My friend Nita-Jane from Pattern Fantastique recently released the August Jacket.  The pattern description reads:  One strong shape with two distinctly different finishes – The Bound August for your thicker weights or The Faced August for the denim weight fabrics. 

I sewed The Faced August jacket in a lovely grey washed denim with a velvet-like face.  The fabric was a gift from a friend.

The jacket was sewn in September last year (I wish I could say it was in August, but it wasn’t!) during the technical editing of the pattern.

I’ve learnt that when I am sewing a Pattern Fantastique pattern, I just need to trust the process, and follow the instructions.

I know instructions can be daunting to some, but I really appreciate the extra construction steps and design details – like machine basting ties, understitching and mitred corners – that give you those lovely finishes on Pattern Fantastique patterns.

Do you want to see a few innards photos?  Milly thinks you need to see her too!

When I finish a Pattern Fantastique project I always feel like a sewing rock star!

Now speaking of rock stars… I wore my jacket last Monday to see the Martin Grant exhibition at the NGV Fed Square.

Sharon & I met at the gallery just before 4pm, and much to our excitement, Martin arrived soon after as he was giving a private VIP tour to a prominent Melbourne businessman, his wife & the CEO of a large retail chain (owned by said businessman!).

We of course asked for a photo with the designer and had a quick chat AND he admired my August Jacket!  What a thrill!  Don’t we look very pleased with ourselves?

Now back to the sewing…  I hand basted a lot during this project.  It’s not a requirement, but a personal preference.  I find it is the best way to ensure everything – think pockets, facings etc…- is exactly where you want it to be before top-stitching.

Speaking of top-stitching, I used the old “two upper threads” trick (instead of top-stitching thread) and it worked a treat.  I posted a little sample of the stitching and my machine set-up on Instagram.  For completeness, I will mention that I was using a denim sewing needle, and the eye of the needle easily accommodated the two threads.

With regards to styling…

I think The Faced August works best belted.  As long time readers will know, I avoided highlighting my waist for years… but I’m fully onboard now!

When wearing my August Jacket, I prefer a straight or a wide leg bottoms to balance the width created by the sleeves.

The shirt-tail hem gives your legs the best chance of looking their longest!

And of course the sleeves will easily accommodate any of your ‘big sleeve energy’ tops and dresses.

Finally, another link to Instagram, but this time to see a reel of the the jacket in motion!

Pattern:  Pattern Fantastique’s August Jacket
Size:  10
Fabric:  Denim (100% cotton)
Alterations:  None!
Outfit:  Ichi Antique jeans from Manteau Noir (purchased years ago), basket weave shoes (which Milly chewed and are now beyond repair) and a mixture of antique, vintage & modern necklaces
Photo Location:  Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne