Made by a Fabricista: Revving up your style in the Dana Marie Moto Jacket

Hey friends - I am so excited to have been invited to participate as a Fabric Mart Fabricista this month! This year is the year I challenge my sewing skills. I have wanted a moto jacket for some time. Not just any moto jacket but one that has a classic and timeless style. I saw the Dana Marie Moto Jacket pattern on the Fabric Mart website and knew that was the one.

The fabric I used was a beautiful porcelain white/black/silver 100% polyester plaid weave boucle suiting. Remember when I said I wanted to challenge my sewing skills? 😉 This fabric was beautiful but fragile to work with. It was a great mental challenge that had me problem solving before sewing to avoid any potential problems.

I first traced out the pattern onto tissue paper to determine the fit. I used scrap cotton fabric to sew up a “practice run” of the jacket. I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the jacket comes together. I sewed up the muslin in one evening.

It was time to cut into the beautiful fabric. I did not pretreat the fabric. I know, I know, I took a big chance here. However, it is recommended to steam or gently wash this type of fabric before using. I knew the fabric would fray easily once cut. I took my serger to all the seams and ends and minimized handling the fabric as much as possible. I used tailor’s tacks to mark all notches and placements. Luckily there are not too many on this pattern. I did use a dot or two of fray check in a couple areas where the fraying looked like it was a little close to peaking through. I kept my steam low and heat medium to low on the iron and used a pressing cloth all the time!

The jacket came together in a good solid afternoon of sewing. I ordered a silver metal zipper on white tape from Amazon but it did not come in time, so I used a white plastic zipper I had in my stash. I love the final look. I love the two piece sleeve and deep facings that hide the shoulder pads and help keep the inside looking neat.

The jacket looks great dressed up or with jeans and boots. I styled it with white jeans and with black wide leg pants. I have plans to make a skirt to match. The fabric is of medium weight, so the jacket is a little heavy for right now. (I live in Southwest Florida). But it will be perfect for our Florida winters. It’s also a great weight for fall weather transitioning to winter or winter transitioning to spring up North.

I will definitely will make this pattern again in possibly a denim fabric or jacquard fabric. I feel stylish and pulled together in this jacket and the fabric makes it chic and classic.