I have a new favorite color; fuschia. This fuschia linen jacket takes me back to my first handmade effort years ago, a Vogue Perry Ellis jacket pattern that I fussed over because it was so expensive! Everything about that project felt special to me, so I visited a specialty fabric store and splurged on three yards of beautiful fuschia linen. At that point in my life, I had an entry level job with a corresponding salary, so I was necessarily frugal and so nervous when I cut into that expensive fabric. Such a risk!! Even now, after years of sewing, that same quiver hits me when I cut into a favorite piece.
That was certainly the case with this lovely linen!
When I shop for linen at the fabric stores in Portland, earthy, natural colors are easy to come by, but it’s hard to find vibrant, rich brights! So, I was so thrilled when I found this linen on-line (Fabric.com), on sale at the end of last summer.
The pattern I chose for my casual jacket is one I’ve sewn before (here), McCalls 7333. I loved and wore that jacket so much, I was really eager to try the pattern again.
There are many reasons to love this design; the drawstring waist, the off shoulder look, the tab sleeves, but I’m crazy about this magnificent hood!
I’m not sure why I love hoods so much. Maybe it’s because I live in the Pacific Northwest where Rain Rules. Whatever the reason, I’m a fan of this one. I love the way the collar drapes nicely into the jacket lapel; so relaxed yet stylish.
About the Pattern: The instructions were easy to follow. I found the sizing straightforward, but generous (XS-XXL). The style is very loose and the collar gives weight at the neck, making it quite wide, so if you cut a size too large, it could easily slip off your shoulders. Since I have narrow shoulders, I took 5/8 from the shoulders. I also cut a size smaller than my measurements, and it’s still a good fit.
One nice detail with this pattern is the two-piece sleeves with button cuffs. They add a polished element that gives this loose jacket some structure. They wereeasy and simple to insert as are the buttoned cuffs.
It’s definitely linen season here (finally!) and I think this pattern was the perfect use for my cherished fabric. I’m wearing this jacket here with my Ginger jeans, which are in heavy rotation in my wardrobe! There’s another pair of those in my future too.
On my sewing table: I’ve just cut out a Blackwood cardigan, and a new springy top for Faye’s Tops that Pop challenge (lots of inspiration on her blog)! Look for those posts soon. I’m also planning an update on my RTW fast experience and will be participating with Me-Made-May.
I love linen, and am always happy to find a new style that works with it. I have another green piece in my stash that I’ve been considering for a bright Spring trench. To do so, I’d have to underline the coat, I think, since linen is crisp but maybe not quite crisp enough. Have any of you ever underlined linen?
Happy Spring sewing and thanks for stopping by!
Yet another make that I would happily wear myself…our tastes are often so similar! I like the lines and proportion of this jacket a lot and it’s so nice in the linen. Might have to add it to my long list of possible projects 🙂
Thanks, Diane! Yes I think we have similar tastes, as I love that top you just made…the colors, the asymmetry! My list of projects is long too…LOL!!
So vibrant, LInda! You will brighten up any of those NW gray days. From the front you can barely tell it has a hood. I’m glad you cut into the precious fabric. You did right by it.
Yes, it’s a new color for me. I like that aspect of the hood, that it looks like the collar from the front. Thanks…I hope the gray days are over..fingers crossed.
That’s a lovely summer jacket. Great idea to make it in linen! I love the combo.
Thank-you! Linen is such a great fabric and the drape is so perfect, it makes sewing easy.
It looks great in that colour and fabric. I love the gathered waist. I’d really like to make this – but one thing I was wondering about …. on the pattern envelope it looks like it sits on the models waist, but yours looks slightly above your waist. Is that a change you made? Or is that how the pattern makes up?
Thank-you! On me, the jacket sits slightly above the waist. I cut the smallest size because it’s such a loose fit which means the distance from the shoulder seam to the waist is short. For the photos, I wore it with a tee that has a bit of texture, and it rides up a little bit on that tee, making the waist appear a bit higher than it fits when I wear it without that tee… The bodice is really straight where the drawstring waist is positioned so, I think it would be really easy to lower the waist if you wanted to. I can totally see this style working for you, so I hope you’ll give it a try!
Thanks a mill, that’s great info to know… I need to add that pattern to my next order wishlist😀
Great! If you make it, I hope you’ll post it so I can enjoy!
Thank you. I have this pattern. Now inspired to make it. Love the color and fabric.
You are welcome. Great! I hope you’ll let me know how it turns out:)
I love that colour and what a perfect pattern. I get twitchy too when I have to cut into a fabric I love. You did a fine job with your’s though!
Thanks, Linda! I’m enjoying the jacket….much more than I enjoyed the fabric as it laid around in my stash!
That would be incentive for me to sew it and not buy it, putting it that way!
Fuschia is one of my favourite colours too! This jacket is fashion forward – love it! Also wanted to let you know that I nominated you for The Mystery Blogger Award – https://saturdaynightstitch.com/2018/07/13/the-mystery-bloogger-award/comment-page-1/#comment-9108
Thanks, Hila! You always inspire me to go big with color! Thanks for nominating me.. what a nice surprise!