...this is the Stacie Jean Jacket from Style Arc.

Trendy jean, denim or woven jacket
STACIE JEAN JACKET: Great Jean Jacket sitting on the high hip with flattering shaping through the body. The sleeve features a deep hem so can be worn turned up for a casual look.

I cut a straight size 12 with no alterations (based on my measurements and Style Arc's sizing chart). Fabric used was a medium weight denim 97% cotton and 3% spandex, so it had a little bit of stretch. It was an unusual purple colour on one side and a navy blue on the reverse side. I purchased this fabric from my local Bargain Box Fabrics.

Front buttoned up




Back view

I love the flattering shape of this Jean Jacket. It is not square and boxy at all, like a lot of Jean Jackets are.

The pattern instructions are fairly minimal and a beginner sewist may struggle with them. They are more like a list of construction steps. They do include a detailed diagram for all the top stitching...and there is a lot of top stitching on this jacket. The pattern is very well drafted and all the pieces go together perfectly.

Front pocket flap

I just used normal Gutermann 100% polyester thread in a hot pink, for the top stitching which I sewed with a twin needle. This contrasted nicely with the purple fabric. I spent an awful lot of time changing thread and needles on my machine during construction...alternating between top stitching and normal stitching. This was quite a labourious process and certainly added a lot of time to the sewing of this jacket. In hind sight, I could have saved a lot of time if I had set up my other machine as well, and used one for top stitching and one for regular stitching (however, I had recently purchased my new Bernina B 350 and the novelty had not worn off yet, so I wanted to use it for everything). 

More top stitching - waistband and centre back seam detail.

Collar Detail

I'm not sure if I joined the collar correctly to the neckline. I thought the front edge of the collar should have started about half way across the front band. I wondered if maybe I had stretched the neckline during construction, because the collar did not seam long enough. Then I studied the line drawing of the jacket and it appears that I have joined the collar as intended. However the point between the front band and where the collar joins, seams to be a weak spot so I did add a few tiny hand stitches to join the collar to the front band for a bit of added strength. 

The pattern does not call for the use of interfacing, at all which I thought was a bit strange. I followed the pattern directions, and did not interface the collar or the front bands and waist bands. The jacket feels fine without being interfaced, probably because the fabric I used was quite sturdy.

Sleeve and cuff.


The sleeve cuff is created easily. The hem of the sleeve is quite deep so this can be turned up to form a cuff.

Although the size 12 fitted me quite well without any pattern alterations, I will make a couple of changes for the next one. The sleeves were barely long enough for me (I must have monkey arms). This is actually a problem I have with buying RTW shirts...the sleeves are always too short on me. So I will be adding probably another 5 cm to the sleeve length. Also, the length of the jacket was much shorter on me compared to the line drawing, so I may add some length here next time too...and yes there will definitely be a next time. I would love one of these jackets in every colour of the rainbow.



I have already worn my Style Arc Stacie Jean Jacket several times and I can see it is going to be a favourite item in my wardrobe.

Just before I finish I thought I would share a photo of my loyal little sewing buddy who is never far from my side when I am sewing and who was a keen observer during my photo shoot this morning.

Ollie


Happy Sewing

19 comments:

  1. Love your sewing buddy:) Your jacket is very flattering -- all that top stitching is impressive! I've only made one thing with a lot of top stitching (a dress for my daughter) but I did use two machines, and I have to say that made it a lot easier.

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    1. Yes, Ollie is a great little companion...always interested in what I have to say, and never answers back. Ha Ha. Thanks for your lovely comments and next time I will definitely be setting up my other machine for the top stitching.

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  2. What a great colour. This is the type of jacket that is even more fabulous with top stitching. Your jacket is great.

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    1. Thanks Velosewer. I was really pleased to find this fabric at my local Bargain Box Fabrics. They don't usually offer a great choice and I find myself ordering more and more fabric online.

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  3. Love that colour, and that topstitching is epic. I bought a Bernina 330 last year, but have kept the old machine for similar topstitching scenarios - not that I've had one yet.

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    1. Thanks Paola. I'm loving my Bernina 350 and my old machine is a Bernina 1005 that I bought second hand, about 17 years ago, from the Moruya TAFE when they stopped offering their fashion courses. It's still a great machine but I'm loving all the extra features on the 350. This is a great jacket pattern to try out some top stitching and it wasn't hard to make.

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  4. This is a super jean jacket. Your fine workmanship is apparent and oh , how I love the fit! Good job and please make more!

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    1. Thanks so much Sarah. I can see there is plenty of room for improvement with my top stitching. I did find doing the corners quite tricky with the twin needle, but then I am probably being too critical. I compared it with a RTW denim jacket in my wardrobe and the stitching on it was quite messy when I had a good look, so I don't feel too bad about my sewing now. I love the fit of this jacket too. My figure is quite rectangular, so I need all the curves I can get. I would love to make more of these, but I have a few other projects to complete first.

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  5. I love this jean jacket. Your topstitching is perfect. I have never tried a Style Arc pattern......just may have to take a look at them..

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  6. I have tried a few Style Arc patterns now and I love them. Thanks for your kind comments about my jacket. I thoroughly recommend this pattern.

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  7. This looks great and is very well finished. Just what I was looking for, so you have inspired me to look at their patterns (which I have never come across before) so thanks for that.

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    1. Thanks Mimi. I'm sure you will love Style Arc patterns. I have a few more that I am keen to try. They are getting great reviews on Pattern Review.

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  8. Very nice and inspiring. The truthfulness in your comments have helped me so when I do my first one, I too will elongate the sleeves and torso length. It really looks good!

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comments Mona. I am glad this has been helpful to you.

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  9. Your jacket looks great and your topstitching is AMAZING. I am hoping to make one this spring/summer. I also bought the 12.

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    1. Well here I am more than two years later reading your review again....I think I am finally going to stitch this up this time! LOVE that you used hot pink on your purple jacket!!

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  10. The jacket is great and you are a beautiful model.

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  11. fABULOUS! Fit, style , model and rich color. I was looking for a RTW purple jacket until I saw yours. May I ask what is the price range for this kind of beautiful denim? I hope I can find something close.

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  12. What a lovely shaped jacket! Wonderful colour and topstitching as well. This pattern is going on my to sew list, a non boxy jeans jacket is a gem!

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