Sunday 29 June 2014

Office Warrior - Bellatrix

Did you know the name Bellatrix is Latin for "female warrior" which is a pretty good description of my first Bellatrix Blazer!  This time however, yes a second Bellatrix, it's a bit more "office warrior".

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I wear my first Bellatrix Blazer all the time.  It's such an easy jacket to wear, over a dress or with pants ... and in all reality an easy make.  This one I made in one weekend.  For this particular jacket my favourite part is ... the lining.

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Just look at those pretty faces!

The lining is just a simple acetate that I purchased from Back Street Bargins on Trade Me.  It just went together perfectly with the wool blend suiting fabric I used for the shell of the blazer.  I've got no idea where I purchased the wool blend suiting fabric from - it's been in my stash for a while, before I started keeping track of the fabric stash!  I think it was always destined to be made into a jacket, and it's the perfect office warrior attire.

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I made this version exactly the same as my first, but this time I followed the instructions and used fusible interfacing for the entire centre front panel and then overlaid that with another piece of fusible interfacing for the lapel/collar.  I also placed some fusible interfacing on the side front panels and the upper back, for added structure.  I purchased some tailors fusible interfacing from Spotlight - it was just the perfect weight for the fabric.  I also inserted a small shoulder pad, same as last time, to add that subtle structure to the upper jacket.  Very happy!

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It was just a tad windy on photo day!
To give the overall look a bit of a lift, given I hadn't used a contrast for the lapels, I've hand stitched some lizard sequin trim around the outside edge of the lapel.  I couldn't find an appropriate button, so for now have decided to go without.  I've thought about a decorative hook and eye, but haven't had time to look that hard for anything.  I never wear it buttoned anyway, so haven't missed it at all.

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I made this jacket from the exact same pattern (with alterations) as my first, but this one feels bigger; it feels like it's got more ease, although in the photos you can't really tell.  I think its the wool suiting fabric that has more 'give' than the synthetic used for my first jacket.  It is really light weight to wear and warm!

The "office warrior" is on regular rotation in my wardrobe :-)

More photos on my Flickr-->



19 comments:

  1. It looks fantastic, really sharp and a good fit. And I am in LOVE with that lining ...faces in acetate! I had no idea you could get such awesome lining fabric. Although I wonder if I will find it here...I will be looking now though!

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    1. When I saw the lining come through on my email updates I just couldn't resist the faces - it's one of those hidden little treasures that makes you feel happy even though no body else can see.

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  2. OMG, that lining! It's so awesome. Actually the entire jacket is great!

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    1. The online shop description was satin, so when it arrived and it was acetate I was disappointed but I only paid an acetate price, but I'm super happy with how it has sewn up.

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  3. It is gorgeous! I might have to justify buying that pattern. I have bought from Backstreet Bargains as well but for the life of me can't remember what!

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    1. I would highly recommend this Blazer pattern - you get the look and feel of a blazer but without all the traditional tailoring. Once you've got the fit right you could sew this five times and get a different look every time.

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  4. that lining!!! so awesome! i love this blazer, and your lapels look so crisp. fantastic job!

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    1. The lining is like a little hidden gem. For this blazer I created a crisp crease in the lapel coz I think the fabric was just wanting me to, but for my first one I've just let the fabric roll and fall. Such a great pattern.

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  5. Omg so sexy! :) this is such a winner. I need to make a jacket even though it scares me! Thinking of all that interfacing and tailoring stuff is a bit scary heh! :) you look great!

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    1. Jo this blazer might just be the ideal first jacket to try. I think you could easily make a sway back adjustment without too much trouble. I had to expand the waist and hip measurements to accommodation my rectangle body shape. The instructions are fantastic and I learnt heaps from making this jacket.

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  6. Stunning jacket, I love the trim detail and the lining is fab!

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    1. Thanks Melody, that means heaps coming from such an accomplished sewer like yourself. Pretty doll faces and lizard sequin quite a contrast in description but I love both :-)

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  7. Gorgeous Jacket. The lining has good pedigree, World used it for a dress in 2012. Have a look:
    http://collections.worldbrand.co.nz/autumn-winter-2012/women#item-1

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    1. It's image 36

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    2. Thanks. That is good spotting - the fabric is acetate so I wouldn't have ever dreamed of making a dress with it. Might have to try and get some more and line everything with faces :-)

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  8. The trim really pops and I love the lining too :) I am trying to work out how to use some sequins for the lapels of my next Bellatrix ;)

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    1. Thanks Mel. A full lapel of sequins will look fab, but I imagine a little tricky to sew - you might have to create an extra seam to separate the lapel from the facing??

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  9. OMG this is amazing. You look a million bucks in it and I am so impressed with the finish and details you've got in it. You'll slay your enemies for sure!

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  10. What fabulous lining. Really makes the jacket. It's still summer here so I've not got to making jackets yet but if I do I'd love to have some funky lining like this

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