Good morning! I’m starting the week off a little differently with something sewn for me. As I mentioned last week, Tuttle Publishing sent me some books to review and this one is another goodie which I’m excited to talk about.
This is the popular Happy Homemade Sew Chic book in English. I don’t have the Japanese version of this book, so it was a fresh experience to sew from this collection of lovely patterns. As you can see, there are 20 patterns and if you click on the link above, you’ll be able to see the contents of the book.
I chose pattern J, which is a simple jacket with no closures and front flaps that create a cascading effect. I don’t wear a lot of blazers or jackets, but I do have an affinity for cardigans and this felt like a cross between a casual blazer and cardigan. With the flowy silhouette, patch pockets and 3/4-length sleeves, it’s a bit playful, and the ends of the ties in the back are intentionally left raw, giving it a smidgen of edginess.
I love it!! I used some of the dark mossy green linen blend from my stash (I made K a pair of pants from this fabric ages ago), and it has that perfect relaxed fit that doesn’t feel too dowdy. Mine isn’t quite as slouchy as the one modeled in the book, and that may be due to the thicker fabric I used since the beautiful navy linen in the book looks quite thin.
The pattern construction is easy-peasy since I didn’t have to fiddle with zippers or buttons or snaps. Tracing and cutting took the bulk of time since the patterns pieces are quite large and on different sides of the pattern sheets like the kids’ book I reviewed last week, but once I got into the sewing phase, it came together in less than 90 minutes. As for sizing, although my measurements corresponded closer to size 12 on the chart in the book, I eyeballed the pattern pieces and decided to make the size 10. It fits great, so I’ll keep in mind that these patterns seem to run large.
The instructions were straightforward, though again, I found a minor error (the right side of the fabric was labeled wrong side in one of the illustrated instructions sections), so I’m starting to get the sense that you may encounter some misinformation here and there.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with my jacket and wore it to a friend’s birthday party yesterday. Comfy and stylish! Alas, as much as I’m tempted to offer up this book as I love to do giveaways, there are too many patterns I want to try out so this one will remain on my bookshelf. I highly, highly recommend it so far!
Sanae–you are the best!!! A fresh beautiful post on Mon morning. Great way to start the week! And this jacket looks fresh off the runway. It hangs beautifully and looks so useful. I can tell you love it, too. Your smile is big. Have a great week.
Oh, thanks Greta!! So sweet 🙂 You have a great week too, and yes, I really love this jacket!
The jacket is so perfect on you! I agree with Greta, a great fresh start to the week!
Thank you, Alexandra! Slowly, but surely, I’m starting to figure out sizing which has been the most troublesome part for me in sewing, so I’m extra pleased this one worked out 🙂
Sanae!
I love it! I love the color, the front flaps, the linen, everything!!! and i have to say: the first picture of you is just stunning! You look rested and happy, just awesome!
Marit
Ha, don’t let the soft focus fool you, Marit! It’s true that I’m trying to get more sleep these days, but I’m often not successful…but thank you!!!
It’s lovely, Sanae – and such a great colour. I’ve made two versions of this jacket and I really love them. Such a simple style but it hangs beautifully and is easy to wear.
I want to make a second one too, Marisa! You’re totally right – it’s so simple yet flattering and easy to coordinate. I love it love it!
Oh I love the colour too! And I agree, the first photo of you is definitely a keeper. Beautiful!!
Thanks, Shelley! I had to take a crazy number of photos for just a few presentable ones, and K’s foot was often prominently in the frame, making the selection process all the more challenging. 🙂
you can tell how much you love this new jacket in that first photo. it looks like something you would have on your amazing pinterest boards! so effortlessly stylish!!!! i’m totally jealous of this…the whole making things that look RTW/better than RTW. also that outfit is spot on.
What an amazing compliment – thank you, Sarah! I dream of having a wardrobe like my Pinterest board someday…but that someday is still far in the future, I think 🙂
Agh, your cardigan is amazing! It’s so cool and looks very you.
Thanks so much, Morgan! This does feel very me, which I’ve been realizing is not the feeling I get from a lot of the clothes I make…must think about that!
I love the drape of this!
Yes, I love its drape too and I love how light the fabric is! Thank you, Jams!
You can totally tell you love the jacket. You are positively glowing in the photos 🙂
(a quick glance upward tells me your other fans think the same thing)
So beautiful!!
You’re all being so kind, thank you! It does make me happy to wear my new jacket 🙂
you look just beautiful, Sanae – that last photo is just the best!
K was cracking me up in that one 🙂 Thanks, Lucinda!
It’s fabulous! I’ll put the book on my wishlist 😉
It’s a good book for sure, Nienke! I’m curious to see how the other patterns turn out and will be sure to share!
ooooh, love that color!
I’m noticing that I have a thing for green these days, and I’m pretty into this moss/army green. I’m pretty sure this darker hue counts as a neutral, right?
Stunning. Colour looks lovely on you and the style….must get me this book me thinks.
I think you’ll enjoy the book, Stephanie! And there are a lot of comfy looking patterns included – just the way I like ’em! 🙂
Beautiful Sanae, gorgeous jacket, great shoes, happy monday!
Thanks, Ute! Happy Monday to you too!!
Ooooh, love this, bet it would work well in a knit fabric too , might have to get this book soon!
Oh brilliant! I think I’ll try the next one in a knit – thanks, Lisa!!
Looks awesome! Love the fabric and the drape is perfect for this pattern!
Thanks so much, Adri! I’ve already worn it twice since making it – love love love!
LOve that jacket! great job!
Thanks Heleen! The best part is that it’s so quick and easy to sew up!
Sanae, this is something that looks like it belongs in my closet! Fabulous, and so very flattering on you.
Thank you, Aja! It’ll get worn during me-made-may, I’m sure!
Seriously fabulous- I can see why you are smitten with it!
Loose and flowy and comfy – my fave style! Thanks, Robin 🙂
This jacket looks great! I love it. 🙂
Many thanks, Beth! I need to make more of these!
stunning!