Finally, I can cross ‘denim jacket’ off my sewing bucket list! This amazing pattern is part of the Named SS17 collection, the Maisa jacket and I’ve had my eye on it since it was released.
The photo on the pattern envelope is made from recycled jeans, and I orginally planned to do the same with mine, but I couldn’t find enough denim in the color palette I had in mind, so I used a few denim remnants instead, purchased at Mill End.
Here are a couple of the runway versions that inspired me to take on this project – the first is Dior. The second is Dolce and Gabana…love the patchwork.
I looked at several patterns – including the Style Arc Stacy, but ended up with the Maisa because of the oversized feeling it has. Also, it has two piece sleeves, and I love how the front of the jacket looks pieced.
The instructions did not disappoint, but I did face a few challenges. 1. Sizing: According to the envelope, I was a size 6, but a when I placed the pattern pieces on my dress form, it was so big, that I cut a four instead. It’s great in the shoulders, but even the smaller size was way too big in the arms. I had to do some fancy maneuvering to get the two piece sleeves fit.
2. Topstitching. There is alot, (which I love). Instead of topstitching thread I used double thread and my machine (Bernina) performed better. But the seams were so thick in some places, it couldn’t cope and the stitches were uneven. I posted a question on instagram and (Thanks remakeremodelrecycle and fauxgetaboutit) I received a couple of tips I will pass on. Pound the seams with a hammer and they will flatten, making stitching easier. Also, you could use a thinner fabric for the underside of the pocket flaps, cuffs to reduce bulk. I tried both and it worked – smooth sailing all the way.
Be forewarned, there are no handpockets on the Maisa, a fact I should have noticed, but didn’t until I was done. I’m a big fan of pockets, since it’s pretty crisp around here in the fall. I wish I’d added some.
One of my favorite parts of this project – – Hammering in the buttons!
In terms of sewing satisfaction, the Maisa project was a huge winner. It was time consuming, (probably clocked in at about fifteen hours with the buttons) but worth it, and I do love the intricacy of this pattern! I wear this jacket with jeans, dresses, and skirts, and the proportions make it perfect with them all.
Another winner from Named patterns. What do you think of their new collection? Will it be on your wish list?
Happy sewing, thanks for stopping by!
That jacket looks great on you, and you look great in it! Beautifully made.
Thanks so much! I enjoyed the process almost as much as the jacket itself this time.
Firstly, I think I prefer your placement of the light and dark shades to those on the Named model. They just gel more to my eye. And secondly, I do the two thread trick in my Bernina machine too 😊. It definitely makes for easier topstitching. I love your finished jacket. It looks fab!
Thanks so much! That two thread trick is a life saver isn’t it? I love all the colors of denim available these days! It’s a great time to sew.
What a lovely jacket! I really love it, especially fabric combination is perfect. It fits on you very well. Beautiful!
Thanks so much! It’s so great that there are so many colors of denim available these days. It makes projects like this more fun!
I like the color blocking with this jacket! Great job with all the topstitching.
Thanks! I’m a fool for projects that give me a chance to color block or top stitch:) and this had both!
thanks for the tips, I didn’t know about using two threads for topstitching, I will give it a try and see how my machine reacts on it. your jacket looks perfect and I love how the two different denims work!
Thank-you! My machine really fought the topstitching thread so it was a must for me. I’m so in love with denim, it was great to find a project that allowed me to work with more than one.
The colorblocked denim is such a cool look, and your topstitching is so sharp! Did the pattern suggest vertical buttonholes, or was that your addition? I know my machine couldn’t handle horizontal buttonholes with the bulk of the denim when I made my denim jacket.
Ha! I knew someone would notice the vertical buttonholes. No I did it because I didn’t like the look of the horizontal ones in the photo. They ruined the vertical look that the color blocking achieved in my mind. My machine struggled a few times, but it was during the topstitching phase. I ended up using a lighter weight denim on the collar facings and cuffs which helped tremendously. It was fun but I am ready for an easy palate cleansing sew now! I’ll bet you know what I mean, given the intense projects you’ve taken on lately:)
Beautiful! (Plus you got plenty of shades of blue in there, hehe!) I loved that the sample for this pattern was made from upcycled jeans, and yours is a really lovely interpretation. And you could wear this with virtually anything! I’m glad you found the project so satisfying: you really should be proud, as it’s a gorgeous jacket!
I loved the new Named collection, as I usually do with their FW lines. (Although last year’s FW was so up my alley that I bought all but one pattern!) I’ve bought one so far, but have 2 or 3 others on my wish list and will buy them as I am ready for them (or when there is a sale on, LOL).
Thank-you! I’d love to see what you’d do with this pattern as I always love your interpretations of Named’s designs. I’m a big fan of the fall collection too, but I have so many patterns in my queue right now, I’m trying to resist buying the whole lot. But the urge is strong….Yes, I did enjoy making this jacket, but it was a time consuming beast. Time for a little palate cleansing now.
I never even thought of a two tone colour scheme for a denim jacket! This is really cool! I’ll have to check out the pattern too, it looks like a winner. Thanks for the tips on the sizing. I think the favourite parts of making a denim jacket are the topstitching and all the hammering that goes along with it – the rivets, the buttons and the seams!
Thanks, Linda! I’m so into the pounding too:) and the topstitching is so satisfying. This jacket too time but it was such a fun project I enjoyed every minute!
I’ve had my eye on another topstitching project. But I know that there will be a lot of time involved. So I’m waiting for a lull in my life to take it on – don’t know if that is ever going to happen though! LOL
Yes, Lull’s in life are few and far between…but I get what you’re saying. A project with a lot of topstitching does need some focussed time so that you can really enjoy it. Hopefully, you’ll find some of that in your future.