Sunday 23 February 2014

Shinny Bellatrix

When Papercut Patterns released the new Constellation Collection I fell in love with the Bellatrix Blazer and immediately placed an order.  It has taken me a wee while to actually sew it up, but I'm pleased to say the first iteration is now in my wardrobe.

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I dithered a bit about the fabric, but when I pulled this from the depths of my stash, it was obvious.  This shiny PVC/polytester blend that has a kinda suede feel was a little acquisition from The Fabric Store at one of their sales last year at something ridiculous like $6 p/m.

The black lapel and welt pockets are actually the reverse of the fabric.  I've got no idea where I got the button from, it was a solitary find in my button jar.  The match is so perfect you might think that I made a self-covered button, but no!

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My inner self battled over whether or not to make a muslin - but the voice of reason spoke and the muslin was made.  Just as well, because changes were most definitely required for a better fit.  Well actually, it wouldn't have fit at all if I had made it direct from the packet.

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I had quiet a battle with the princess seams, fluffing with the curve for a small and lower bust.  Anyway it finally worked out after ripping the muslin apart and sewing it up again, about three times!
I also had to move the shoulder seam (at the arms edge) forward by 1.5".  In hindsight I should have also moved it forward at the neck edge about 1/2"!  I lengthened the sleeves by 2" and lengthened the body 1/2" about 3/4" up from the under arm.  Whilst that doesn't seem to be a long list of alterations I'm still trying to get my head around interpreting the adjustment that might be required.

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I didn't use interfacing in front of the jacket (as per the instructions), but rather just placed the interfacing in the lapel.  Given the stability of the fabric this was an okay decision.

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I wasn't sure about whether I would need shoulder pads, but after a final fitting before closing the lining I decided that the shoulders could do with some structure to help the blazer maintain it's shape.

For a touch of fun I used this pretty pink plaid for the pocket lining, left over from my peek-a-boo dress.   This is also a really good close-up of the fabric.
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Now I just got to make some black skinny jeans to wear the jacket with - although my "me made" jeans in this photo worked.  It's not one of those garments that will go with everything - I'll have to be quite selective about what I can wear it with.  Maybe a black dress would work also?

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More photos on my Flickr -->

26 comments:

  1. I know all that muslining was a pain in the ass, but I think you got all the fit issues solved. Your fabric choices are perfect for this and yes I did think that was a self covered button. Sweet!

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    1. haha maybe I should just say I made a self-covered button, nah :-)

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  2. good thing you muslined this, it would have been a shame to waste that fabric! i love the contrast lapels on this style, so awesome!

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    1. Thanks, I think the contrast breaks up the shinny-ness just enough.

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  3. It's really stunning. I'm so glad your muslin changes worked so well! I think this style would look great with a black dress, yeah! I also like how you've styled it here. Awesome. I always covet your skills :D

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    1. *blush* thanks Jo. Yeah I think I need to start planning that black dress :-)

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  4. Just lovely my dear! I like the shiny and this pattern proves itself once again! I think you achieved a great fit.

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    1. Aww gee thanks Catja. It is such a great pattern.

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  5. Lovely jacket. Those muslins paid off! ~Teri

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    1. Thanks Teri - I think it was my mindset that needed adjusting as well as the muslin hehe :-)

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  6. Gorgeous! Oh man, I love this pattern so much.... And I also really love that pop of colour in your pocket lining - so much fun! :-)

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    1. I know right, it is such a great pattern - there are some fiddly bits but it all pays off in the end.

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  7. Great jacket! I think black skinny jeans would work great, but Black Dress would work even better!

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    1. Thanks Wendy - yep it's official I think I need to start planning that black dress, cause believe it or not I don't actually have one of those in my wardrobe.

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  8. Wow. Just wow. This is awesome! I love the fabric, this is so rock chick chic! I think skinnies with studded collared chiffon shirt or scuffed up tee. Love it!

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    1. I thought I was a bit crazy when I got the fabric, but it was one of those things where I just couldn't leave it in the shop. Oooo I like your style suggestions, studded collared chiffon shirt - I can see that now!

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  9. I love the fabric choice! Great jacket.

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  10. Such a smart jacket, Sandra! The shoulder pads were a good idea, and you're alterations worked out nicely. Congratulations!

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    1. Thanks Sarah, it's such a nice light weight jacket that I'm really enjoying wearing at the moment.

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  11. Very very cool! I really love the casual tuxedo jacket.

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  12. Oh the sparkles! I am in love! I knew you'd make an amazing version of this, yay. I want to make another one soon and I am also wondering if it could work in a velvet I have lurking in my stash...hmmm :)

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    1. Oh a think a velvet will be very plush - probably with a contrast label so it isn't too bulky! I've got another, with some pattern hacks, bubbling away in the back of my head :-)

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