Thursday, May 31, 2012

Butterick 5331 - Black boucle summer jacket

I have had this pattern for-ev-er! It looks like they are finally discontinuing in, so I'm guessing it's no longer available in stores. I really liked the ruffled collar version, but it would have been totally lost in the fabric I used.



A month or so ago I bought these bright blue shorts at Gap and didn't have much in my closet that they matched. This is when having a huge stash of fabrics and patterns comes in handy. I made a muslin to get the fit ironed out and it was pretty simple after that. I have found I really need some sort of embellishment or design element at my neckline to make the girls look more proportionate to my body. Also, it has to be really fitted through the bust or I look like a boy.


Initially I planned to wear this belted but, because of the suit-like boucle fabric, it was too hold-all-my-calls-I'll-be-in-a-meeting looking for my taste. I do haul around two boys and a baby after all. I feel most comfortable by not looking overly formal in my casual wear.


Lined jackets usually turn out well for me. You would think I should have a closet full of them. This fabric is from JoAnn's and is from the same line of fabrics that this top came from and that I now cannot remember the name of. I think it was Venice something or another. Anyone remember the name of this line? Does anyone other then me ever pay attention to that?


If I remember correctly (currently I have misplaced my pattern for verification), I made a 12 at the shoulders, a 10 through the upper torso, cut the side fronts a 6 through the bust, and tapered out to a 12 at the hips. A hook and eye was added by the top button to keep the front overlapping edge flat against the other side.


Here you can see it does indeed button up and fit me. I just prefer the more casual one button look.


I added a full lining of Ambiance. After making a few Burda jackets, I always liked how they never had the front interfaced facing seamed over the bustline. If you look hard enough you can see where the front facing was split in two, with the middle part cut from lining fabric.


This has been completed for two weeks but I didn't like the original buttons I chose for it. I usually really like picking out buttons and will do it at a button sale for a whole bunch of garments that I've planned out. Sometimes it is a year or two until I get around to them but I like to have it all on hand when the mood to make something new arises. Rarely do I change my mind about the notions I've picked out for something but this time I'm not sure what I was thinking.

Jacket with original buttons that were white with black backings

This was a nice project without any major problems or fit issues and now I have something really cute to match my shorts. I still want to make the other version with the ruffled collar at some point. It will probably be a sleeveless vest just to change things up.

29 comments:

  1. Love the fabric and the fit. Lucky for me I have this pattern in my stash. I doubt that I'll get to it this season but it's still nice to know that I have it. TFS.

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  2. Lovely and feminine. Looks like a great fit on you.

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  3. Really beautiful! I can see how you would have thought the white buttons would be cute, but I think you made the right call to change them. I'm always so impressed with your jackets - both the fact that you sew them and that you wear them around a stay-at-home mom.

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  4. Very pretty jacket, it looks great with your shorts.

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  5. So cute with your shorts! The fit is great and really makes the jacket.

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  6. Lovely jacket. Inside is finished perfectly, very inspiring to my own finishes.

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  7. I have this pattern in my stash too so it's great to see yours. Short sleeved jackets seem to be everywhere right now. I wasn't sure if it would suit me but I just finished a Simplicity vest pattern and love it so I'm sure to tackle this one soon :) Great fabric choice and your fit is impeccable xx

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  8. Love it! I bought this pattern a while back, but haven't made it. It amazing how a jacket makes you look so put-together!

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  9. I have a special place in my heart for cute tailored jackets, especially casual ones. I really love the fabric you chose, and you've made it to fit you beautifully! Of course, it helps that you're so easy on the eye to start with, if you don't mine me saying :)

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  10. Beautiful jacket! Good choice with the black buttons too.

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  11. Very flattering jacket. I actually like both sets of buttons. BTW, you could never look like a boy!

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  12. Super cute jacket... but I don't know how in the world you wear a lined jacket in the summer in TX!

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  13. very cute and unexpected with the shorts. I made that jacket 2 years ago and the lapel gave me fits, but it could have been my fabric (silk dupioni) with absolutely no wiggle room. Yours worked out very well.

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  14. Just gorgeous! I love the material and the fit is perfect!

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  15. How cute! I am so impressed by your wardrobe as a mom of three small children. You are one chic mama!

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  16. How wonderful. This is a great summer style on you.

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  17. Isn't it interesting how simple buttons can change the entire look of a garment? Love your jacket, great job as always!

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  18. I really love your blog, your sewing skill is amazing. And no matter what you wear it looks great. :)
    I just started sewing and I am not sure if I'll ever become that skilled. Did you teach yourself or would you recommend taking some classes?

    Best wishes from Germany ;)

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  19. Good call on changing the buttons. I have as many buttons as I have pieces of fabric! I also love that your casual wear it nicer than my office wear. I need to copy you more often. Great jacket!

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  20. Excellent job on that jacket. Great fit.

    I need your email address to send you something from Mood. Can you pls contact me? Thx! meg at moodfabrics dot com

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  21. I love this and everything you've sewn between this jacket and the color blocked dress with the exposed zipper!
    It's been a while since I've visited your blog, but I enjoy the visit every time.Your clothes a are made to perfection~ fit, fabric, style,and color choice, you really know your style.
    Now, I think I'll go and pull out this pattern and do something with it. :)

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  22. gorgeous and professional finish as always!!

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  23. This is so fantastic! Wow. The fit is great and the casual-chic vibe is spot on.

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  24. It's lovely, Amanda. I do like the idea of a short sleeved boucle' jacket...it's very sassy!

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  25. Gorgeous, what a perfect fit you achieved and I think you were right to change the buttons though I can't really put my finger on why, although maybe that explains why I often struggle to match buttons to projects.

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  26. Great fit and very pretty jacket!!

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  27. This is just too cute on you. Love it and how it goes with the shorts!

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  28. This is a very cute jacket and it fits you very well!

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  29. It really does look beautiful on you! What a nice fit.

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