I thought I was over bomber jackets until I saw this plaid version by Philip Lim.
When I found McCall’s 7636 by Beaute’ J’Adore, I knew it was the perfect match for my designer inspiration. There’s alot about this pattern that sets it apart from the bomber jacket patterns that are available.
My favorite detail is the statement sleeves. As you can see from the line drawing, the shape is created by pleats that are gathered into a ribbed cuff. Then, to make the sleeves pop, there’s piping added before you insert the sleeve into the bodice. I think that really makes this jacket unique.
The jacket is fully lined, a plus at this time of year! To make cozy and warm, I used red checked flannel from Fabric Depot.
Some tips about the fit of this jacket… It is cut very generously, so be prepared to adjust.
- The sleeves are pretty long. I don’t usually need to shorten sleeves, but it was a must here and I’m glad I took the time to figure that out because the sleeves are quite poufy. If they were too long, they would be pretty annoying to wear.
- Also, I took my usual narrow shoulder adjustment but increased it by 5/8″ and I think I could have even done more! My guess is that this broad shoulder look is what the designer is going for, but it’s a bit overdone if you have a small frame.
- The jacket bodice is cut pretty long. I’m 5’4″ and I shortened it by a full inch.
Even with those adjustments though, I’m in love with this pattern. The sleeves look tricky to sew, but they really aren’t – -they are simple pleats that easily fit into the ribbed cuff. The instructions are thoughtful and there’s alot of attention to detail that makes sewing this jacket a breeze. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I might make another version this Spring from denim.
Because this was a designer original inspired make, I’m going to tag it for Designin’ December, a fun competition created by Linda of Nice Dress, Thanks I Made It. Visit her website for more inspiration! There’s alot to enjoy there!
December is a busy month and it’s hard to find a spare minute to sew, but I’m completing a couple of gifts and decorating projects that are using up my huge stash of remnants. I’ll be posting about those this week.
I love that this make has red as the dominant color. It makes this jacket feel, well… festive! Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by.
Very nice.
Thank-you!
I’m in love with your boomer jacket and fabric choice!
Thanks! The Fabric was such a find…
I love this! I seem to be particularly fond of red this season! I think your choice of plaid is way nicer than the original! Thank you for taking part again this year!
Thanks, Linda! I seem to be drawn to plaid this year and red just as you are this year. There are so many wonderful choices at the fabric stores too, I just can’t get enough. Thanks for hosting such a fun challenge at a crazy busy time of year!
Yes, sorry for the busy time of year … post early next year! (It’s allowed!)
Brilliant idea! I’m on it…
I love it, Linda! Your fabric choice for your bomber is fantastic and it sounds so cosy. The pleat detail is a lovely feature and it makes the sleeves very apt for the Year of the Sleeve.
Thank-you! It is the year of the sleeve, especially in my closet:).
Your jacket looks great in the red plaid flannel. I am currently working on this jacket pattern and found your fit concerns the same for me. I hope to finish mine soon!
Oh, I can’t wait to see your version! You have to wonder who they were thinking of when they drafted the pattern. The details are so nice though! It’s worth it in the end.
Beautiful jacket! I always love to see the inspiration for the project and the sewist’s interpretation and yours is SO much nicer than the inspiration. The fabric is lovely and so cozy 🙂 2018 will be jacket/coat making year for me. I’ve never made one so I’m excited about taking my sewing to that next level. Thank you for being such an inspiration 🙂
Thanks for the lovely compliment! Jackets are such a satisfying sew and I know you’ll love sewing yours in the year ahead!
Your jacket turned out great! I like your fabric much more than the designer’s, too. 😀 I can’t wait to see what you do with a denim version–you’re so creative! (I also happen to think you ought to try re-creating those leather shorts in the inspo photo. 😉 )
Thanks! Yes, the leather shorts are so incredible. I’d love to try to recreate them and was on the verge of getting it together to do so when time limitiations just got the best of me. So much to sew…so little time!
Your last line is the sewist’s perennial problem, LOL!
So true!