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!
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!
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!
Your new jacket is lovely. I really like the Hong Kong seam finishes.
ReplyDeleteI love the jacket pattern but am still leery about notched collars. Yours look so good!!!
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!
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela! I've shied away from Hong Kong finishes and now I am hooked! Thanks for commenting!
DeleteThat'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!
ReplyDeleteVancouver Barbara
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! :)
DeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
DeleteGreat 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I too thought the Hong Kong seaming would take forever but was so surprised and now I'm hooked!
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