You may remember that I put a \”Classic Blazer\” as #1 on my list of fall/winter sewing plans inspired by Kate Middleton. I decided I need to jump into it before I lose my nerve, so this is the very first post in what may end up being a long-ish series as I muddle through tailoring for the first time. If you aren\’t interested in watching a novice make a blazer, avert your eyes!
You may also remember that I had picked Simplicity 1421 as my blazer pattern. Again, here\’s my inspiration blazer and my pattern:
However, I\’ve already changed my mind! Simplicity 1421 is an unlined blazer with a construction method that relies on bias binding (i mean the tipping) to enclose exterior seams. This is pretty different from what I have in my tailoring books (well, the library\’s tailoring books), and I\’m going to need all the guidance I can get, so I picked up a copy of Simplicity 2446 in the $1 pattern sale. It is a more traditional style and looks more like the example garments in my books. I didn\’t pick it the first time because I thought the lapels were a little too wide and the buttons were too high.
allie
wow! you have been busy. Should you perhaps be fitting over what you plan to wear under this blazer? If you are ever planning to wear a sweater then keep that in mind. I think you could shave down the lapel if you want but I like it as is. Are the sleeves long enough? Perhaps try on a long sleeve shirt you might wear with it. I have never sewn a fitted blazer I am just thinking on your behalf. It looks Wonderful!!!
The fit looks wonderful but in my experience that means it will feel too tight, how is it when you move both arms forward across the back. You definitely need to fit it over the weight especially if you will be wearing sleeves. Amazing fit patterns give you 1inch seams so that you can make the fit changes. The lapel looks fine,but I see what you mean a little narrower might be even better. It's going to be gorgeous!
The fit looks great, I think you could narrow the lapel a little bit if you want but it does look nice as it is. I look forward to seeing the finished result!
I think a narrower lapel would make it feel fresher and less 1990s corporate.
Thank you! I think I will trim the lapel by about 3/8\”. Any more and I would have to modify the collar too…
That was my thought as well!
The trick is that it's impossible to get a cotton muslin over a cotton sweater or shirt when the finished thing will have a slippery lining! I think I will be lengthening the sleeves, maybe a whole inch!
It's super hard to get the muslin on over things (anything!) since the cotton just wants to stick together–for the fashion fabric (wool) I think I'm going to baste and slip in the lining and see how it fits before I sew it all up properly.
Have you finished this yet?! I'm looking at making the same pattern and would like to see what yours looks like finished. How did it make up in the wool? Thanks 🙂 x
I have been looking at these two patterns also as I want a fitted blazer. looks good so far but like most commercial patterns there is too much ease in the sleeve head. In order to try it with a shirt or cotton sweater underneath, just do what surfers do to get into tight wetsuits; put a plastic carry bag on your fist and up your arm and slip the arm through the jacket.