Closet Core Patterns Jasika Blazer

This was such a fun project to work through and my first time tackling various tailoring techniques. I worked really hard on the fit for this one, starting with the size 0 and hacking it to be a double breasted blazer. I did a small bust adjustment, narrowed the shoulders and took it in at the waist and at the centre back. Next time I wouldn't touch the centre back because I think it's messed up how the vent sits, I'd take the excess out of the sides instead. I think I could also do with widening the hips at the hem slightly which would also help with the hang of the vent. I found it quite difficult to work out how to add my alterations to the lining pieces, not really knowing how the lining pieces were different.
I did a fun mix of following the instructions and adding in more tailoring techniques as I went along. All of the hems were sewn by hand. All of my pockets turned out to be single welts instead of double welts, and I'm still a bit confused about how this happened. Next time I would try a different method of construction. More details on the fitting process can be found on my instagram @originaldigby 

I added a pocket to the inside which fits my phone perfectly and hand sewed my buttonholes.

This is another perfectly drafted pattern by Closet Core Patterns.  I followed the online course - which I can't recommend highly enough - and learnt a huge amount about many different aspects of sewing.  Everything I've sewn since making this blazer seems like a doddle!

I think it demonstrates how good the online course and instructions are when I consider that I had only been sewing for two years when I began the Jasika blazer.  I wondered, like so many others, if I had taken on too much too soon.  Heather Lou however is brilliant in her videos with her clear and calm instructions.  I made a toile which is essential for fitting because a blazer is such a big investment of time and resources.  I took care to gather together all the equipment, notions and fabric I needed and took my time sewing.

I love my Jasika blazer, it is the garment that I feel most proud of and I am planning another for the cooler months with some alterations to the fit suggested by Heather Lou.

If I can make a tailored blazer - anyone can.  Go for it!

This is a fully-lined classic blazer with variations for the number and style of pockets, optional elbow patches, and optional buttons at the cuff. There is plenty of advice on the Closet Case website on fabric choice, styling and customisation. The pattern is excellent value for money, taking account of the number of pattern pieces and the clear and extensive instructions. As well as the pattern I bought the on-line course, which I thought well worth it. I’m an experienced sewist and was sceptical about whether I ‘needed’ the course, but in fact I learned loads, not least about speed tailoring and how to manipulate wool. Heather Lou walks you through every step of the process and gives excellent video demonstrations. That said, the pattern instruction booklet alone is really good.
This is not a quick project and requires planning to gather all the supplies needed, including the different types of interfacing.
Making a toile is essential to test fit, because you spend time constructing the guts of the jacket before it can be tried on. I felt the outcome fully repays the investment of time and in buying quality fabric, however. I’m thrilled with my blazer and can’t recommend this pattern highly enough.

I would definitely recommend the Jasika Blazer pattern, making a muslin is a must and you will need to have some sewing experience of varied projects especially setting in sleeves, having said that I think the way Heather explains things and guides you through most of the steps, a novice could attempt this project. You have to be accurate but the tailors tacks make you be accurate with your sewing.

The worst bit: For me was adding the pocket bags, which were fiddly due to the tiniest bit of fabric you are sewing to and my zip foot design doesn’t seem to get me close enough, hey ho.

The best bit: Apart from the finished jacket, definitely sewing the facing and collars together and then turning out the jacket facing. This had to be really accurate as I chose to do a contrast collar, any mis-alignment would have been really obvious.

Be prepared to be patient and for it to take several hours, but the skills you learn stand you in good stead and give you an amazing Jacket to wear with pride.

I would definitely make another one and have read a lot of people saying the same, now I see people wearing blazers popping up everywhere in magazines, on the telly and in the street. This just proves they are such a classic item to have in your handmade wardrobe.

If you want more information I have done a full review of the Closet Case Patterns Jasika Blazer ‘Learn to sew a classic blazer’ Course on my blog. https://theruralsewist.wordpress.com/
Samantha