wardrobe essentials 2023 - the Sorrento (denim) jacket
I made a denim jacket and I love it. I like making jackets and coats most of all and this one is a particular success. The Sorrento jacket pattern is by Sew Over It, from their ebook "My capsule wardrobe: Summer dreaming". I had seen this pattern before but didn't want to buy a book for just the one garment. So I was pleased to see that the Sorrento jacket was one of two kits for the Guthrie & Ghani March Sewing Society kit and I didn't need to buy a book after all. One of the fabric options was a Cone Mill selvage denim, which I love. It is raw denim so needed a good wash before sewing.
The size range is inclusive and covers UK sizes 6 to 20 (B-cup) and 18 to 30 (D-cup). The cup sizes are as is normal for sewing patterns clearly defined, unlike the bewildering differences in bra sizes that you might find in a shop.
It is a fairly straightforward project for an experienced maker but also accessible for less experienced sewists if using the videos that Lauren made to go with this kit. I referred to the video for clarification on a couple of occasions also. I love a good kit because it includes all bits and bobs needed. I ran out of top-stitching thread but that was only because I unpicked plenty - the curse of the perfectionist. I had some of the same thread from a previous project and I didn't need to buy more.
A denim jacket is made off many parts, some quite small. There are countless seams and lots of top-stitching. I thought the pattern instructions were useful to help minimise changing over threads for sewing seams and for top-stitching. I don't mind changing threads over but it can be a bit of a faff and I appreciate the thoughtful planning for the order of when to sew what.
I have a powerful machine but some of the top-stitching nearly defeated me because the thick fabric layers are difficult to feed through even with a great machine. I think something to do with the feed dogs. In retrospect, I should have used the walking foot for the top-stitching but of course this didn't occur to me until just now. An attentive fly on the wall may have witnessed some swearing. But I got there in the end because I am stubborn. the stitches are bit wonky in some corners. I had similar issues with some of the button holes. I think maybe for thick layers of fabric, the automatic button hole option is not the best one but I am not sure. I unfortunately cut through the stitching of one button hole, a very visible one right over my chest... I had to mend this by hand and I hope the mending is good enough to fool a casual observer.
The jacket is cropped, which is not my usual style but I do like it. Maybe a good excuse to make a slightly longer version? It is tempting but I shall resist. For now. It is a good time of year for a denim jacket, although still a little chilly.
So an all around success I think.
Anyway, must dash. I am going to see David Tennant performing in the play Good this evening. It is broadcast from the National Theatre in London to my local cinema. Perfect.
Thanks for visiting 😊
Hi Christina - a recent reader and not sure if I have left a comment before but just had to say you have done a brilliant job on this jacket especially as factory made denim outfits are made on quite heavy machinery - you would have had feeding difficulties on a domestic machine but your work looks so professional you have done much better than you might think and a few wobbly corners are not going to be noticed. I worked for New Look patterns (old Maudella company) many years ago and we would never have done a pattern for a denim jacket in our range as we would have ended up with no end of struggling people contacting us for help - not because the patterns would have been too difficult to make but because most domestic machines are not good with thick layers of fabric. So well done and it looks great on you too.
ReplyDeleteYou've done well with your jacket Christina, it looks great on you. I admire your ability to overcome all the obstacles with thick fabric etc. My Mum used to make army bags and parachutes on machines years ago, and bras. The bras she made at home for a neighbour's business. I don't seem to have her dressmaking skills at all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photograph of you Christina and your jacket looks great. Hope you enjoyed the play. Heard fro a friend who saw it that it was was indeed ‘good’. X Doris
ReplyDeleteThe jacket looks great on you. I am very envious of your sewing ability :) Xx
ReplyDeleteBrilliant. I am always amazed at what you are able to create with such ease. Hope you enjoyed the play.. David Tennent is so talented.
ReplyDeleteWow, you've made an absolutely beautiful job of it, so professional, I am hugely impressed. It looks lovely on you and I always love reading about the making process. Hope the play was good, I imagine it will be, DT is always excellent. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteGreat denim jacket. No wonder you are smiling Christina:-)
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed seeing the David Tennant play. Have a good week x
That is amazing! I am so impressed. I love the label.
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