Tuesday 8 September 2015

Blue Grainline Morris Blazer

The new Morris Blazer from Grainline Studio has certainly been doing the rounds out there in blogland. I finally succumbed and bought the PDF version.

Grainline Studio Morris Blazer
After doing lots of internet research, reading many reviews and looking at many Morris Blazers made up on many different body shapes, I decided to make a couple of small changes to the pattern. I cut a size 10 based on my bust measurement and I lengthened both the sleeves and the body by 8cm (about 3 inches).


I am quite long in the body and relatively tall about 173cm (5' 8") and cropped jackets don't suit me very well. I am happy with the new proportions these alterations achieved.


This jacket is quite boxy so if you are after some shaping, this is not the pattern for you. I like the way the jacket fits and it turned out just as I had expected.


The sleeves are only just long enough with the extra length I added and I may add a bit more length for the next one. The original pattern is not intended to have full length sleeves, this was just my preference.


The hems and front openings are finished off with a separate interfaced facing. This provides some structure to these key areas. I did find that the front facings tend to want to flip out a bit during wear, so I may catch them down with some hand stitching to keep them in place. The front edges are finished off with top stitching.


The hem facing is also top stitched which creates an interesting line at the front points. The fabric I used for this blazer was a Monaco Double Knit in Sapphire Blue purchased from Knitwit last year. This was one of my disappointing online purchases that was nothing like I expected and totally unsuitable for what I had intended to make, and therefore has been sitting in my stash for quite a while. Well, if you wait long enough, the perfect pattern turns up. This fabric was ideal for the Morris Blazer and Knitwit currently has this fabric on sale and it comes in lots of lovely colours too.


As you can see in the photo above, I simply overlocked the raw edges of the facings rather than turning them under. I had matching thread in the overlocker, so I thought this would look ok and reduce any unnecessary bulk. 


I can see a few more Morris Blazers in my future, and I can see why this has been a very popular pattern. It is quick and easy to make as well as being easy to wear.


Happy Sewing

22 comments:

  1. It looks fantastic on you!!! And I love the color so much!

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    1. Thanks so much Nakisha. This blue is one of my favourites too.

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  2. Your blazer looks and fits great. I also prefer longer sleeves that I can just push up if I like. I have the pattern, and may check out your fabric source for color options.

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    1. Thanks Faye. Knitwit have some lovely colours to choose from.

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  3. Well your Morris looks great. I had a LOT of trouble with this pattern but you've inspired me to have another go at it.

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    1. Thanks Paola. I do recall you not having great success with this pattern. Maybe you need to try a smaller size, and also the fabric you use can make a big difference.

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  4. Your blazer is a glorious colour and I really like the pattern alterations you made. A perfect jacket for spring!

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    1. Thank you Sue. I think this jacket will get a lot of wear this spring.

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  5. I am so tempted by this pattern. Love it on the blue.

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    1. You should go for it Sue, I'm sure you wont be disappointed.

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  6. This is a great colour on you, your whole outfit looks lovely. I think your blazer has turned out the best I've seen, most seem to have the front facing hanging badly

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    1. High praise indeed Kristy, coming from a sewist of your calibre. Thank you so much, and I do think that my fabric choice helped out with front facing issue that seems to be quite a common problem.

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  7. Very smart blazer and the colour looks so good on you.

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  8. My favourite blue - it looks great on you too! I have to echo Kristy above and say this is the best looking Morris I've seen so far!

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    1. Thanks so much Gabrielle. The fabric I used had just the right amount of structure sit properly at the front.

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  9. The cardigan of jackets! The colour is lovely. I like it in the longer length. I might have to try that!

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    1. It is just as comfortable as a cardigan when made up in a knit fabric. Thanks Andrea.

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  10. This is lovely! All the Morris blazers I've seen are super cute, and yours is just gorgeous :)

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  11. Beautiful colour and beautiful sewing! I really like your changes, this is one of the best Morris blazers I've seen.

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