And I'm thrilled with the final result. This is the best fitting blazer I've ever owned, thanks to all those fit adjustments I outlined in this post. The tissue-fitting ended up being pretty much spot on - the only change I had to make in the fabric was to bring the low round back adjustment in about 1/8". Now that I've got the fit where I want it, this pattern will become a TNT for me; I've already started gathering supplies for a second version, which will be hand-tailored. For more information on the pattern, see Lisa's post here.
If the blazer looks a little rumpled in these photos, that's because it is! It's already been worn a few times - sadly under a winter coat, so it got a bit smooshed. For these pictures I went more formal than I did when I wore the blazer previously - once with jeans, a cream top and leopard belt and shoes, another time with jeans tucked into black tall boots and black sweater.
I admit that I had a little trouble setting in the sleeves - which is strange because I'm usually pretty good at that! There are a few wrinkles at the shoulder that I just couldn't get out for the life of me, even after adding in sleeve heads. There are no puckers in my sewing, and since both Shar and Lisa have no wrinkles at their shoulders, I suspect it has to do with my rather thin fabric. I promise to do better next time.
Here's the (rumpled) back, which does not bind at all - bliss!
I can do this:
And those lovely pocket flaps aren't just for looks - these are real pockets!
Here's my blue-violet lining:
And finally, just for kicks, here it is with the collar popped. I have a little side project going wherein I'm watching all the TV shows I missed in the '80s while I was busy studying in high school, college and graduate school. So I sort of felt like I had to go there.
But I won't be staying there, because the wool is too itchy on the back of my neck!
It's absolute perfection! I love everything about it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nakisha!
DeleteThis is amazing! I love this! I love the color on you, and the fit is amazing. This is on my ever growing list of makes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy! This is really a great pattern - I'm so glad I started with this one. I had several in my stash and I almost chose a different one!
DeleteOK, I didn't realize that collar thing was a throwback! I do it all the time. Lord. I just thought it was chic.
ReplyDeleteHehehe!
DeleteWow, this is gorgeous! It really came out beautifully, inside and out. It was so fun seeing Lisa's blazer earlier this week, and now yours, both fabulous! Congrats on a huge project. I'm sure all your work will be well worth the effort. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carolyn! It's been so fun working through the steps alongside Lisa and our friend (blogless) Shar. There are more of these in my future!
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Stacy!
DeleteGail, this is amazing!! It looks incredible on you. You're so talented!
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you!
DeleteJust fantastic! You should be so proud of your work. Enjoy wearing it with pride!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie! I am proud of myself - mostly that I hung in there! I do indeed feel proud when I wear it. I think I need a big button that says, "Hey - I made this!"
DeleteThe fit is absolutely to die for! Love the fabric you went with, it is so flattering. I'm so happy that we all ended up happy with our blazers! Hmmm... what project to tackle next? ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you :-) We done good, didn't we? I wish we could all get together and have a blazer party :-)
DeleteWell, Shar and I were talking about Ginger jeans, but I know jeans are old hat for you. Honestly, the only thing left that intimidates me is bras, but the kind you'd sew aren't really the kind I like to wear. I need a lot of foam to fill out my figure!!
I did just pick up 4 yds of denim... think I'll continue to tweak the jalie pattern I used before despite being tempted to try the Gingers! I really want to try the Watson bra to fill the "comfy lounge" gap in my life. I also like the Marlborough bra... but I'm with you on prefering the padded variety!
DeleteOh, the sweet feeling of a garment that isn't tight across the back! Beautiful work :)
ReplyDeleteYes, that rare and elusive feeling!!! Thank you!
Delete<3! What a fine piece. I'm currently looking for a decent priced, black blazer that has structure. Wanna wear it with my oversized tees and Nike's.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stef! I want a black or navy one too, but I'm going to have to wait until spring (!) to make one. There's just not enough light around these days to sew with such dark fabric.
DeleteSo many ways to wear a blazer, right? I like your take!
A fantastic looking jacket! The fit looks spot on.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bella!
DeleteThis is awe inspiring, Gail. It's simply perfect and you must feel a million bucks wearing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jillian! I do indeed feel like a million bucks in it!
DeleteIt's beautiful, and fits so well. No wonder you're thrilled. I love the pink colour on you too. Have a lovely Christmas Gail!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah! I hope you have a wonderful holiday too!
DeleteI love a popped collar, myself! The colors you chose are terrific, too, lining and body, and the pockets enviable. And now I request a photoshoot of you in the other ensembles you mention, because they sound great.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your posts,
stashdragon
Thanks, Gretchen! Oh boy - you are demanding!! ;-) I promise to try to get some more pix, but I do tend to get lost in the moment in real life and don't realize until later that I should have taken some photos!!
DeleteSo beautiful as always! I've really enjoyed watching you guys make these, and now I want to tackle a blazer again! I made one a while ago, but I could always use another, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you! You should have joined us!! I've just gotten all my supplies together for my next one - even though blazers are not pieces that get a whole lot of wear with my lifestyle, I love them and had such great fun making this one.
DeleteThe blazer is really beautiful! The fit through the back, in particular, is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The back is my biggest problem area for fitting, so I'm super please with the fit I got here.
DeleteGorgeous jacket - perfect fit and a lovely colour that really suits you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sabs!
DeleteYou know, now that you mention it, that pink fabric is a bit on the thin side. But I do love it and in my books, it is a perfect shade of pink: not too soft, not too shockingly loud. The blazer is awesome. Well done, Gail! (I'm still stuck on the bourbon part of the equation...)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the pink, although I'm an equal opportunity pink wearer :-) Thank you so much!
DeleteWhat a great fitting blazer! I tend to shy away from them because they pull across my back. Yours looks great, time well spent :)
ReplyDeleteI should try tissue fitting more often - I seem to skip that part
Thanks, Kristin! I'm always amazed at how well tissue-fitting works, and it's not nearly as tedious as I used to think it would be.
DeleteOh, Gail, this is perfect! The fit, shape, and color are all perfect on you! Love love love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sonja!
Delete