JOY JACKET DETAILS
—
Pattern:
Fabric:
- Exterior: Kaufman Brussels Washer 6 oz. Linen Blend Black Fabric
- Lining: Liberty Fabrics Tana Lawn Heidi Black Multi
Pattern Alterations:
Moved hem tie to waistband instead, in order to ‘cinch’ my jacket in at the waist for a more slimming and figure flattering look. To do this, I first sewed 2 buttonholes in the exterior jacket where I wanted the ties to come out. I did this during the buttonhole sewing step – and simply altered the buttonhole location to my natural waist line (and added interfacing underneath). Then at the end of the sewing process, in the final steps, I simply sewed a casing around my natural waist line in the jacket starting at the buttonhole location – being careful to pin the lining and the exterior together all around so that the fabric wouldn’t shift. I adore the end result!
Pattern Thoughts:
I adore Chalk & Notch patterns, and definitely recommend their products. This pattern had a couple of minor inconsistencies in the labels / instructions, but nothing that would alter your end product sewing results. I accidentally used the wrong length zipper, which is not a fault of the Joy Jacket pattern instructions, but purely my own mistake. The zipper is 2″ short than it should be – luckily, I don’t think it makes a huge difference and I still love the jacket. If in the future I decide I don’t like it, I will simply hem / shorten the jacket by another inch.
Should YOU sew a Joy jacket? If this is your first time sewing a jacket, and you rely heavily on photo instruction – I would not recommend the joy jacket. But if you are more familiar with sewing, on an intermediate level, then this jacket is the perfect Spring sewing pattern for your wardrobe. I already own an olive green jacket that has this basic shape, and can tell you that I wear it all. of. the. time. It was actually the reason why I decided to move the tie to the waistband as my current jacket had that feature and I loved it so much. So I was super excited to get the joy jacket pattern which had a similar shape to the jacket that I already know and love. Personally, I will get so much use out of this jacket come Spring, Fall, or even late Summer nights – and I believe you would too. So yes – if you don’t already have a similar jacket – then you need this jacket in your closet and this pattern in your arsenal. It is just the right weight, and a classic look that you will wear again and again.
Really great jacket, in the spring will be perfect, I have to think about such a nice blog, I will come back here, I am often looking for inspiration, and I am sure you will find one.
I love the jacket with the modifications you made! I’ll have to get one.