Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

The Heather Blazer is a great intro to sewing blazers and coats.   The instructions are clear and there are even video tutorials to help with some of the more detailed construction parts.  I've added shoulder pads and sleeve roll foam to the sleeve head for a more defined shoulder.  I've used a mid-weight wool, 280gsm wool Yorkshire Tweed.  The result is a wonderfully warm blazer that is easy to style with both trousers and skirts.   See my full review and thoughts on fit and construction over at the Miss Maude Blog.

At first, I was a bit intimidated by this pattern (my first blazer), but thanks to the ace instructions and sewalong on YouTube this pattern is quite manageable. I shortened the blazer by 10 cm (for me it was too long) and made a matching pair of pomona pants for a casual suit. This pattern does take up a lot more time than other friday patterns but that's mostly because it's lined.

I think there is a misconception about this pattern in that others think you should size down. While this is more of a boxy blazer it definitely isn't oversized. I made the mistake of sizing down during my first wearable toile (too tight in the back and arms) but when I made my proper size it fit like a dream. Would for sure recommend.

This was my second time sewing a jacket (first was the Sienna Maker Jacket) and my first lined one which is why it appealed. I love a lined garment, feels like a touch of luxury. I used an ivory herringbone linen, with a blue cotton polka dot lining, both bought while on holiday in Malaysia.

I sewed this on a 3-day workshop with Claire Tyler which was very helpful. I didn't manage to finish it during the workshop but she provides us with her online video course to watch at your leisure (lifetime access). This meant I didn't really have to reference the instructions very much as Claire led us through the process, changing some of the steps to get a better result. She also gave us various types of interfacing and tape relevant to our fabric.

Fitting adjustments

I had just finished the Sienna Maker Jacket and so I compared the finished garment measurements. They matched XS in the Heather, although my measurements put me at size M. I wrote a separate post on my fitting process for this blazer with photos of my toiles.

,The sleeves were tight so I sized up from the elbow downwards to size S. 
,I had a gaping front neckline so distributed the excess of 2cm into the surrounding seams at the shoulder, armhole and centre front.
,I did an upper rounded back adjustment of 1.5cm and lower RBA of 1cm. 
,I shortened the blazer by 6cm

Other changes

I handstitched the patch pockets for an invisible look instead of machine topstitching.

With Claire’s guidance, I sewed in the lining without bagging out, so handstitching it in place at the hems. We also added a pleat in the back of the lining for a bit of ease.

She taught us to draft and sew in a plastron but I’m not sure it was necessary for this style of jacket and my fabric. Others were sewing the Jasika Blazer in more structured fabric which it seemed more appropriate for.

This is a nice wardrobe basic, and goes with a lot of stuff in my wardrobe. The slightly crumpled linen makes it look casual. I'm not sure I'd sew another one again, partly because you only need so many blazers, plus I think I prefer a more fitted blazer. However, this has had a fair number of outings so far so this particular one has become a bit of wardrobe staple.

More photos and details in my blog post.

I love everything about this blazer. Not just the finished garment, but the whole making process. As expected with Friday Pattern Company, the instructions and drafting of the pattern are excellent.

I would say that the fit is "true to size" for a relaxed fit blazer. I made the size according to my measurements and it is perfect for me. I'm not sure you that you could wear a really thick jumper underneath (you'd probably have to size up) but blouses and long sleeve tees are fine.

It is a great skill builder for notched corners, adding lining and an intro to tailoring without the faff as it is relaxed fit. I have made lined jackets in the past but always struggled with the corner bit, but this has now been completely demystified. The finishing is really good so the insides are just as pretty as the outside.

Cannot rate this higher and 100% recommend it to anyone. I have worn it so much already as a smart casual addition to any outfit.

My version here is made up in a bottom-weight cotton linen jacquard and lined with a lightweight crepe that both lend themselves perfectly.

Brilliant pattern, great sewalong video by Friday Pattern Co on their YouTube channel which is really helpful. Their instructions are great as usual. This blazer is a must for every wardrobe it can be easily dressed up or down. Can't wait to make another colourway of it.