Tamarack Jacket in Navy Linen and Nani Iro

I made a quilted jacket!  Specifically, the Tamarack Jacket by Grainline Studio.

The exterior is a beautiful medium weight linen from The Fabric Store (pretty sure it's this one).

I used wool batting - the Quilter's Dream kind because it's lovely and doesn't smell like sheep.  It's getting pretty cold here now so the wool should keep me snuggly and warm.

On the outside this jacket is very "I am a serious person walking a dog".  On the inside it's much more "I'm a free spirit who makes her own clothes".  That dreamy fabric is Nani Iro that I bought in Melbourne with Erin last year.  It's pretty much impossible to find in this colourway, but the print is Komorebi if you want to try.

I could definitely fit more layers under this jacket.

I made a (US) size 4 based on my measurements.  This is a size smaller than I expected to make, but it's definitely the right size for me (even though I used relatively lofty batting).  I lengthened the body of the jacket by 1.5", and the sleeves by 1".  I would lengthen them even more if I made this again - I just really didn't have enough of the lining fabric to do so this time.

I finished the binding on the front of the jacket and at the back hem by hand.  The rest is all machine stitched, and I bound all the internal seams as well, for a really tidy finish.

Thank goodness for sewing friends.  Erin made this jacket at the same time as me (actually she decided to make it and I was like "me too!").  She made two practice pockets and walked me through the making of these welt pockets which were a bit intimidating for a first timer.  In the end they were totally fine - use both the pattern instructions and the sew-along for best results.

I cut four versions of the "upper pocket"piece so that I could have the right side of fabric both inside the pocket and visible on the inside of the jacket.

I didn't have quite enough of the Komorebi print so I used a different Nani Iro print for the inside of the pockets.  I squeezed the lining out of about 1.5m of Nani Iro which is definitely less than the recommended amount.  Don't try this at home kids.

The quilting is Aurifil 28 weight thread.  I guess I thought that if I was going to make a quilted jacket, I wanted to see the quilting.  I used a medium blue on the outside and a medium grey on the inside.

Yeah these photos are just gratuitous now.

Oh it's the inside of the pocket again.

If it wasn't for the fact that this limey green makes me look like a corpse, I would be tempted to wear this jacket inside out.

Just embracing my inner dork and the Wellington wind.

Bondi Top - Nani Iro fabric

Another garment post!  Don't worry, I haven't stopped quilting (in fact I have three quilts just waiting to be bound and photographed so I can blog them), but I have been on a garment making kick lately.  

This time, I made the Bondi Top, designed by Lindsey from Sew to Grow.  I saw this top on Cath  and knew I had to make a Nani Iro version for myself.  Full disclosure - Lindsey provided me with a copy of the pdf pattern in exchange for a write up - but, as always, this review reflects my honest opinion.

 

This top really appealed to me because it's a simple, casual design, in woven fabric (easier for me to sew with since I don't have an overlocker of my own).  For this top, I used Nani Iro double gauze in En Garden Apricot, which I bought from Stitchbird Fabrics.  I really like the double gauze for this purpose - it's like wearing a cloud, and so much more flattering than quilting cotton.  It was also easy to sew with - win!  I also found the bias tape that I used for the neckline at Stitchbird - I know how to make my own bias binding but buying it was so much quicker and easier!

 

Based on my measurements, I made a size small top, which I think is the right size for me but ended up being shorter than I would really like.  I have a long torso, so I think this is my issue, rather than the pattern, and for the next version, will add an inch or so to both the front and back pieces.  The pattern contemplates a contrast yoke at the back - I just used the same fabric because 1. I am lazy and 2. this fabric is patterned enough for me as is.

This top was really quick and easy to sew up, taking about two hours total once I had taped the printed pattern together (always the worst part of garment sewing, for me!).  I didn't have any trouble following the directions, and Lindsey has video tutorials for the bits that might be slightly harder (like adding bias tape to the neckline).  It's comfortable and cute and I've already bought fabric (more Nani Iro from Stitchbird) to make another version!

Have you found any great garment patterns lately?

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