Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Just in Time...a Summer Jacket!

I hope your summer is warm and sunny!  In my neck of the woods, it seems to be struggling to stay in tune with the date on the calendar....warm then cool, blazing hot one day and then a cold front from Canada sets in and bam, it feels like fall! This little jacket from Kwik Sew to the rescue!


I choose a rayon suiting fabric that I just love! It was heavenly to work with. I love how the checks/plaid is woven into the fabric, not just stamped on. Fabric Mart has some lovely suiting fabrics out there and I haven't been disappointed in any of them!


A photo bomber!  



Now, off to find a pattern for summer as a layering piece that coordinated with many pieces in my closet and Kwik Sew 3334 was the winning choice. I just love the bracelet-length sleeves and the notched collar. I thought it would be perfect. This little jacket took less than two yards of fabric so it was very economical to sew. I was very concerned about trying to match the pattern but since it is so small, it was super easy.


Of course I modified this a bit. But first an aside to explain my changes. I am taking a class on Craftsy from Kenneth D. King on making a jacket and he recommended a few things that I decided to incorporate. First was to staytape the edges of the garment NOT cut on the straight grain: for example, the armhole areas and neckline. I simply used HugSnug seam binding that I've had in my stash forever and it worked great. It didn't add any bulk to the seam, is invisible from the garment's right side and according to Kenneth, will extend the life of the jacket--score!
















This little jacket is unlined and I simply didn't want to just serge the seams. I decided to use a contrasting cotton for the Hong Kong finishes on the inside since I wanted a pop of color that could be visible when I moved just right and I think I achieved that! This bright orangy-yellow was also from my stash. I cut one strip for each seams and applied before constructing the garment. Seriously, this took about an extra 30 minutes and I think the results were well worth it! I even added the bias trim to the sleeve and jacket hemlines, although those to locations were added after construction.


I just love my little jacket! It is such a great layering piece and works well with so many other clothing options in my closet. I needed this jacket!



Thanks for reading!
Sue from Ilove2sew!

Comments

  1. Your new jacket is lovely. I really like the Hong Kong seam finishes.
    I love the jacket pattern but am still leery about notched collars. Yours look so good!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Arlene! The notched collar on this jacket is so easy! Make a practice collar first--that's what I did so I would have success with the 'real' one!

      Delete
  2. I agree with Arlene - the Hong Kong finishes really set it off! And the notched collar looks great, I will see if my local store has this pattern. Using Hug Snug - interesting idea that something that simple could so so much to extend the life of the jacket - but those armholes would certainly wear out fast without some extra protection.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Angela! I've shied away from Hong Kong finishes and now I am hooked! Thanks for commenting!

      Delete
  3. That's a very pretty neckline and collar – it would look great buttoned without a shirt underneath – that's if the neckline isn't too low!
    Vancouver Barbara

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, great idea Vancouver Barbara! Yep, I don't like necklines that are too low or that I have to worry about dipping too low! :)

      Delete
  4. What a lovely jacket - perfect for summer! I have this pattern and have been planning to make it for quite some time. You have inspired me to move it to the top of my list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to see your very R Trittel! I hope you'll post it on a blog or somewhere we can see it! All the versions are so cute and unique!

      Delete
  5. Great summer jacket! I've never tried the hong kong seam finish because I thought it would take too long. Good to hear that it only took 30 minutes- it really makes this jacket special!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ann! I too thought the Hong Kong seaming would take forever but was so surprised and now I'm hooked!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: A Denim Set for Spring

Happy Friday All! I am ecstatic to share my latest make that I had on my to make list for a while.  My goal for the month of February was to sew a mini vacation capsule for a trip, but unfortunately I did not get a chance to. I was able to make 3 of the 6 pieces including this denim set. When this beautiful denim fabric arrived, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I have been wanting to recreate a linen look I made a few years ago using the Montoya coat pattern with a few adjustments.  I created VIEW A without the peplum and lengthened it by 6 inches. Instead of sewing the tie inside the seam of the top like I did here, I wanted to make it separate so that it looks like a jumpsuit. (Read the blogpost here ). Moreover, my body has changed and I needed to cut a size larger so that I can rock it as an open vest or a top tucked in. I love the way it turned out but wish I had extended it by 8 inches instead of 6. For the pants, I went to my tried and true simplicity 8605 pants pattern and

Made By A Fabricista: Three Spring Basics – With a Twist

Hello Sewing Friends! By the time spring rolls around I am ready to pack away my winter wardrobe and wear my warm weather clothes. Since I don’t go into an office setting – and I like to be comfortable - basic essentials in my wardrobe include t-shirts, cardigans and knit dresses. The Cardigan The idea of sewing elevated basics came about when I spotted this fabulous FTY knit with a sequin floral and scrolls pattern.  With sequins for daytime being a spring 2023 trend, I decided to use the fabric to sew a cardigan. This is not your typical cardigan. Not only did I choose a sequin knit, but I chose what I consider to be a unique pattern, the Cascade Dress from The Sewing Workshop (now out of print). I have sewn it a few times but never with sequin fabric. My cardigan is actually a top that is designed to button down the front but I made a few small changes to the pattern. I lengthened the front by four inches, removed the front plackets, and added a button and fabric loop at the front n

Made By A Fabricista: Start Summer Sewing Now!

Hello fellow Fabric Mart lovers! It’s March and spring and summer will be here before you know it!  We need to get prepared for warmer weather. Fabric Mart is the place to get started with your warmer weather must haves, whether it's patterns or fabric. As you know they got it all.   I got my hands on an amazing oatmeal colored linen and it was the most perfect fabric for a vacation I took in February.  For a while we (myself and my family) had been planning a trip to Maui!  We finally got to see this beautiful place.  It was mid 70s everyday with just the right amount of humidity.  The sun shined most days and we got sprinkled on by the Hawaiian showers that pop up.  We saw rainbows, whales, turtles and all the lush beauty Maui had to offer us.  It was an amazing trip and this amazing trip needed the right wardrobe.  I took so many of my Fabric Mart Fabric makes with me!! But before I went you know I had to get some more sewing in. Easy and fast was the plan. Also I really wanted