An outfit : the jacket
In my last post I introduced you to my new outfit. That post focused on the dress and today it’s time to put the spotlight on the jacket. Welcome to my wardrobe orange jacket. I can already see you’re a versatile… wear it with a dress or jeans… kind of garment. A perfect layering piece.
Simple Modern Sewing by Shufu To Seikatsu Sha was one of the first Japanese books that I brought, and yet this is the first time I’ve sewn a garment from it. Don’t fear, between the purchase of the book and the making of this jacket there has been lots of very enjoyable browsing.
The pattern in this book that always caught my eye was the Ruffle-Front Jacket. Perhaps my interest in the pattern comes from the fact that I just love the photo of these ladies wearing their jackets and sharing a laugh (even if the lady on the right appears to have lost her hands!).
I selected my size by the finish garment measurements and I must admit they tripped me up a bit. I didn’t factor enough ease around my bust and as a result this jacket is a little ‘grabby’ under the arms. It’s still wearable, but for me next version (I’m thinking linen) I will go up a size or maybe even two.
When tracing the pattern I realised that it was rather cropped so after checking the finished garment measurements and measuring a few items in my wardrobe, I added three inches to the length. Good decision Anna.
I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear that I was attracted to the colour of this fabric, and let’s be honest here, it’s price. Not surprisingly (you often get what you pay for) a burn test revealed that it’s a wool blend, which means I will continue to wash it in the machine on a gentle cycle. I’m usually a natural fibre kind of girl, but I acknowledge that blends definitely have their place.
As with most Japanese patterns, this jacket is unlined, but it includes facings which are stitched down to create a tunnel that a long tie (or twill tape in this instance) threads through to create the ruffles.
Did you spot the contrasting Nani Iro brushed cotton? I love adding little details like this to my makes.
Pattern: Ruffle-Front Jacket from Simple Modern Sewing by Shufu To Seikatsu Sha
Size: Small
Fabric: Wool blend from Clear It (Alanah Hill Outlet) & Nani Iro brushed cotton from Kelani Fabric (purchased 3+ years ago)
Alterations: I added 3 inches to the length
Accessories: Scarf from Scarlet Jones & boots from Florsheim
Such interesting ruffles! The orange is beautiful and modern too. Would look amazing in that linen-silk blend they sell over at Rathdowne….. So many colours! Just saying! 😉
I haven’t been to Rathdowne for ages… you’re tempting me!
It’s the perfect jacket – perfect cut, colour and just really interesting!
Thanks Michelle. I’m hoping it get a lot of wear out of it once I don’t need to be wearing an overcoat all of the time… be gone cold and wet winter…
This was the very first sewing book I ever bought! Love your version, looks great in the bold orange.
It’s a great first book. Have you sewn from it?
This is just gorgeous on you, Anna! The colour, the little touch with the Nani Iro facing – perfect! I have this book and tried top2a but somehow it never sat right on me. The back kept creeping up. You’ve encouraged me to try this jacket though!
…and I like your dress in the previous post. The style is something I’ve been looking for (though I don’t have the book).
I’m interested in Top 2a too Melissa. Just need some warmer weather to put me in the sewing for summer mode.
so lovely, great choice of fabric! it has enough body but isn’t too thick to handle the ruffles.
You’re right Erin. The fabric is the perfect weight for this jacket. I will confess to making ruffles by hand before cutting it out to check out how they would look.
Lovely, lovely, lovely, the burnt orange really suits you Anna 🙂
It seems that I can’t go wrong with orange… and for that I am very grateful. I have a fluro orange jacket to be blogged very very soon… and yes, I know I’m teasing!
Love, love, love! The colour, the cut, and the sneaky Nani IRO. xx
Thanks Pips.
Anna, as I was saying (rather tipsily) at Frocktails, you have totally nailed down your aesthetic and style and this is so very you and it is perfect! What an awesome jacket and that ninja facing is THE BEST! 😀
You’re always eloquent with your words Amanda and so wonderfully encouraging and for that I thank-you from the bottom of my heart.
Oh gorgeous girl, it’s fabulous! As always 😉 I really love the gathering around the edges, it creates such a unique look. Orange is definitely your colour.
Now I just need some slightly warmer weather so I can wear it. We’re all about layers and layers of wool and overcoats at the moment. I seem to whinge more and more about winter each year!
Such a beautiful jacket. It’s really unique and you picked lovely colours.
Thanks Linda
[…] this post I’m focusing on the dress. A post about the jacket […]
Damn you do colour well lady!
Very Anna and very Japanese and just fabulous.
This jacket is so you Anna! Love the colour. Definitely good call to add the length!