Joy Jacket for Chalk and Notch
This month I tackled what I would say was one of my more accomplished makes with the Joy Jacket Pattern. I’ve never had a goal or plan to make a jacket for myself, but I’m glad I hopped on board with the Chalk and Notch testing crew to test this pattern. I just love the testing community that Gabriela and her team (head nod to Leslie, Emily, and Emi) have created. It’s an encouraging group of ladies that always make me want to learn more and make better things. Be sure to catch important details regarding sales, sew alongs, and a chance for you to win a copy of this pattern for yourself.
If you don’t know me well, there are two things that I’m typically drawn towards when picking fabrics. The first is that I love all things floral. If it has flowers, I probably want it. The second is that I personally eat, breath, and live the fall color palette all year long. This jacket gives a little head nod to both of the these points.
For this jacket, something with nice drape is recommended. Tencel twill, tencel denim, rayon twill, rayon linen are all good choices. My jacket is made with Rayon Twill from Stylemaker Fabrics. I have to say, I’m horrible at shopping online for fabric and I received outstanding service in making fabric selections. We exchanged several emails about my order as this particular fabric has just arrived and was made available to some of the testers for this jacket before it was listed on the site. How awesome?! The lining is a rayon by Anna Maria Horner that I picked up at my local independent fabric shop, Let’s Sew. I love the pop of color the lining gives.
The Joy Jacket has two pocket styles as well has a hooded or collar option. I did the collar with the straight pockets. I also opted to use store bought cording for the drawstrings. The pattern also includes the pattern pieces if you would like to make your own drawstrings. This jacket came together very well for me, and it was perfected with just through the testing process. If you are interested in tackling a project that you will actually utilize, this could be a definitely option for you. As an extra bonus, Chalk and Notch is going to be hosting a sew along to help support anyone in sewing up their first Joy Jacket. Gabriela has sourced out hardware and has also put together some trim kits that will be available for you to order for your Joy Jacket!
To keep it real, I have to say that this took me a crazy amount of time to accomplish. I don’t know if I’m a slow taper or what, but piecing together the pattern, adjusting pieces for my height, and cutting the fabric seemed to take FOR-EV-ER (read like in the Sandlot). I may have been distracted by children, but I was glad when the pieces were cut. Sewing was pretty clear even for my first attempt at bagging a lining. If you haven’t done this before, you will definitely be able to figure it out.
Give Away!!
If you would like a chance to win the Joy Jacket Pattern, please enter the Rafflecopter below.