Sewing

A Wedding Blazer

March 25, 2013

Wedding Blazer

We attended a family wedding the weekend before last. As I had made Rowan a blazer and trousers in plenty of time I was really keen to make a full outfit for Casper too. I had to scrap making the trousers in the end but I did just finish the blazer in time – at midnight the night before we had to leave. I was certainly very relieved to get it finished and to find that it fit too. There wasn’t really a back up plan. Most of these pictures were taken at home yesterday. Unfortunately it was far too cold on the day of the wedding (or yesterday) to stand around taking photos – the shot below was taken hastily before we headed for warmth. I can’t wait for the cold spell we’re having in the UK to end. I made the shirt that he’s wearing below for the PR&P Valentine’s theme sew along and wrote about it here.

Wedding Blazer 2

The pattern is burda 9671 ‘Boys Sport Jacket and Trousers, which I bought here. I used a different blazer pattern to last time for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I wanted side panels as I’d like to experiment with adding side vents in the future. Secondly, this pattern has different pieces for the lining so it has an extra bit of give in it. There’s a pleat in the centre back and a rolled hem. All the extra pieces did make it more time consuming though. The welt pockets were my own addition and I followed the same tutorial as last time (found here and here). I postitioned them just at the bottom of the darts.

Wedding Blazer 3

I chose a fairly neutral colour so it will go with everything and hopefully get lots of wear. The fabric is Essex yarn dyed linen in black. It is so soft and has the most beautiful texture. I originally bought 1m from The Eternal Maker to sew a bag for me and got the rest that I needed from M is for Make. I’ve since bought even more and still plan to make the bag. Both of these places have great service and Kate from M is for Make was especially helpful as, after a problem with another order, I needed the fabric in a bit of a hurry. Once I’d started cutting the pieces out Casper told me that he liked all colours except for grey. Not really what I wanted to hear but it was too late to use anything else. Fortunately the Alphabetty in red lining and the rainbow dots I used for the pocket lining provide enough interest for him to like wearing it. The alphabet print (bought here) is from the Summersville collection by Lucie Summers for Moda, although a lot of it is out of print now. The rainbow dots fabric is by Fabric Freedom and is also out of print. It was one of the first fabrics I ever bought.

Wedding Blazer 4

The instructions didn’t really include detailed enough explanations, especially at certain points like the rolled hem. I did mostly follow the steps and made something up for the hem. I’ve since found out how to do it properly. I did vary one step to avoid hand stitching the hem – after joining the front facing to the lining I sewed the hem with right sides together. After that I turned the jacket (very slowly) through one of the sleeves, something I would definitely not repeat or advise. You can still avoid the hand stitching but turn it through a hole in one of the sleeve seams instead. Once I had finally pulled it through I sewed the sleeve hems by hand. I thought this was worth doing as it will make it easier to adjust the hem if I ever need to. Also, my stitches are not visible as the lining sleeve is shorter. Next time I make a blazer I’ll keep the difference in the finished lengths but make the lining sleeves longer so there is more flexibility to lower the hem if needed.

Wedding Blazer Collage

Despite the stress this blazer caused me I do love it. The final fit is great – I made it in a size 5 although normally I would adjust a pattern to use size 5 length with size 4 (or less) width. I could not be bothered this time though as there were so many pieces. It’s lucky I didn’t as he might have struggled to do the blazer up. I really like some of the details like the darts, the rolled seam on the collar and the shorter length of the lining sleeves. I definitely want to make another one but maybe not for a while.

Wedding Blazer 5

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22 Comments

  • Reply Caroline U March 25, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    WOW! This is SO gorgeous. You did an amazing job and it looks great! It’s SO incredibly hard to find good quality, beautiful children’s clothing today so you made the right choice here making this one. I am in awe!

    xoxo!

    • Reply Laura March 25, 2013 at 10:20 pm

      Thanks so much Caroline! There were times when I was beginning to wonder if it was worth it but I’m really glad I persevered.

  • Reply kristin March 25, 2013 at 10:34 pm

    Omigosh how dapper is Casper?! What a handsome little guy. This jacket is really amazing – you did a wonderful job on it! Gotta love that essex linen. 😉

  • Reply Hilary. ( Laura's Mum) March 25, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    Casper and Rowan are the best dressed boys I know. Great modelling by Casper, I love the pictures.

  • Reply Anshu March 25, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    Wow blazers and jackets scare me. I have never had the courage to try sewing one. Yours turned out so cute, and your model looks adorable in it. Love it!
    Anshu
    http://highfashioforlittleones.blogspot.com

  • Reply Martha March 26, 2013 at 12:18 am

    Your blazer is out of this world amazing:):) Very well done..awesome!

  • Reply Heather Feather March 26, 2013 at 1:22 am

    This jacket is flawless, and that linen fabric is so amazing! I really want to get some. I love that you had to add some interesting lining to get your son to wear it! Great job!

    • Reply Laura March 31, 2013 at 9:43 pm

      Thanks! You should definitely get some of that linen – it’s so cheap for you in the US as well. I was very relieved that the lining won him over.

  • Reply abby March 26, 2013 at 2:22 am

    As always you’ve done an impeccable job! Love the pops of colour in the lining and pockets. The picture of a chilly little Casper outside at the wedding is too cute!

  • Reply Shannon March 26, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    Lovely jacket (The 2nd picture of your little one with clenched fists, shivering is adorable.”

  • Reply Jane@Buzzmills March 26, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    Laura, you did such an amazing job!!! I love all of the details, especially those rainbow dot pockets! 🙂 Seriously, amazing! And goodness those pictures, are fantastic, what a fun and silly little man 😉

  • Reply gail March 26, 2013 at 8:09 pm

    wow, this is so awesome!! it looks so pro and i love the fun surprises hidden inside. wonderful!

  • Reply Sue {munchkin munchies} March 26, 2013 at 9:08 pm

    Well, he sure looks stylish and handsome! He seems to be lovin’ the photo session too:) Superb job, Laura!

  • Reply rachael {imagine gnats} March 28, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    amazing!! it looks fab 🙂 and really, what isn’t essex linen perfect for?

  • Reply Ann March 28, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    So lovely! I really like the side darts. It looks like it fits him very well.

  • Reply mae March 31, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    LOVELY! You did a wonderful job. I really like so much about it… the lining has a pop of color that makes it so fun& childlike, but the outside main fabric is all big boy. Great fun!

    Mae

  • Reply Inder April 3, 2013 at 11:42 pm

    This is fantastic! And what a dapper little man! (Don’t tell him but he is so cute, I want to pinch his cheeks!) You regularly make such careful, intricately constructed projects – I am always impressed at your flawless finishing!

  • Reply Stef April 4, 2013 at 6:48 am

    Oh My Goodness! is he the most handsome little boy ever or what??? Love that blazer with its super classy outside and all kinds of fun inside!!!

  • Reply TJ May 15, 2013 at 11:59 am

    I think I may hate you! Your about page says you’ve been sewing for 12 months & you whip up a perfect blazer??? Ok so i’m super envious! Gorgeous models too!

    Love your blog 🙂

    • Reply Laura May 16, 2013 at 7:24 pm

      Haha 🙂 You have just reminded me that I need to update my ‘About’. I wrote that a year ago so it’s been 2 years now. Thanks!

  • Reply Jessica August 12, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    Hey Laura! Just saw this was up for the PRAP wild card and voted for you! I would love to see you in the competition!

    • Reply Laura August 12, 2013 at 8:52 pm

      Thanks Jessica! It means a lot to have your support 🙂

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