This jacket has been on my sewing to-do list for such a long time. I kept shuffling it to the bottom of the queue as I waited for a block of time to tackle it. Well, as you all know, I’ve got that time now!
The tamarack is quilted, making it perfect for those cooler evenings in spring and fall. For my first Tamarack (yes there will be others), I decided to use Merchant and Mills pre-quilted cotton. It’s such a lovely weight and texture, well worth the price. With this fabric, it isn’t really necessary to line the jacket, but I did anyway. I used an Nano Iro linen ( Bolt Fabric.) that’s so soft. I chose a contrasting lining so that it would would really show when the sleeves are rolled up. I finished the edges with self-made bias binding in linen (Josephine’s fabric).
Even though I didn’t have to, I wanted the lining to be quilted, so I followed the lines already provided in my outer fabric. This was a fun, stress free way to go, and I highly recommend it! I love how the extra quilting adds more texture to the bodice of the jacket.
In order to get the fit I wanted, I shortened the jacket by 1 1/2 inches (I’m 5′ 4”). I love this modified length. The fit of the bodice seemed a little boxy for me so I tapered it a bit at the waist.
The biggest construction challenge was the welt pockets. The quilted fabric is thick, making it tricky to get everything to lie flat. I decided to practice making a pocket with some thick fabric I had leftover from another project. I’m really glad I did. I felt pretty secure when I had to cut into my lovely quilted fabric. I do like the look of the welt pockets, but will likely use patch pockets next time so that the jacket will be reversible. If I had to do it over, I’d make this one reversible too, as I love the lining almost as much as the outside fabric!
The other challenge with my thick quilt sandwich was sewing the binding around the edges. I used fabric clips I bought at Joann’s to hold the layers together as I sewed.
Overall, this was a fun, satisfying project, and I highly recommend it. The construction of the jacket isn’t as challenging as it appears. There isn’t a collar to mess with for one thing. Also, the slow process of quilting the jacket was lovely and calming. In fact, it made me more curious about quilting in general. I may try to do a bit of improvisational quilting with my fabric scraps. What better time to play with new sewing experiences than now!
I hope you all are well and happy. Thanks for stopping by!
Elle Gee Makes 
That looks so cute on you!
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Thanks, Su!!
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Exactly what I want to make!! Thanks for the inspiration. It looks so very cute on you!
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Thank-you!!
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Love your jacket… could I ask, how many pieces of the quilted cloth did you need for it. On the ManaM site it seems that the fabric comes in short pieces if I am reading it correctly thank you
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Thank-you! I bought yardage for my jacket that was one continuous piece. If the fabric came in pieces I guess it would depend on how long each piece was as to what you need? Enjoy your project!
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I just love the tamarack. I have 2: a light blue chambray w/water color silk charmeuse lining; and a buffalo plaid one that has faux suede binding. You did a lovely job tweaking yours to suit you.
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Thanks! Your tamaracks sound lovely. I can’t wait to have two in my closet like you do!
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I’m a bit shorter than you, so I especially appreciate your mentioning that you shortened your lovely new jacket 1.5 inches. I believe you’ll enjoy that for years to come. Who is the maker of the Tamarack pattern? It looks really special, and I”m not familiar with the specialty pattern makers.
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It’s Grainline patterns, and they’re known for the timeless quality of their designs, so yes, I’ll wear it for years!
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This is gorgeous ! How did you work out how much fabric to buy for the bias binding?
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Thanks so much! The pattern includes a recommended amount of an extra half yard for the binding so that’s what I bought.
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A n great jacket to throw on and go! Love the color!
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Thanks, Fran! Yes , it’s the perfect jacket to throw on for a wAlk.
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Really nice–every details works!
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That’s a wonderful jacket! It has purposeful detail to make it interesting. I love it.
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Did you use exactly 2yards? Or was there a lot left over? I’m trying to whirred it out of the 1.6 yards of Nani iro I have left!
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There was a bit left over, maybe a half of a yard. Hope that helps…good luck!
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Lovely jacket! I clicked here because I recognized the Merchant and Mills quilted fabric from my local store. Wondering what I could turn it into. This is perfect!
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