Hi, guys! Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate! It’s been a busy week full of travel, family, and friends, so I got a bit distracted and forgot to post my most recent Mood Sewing Network garment! I planned to make a Christmas dress, but at the last minute decided to make a piece that I could wear well after the holidays. This time of year I often find myself with functions to go to after work, but I don’t have time to go home and change first. Sometimes I drag a cocktail dress to work and change in the ladies’ room, but I decided that it would be easier (and less stressful!) to make a day-to-night piece that I can toss on top of my work outfit when I feel like getting a little festive.
As soon as I saw the new Papercut Patterns collection, I fell in love with the Bellatrix Blazer. I like that it’s a bit different from a traditional blazer pattern with its rounded collar and cinched waist– it’s so stylish and fun! I knew this would make the perfect holiday jacket. It closes with one button, has a bit of a peplum, and has in-seam welt pockets. It’s fully lined, too, which makes it even more luxurious and versatile. The blazer also has slightly-shaped sleeves– they’re a little longer on the front side of your hand than on the palm side, which is a great detail.
I used two black cotton sateens, one very shiny (for the lapels and welts) and one more matte (for the body) to give it a bit of a tuxedo look. The shinier sateen had a great deal of stretch to it, but since every piece I was using it for needed to be interfaced, I could get away with it.The blazer is lined with a charcoal-colored silk charmeuse for a wee touch ‘o’ fancy-schmanciness.
The pattern is really easy to put together, but it does take a little time. I made a muslin, but didn’t end up making any fit alterations at all. I was intimidated by the welt pockets, but they were really easy to do. The best part is that because they’re in-seam pockets, you don’t have to do any scary slashing on your jacket front! Yay! I really like this pattern, and definitely recommend it. It’s sleek and sassy in black, but I bet it would look really cute in colors (I’m thinking of a red one– wouldn’t that be cool, in an equestrian way?). I also like the idea of making a short version to wear over dresses.
This sounds insane, but this is my first black blazer! I’ve never owned one before! I feel a little square and boring in it, but I know it will go with so many things in my wardrobe. I definitely feel older and more put-together wearing it, for better or for worse!
What’s your favorite way to take an outfit from day to night? What are the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe? Did you sew any special holiday outfits this year?
Here’s a little detail short– it’s tough to photograph black garments!
Ginger Makes... 
Dude, your blazer rocks, but where on earth did you get that t-shirt? I want one. I need one. Tell all! Okay, back to the lovely blazer. I must confess I wear a black blazer at least twice a week to work. It goes with the whole corporate boring craziness that is my place of employment. But, you don’t have to be boring in a black blazer: wear a colourful top under it (fuchsia, indigo, even yellow!) and thrown on some fun jewellery to sass it up. To this day, one of my favourite looks is a nice tailored blazer like yours (shiny lapels and all – sweet!) worn over a simple white tee, jeans and some killer awesome shoes, like animal print or something. Who’s boring now, eh? I think you will find this blazer a excellent wardrobe basic, a white (black?) canvas over which to jazz up an outfit. Plus, it looks great on you.
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Thanks, Andrea! I really appreciate all your styling tips– I think I just don’t know how to style this, so it’s awesome to hear your suggestions! I DEFINITELY need some animal-print shoes now! 🙂
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Yes, to animal print shoes…and about that t-shirt: whre can I get my hands on one (I’m telling you, I need one!)
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Ooh, I forgot! Thanks for reminding me! My sister got it from a craft fair in Baltimore a few years ago. She thinks the people have an Etsy shop, but can’t remember the vendor’s name. It’s a great shirt!
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Wait, breaking news! Here’s the shirt on Etsy!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/18462647/tough-knitter-tshirt-unisex-l-athletic?ref=shop_home_active
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You, my dear, are awesome. Thansk so much for the link to that shirt on etsy. Oh hey, I will be hitting NYC in March. Want to meet?
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Yes!!!!!
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Love this blazer pattern! I had it on my Christmas Wish list, but sadly, did not get it. But, will in the new year. Your version is fabulous, very chic and classic, I’m sure you will get lots of wear out of it!
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Thanks, Katja! Hope you make it– it’s really a cute style!
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You rock that blazer. It will go with so many things! Definitely not boring. I am stealing the idea. I own a RTW blazer, which fits and everything, but I never wear it. Looking at yours, I’m realizing it’s because it buttons too high. I might need to look into the Papercut pattern…
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Blazers seem to fit many people poorly off the rack. I have one RTW blazer, and I never wear it (although I thought it fit when I bought it, my sister pointed out that it’s too big in the shoulders and I haven’t wanted to wear it since). Lucky that we can sew! 🙂
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I love this! I’ve also been spying this on their website. What type of fusible interfacing did you use, just a woven fusible compatible with whatever fabric you’re using? I’m assuming that’s what you need but it’s not specify on the site. Maybe this is a stupid question! Thanks!
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Hi, Julie! Yep, I used a woven fusible. I waffled back and forth on whether I should use light-weight or medium-, but in the end I decided on light-weight (I used Pro-Weft Supreme Lightweight Fusible from Fashion Sewing Supply– I really like their interfacings, especially because they’re pre-shrunk). Since all the areas that need to be interfaced are double-layered (the lapels fold back on themselves and the lower peplum pieces are doubled up), I thought that medium-weight might be a little stiff for my taste. I’m really happy with the weight and the way it came out! Happy sewing! Hope you enjoy the pattern!
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What a perfect blazer, chick!
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Oh this is gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!! Love it!! 😀 First time I’ve seen the Bellatrix made up in the longer length – it looks fabulous. 🙂
(And you know what it would look fabulous with? Peter and the Wolf pants! Chosen your fabric yet? 😉 )
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Thanks, Kat! Now I’m thinking about the shorter version– yours is so cute!
Still not sure about the fabric! I need to dig through my stash and see if there’s anything that might be suitable– I think I have a stretch denim that’s too heavy and a stretch twill that’s too light. 😦
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This is just a gorgeous blazer and that tshirt rocks, girl! I noticed the link in the comments, and am putting this on my wishlist, haha!
By the way, your hair looks cute too!
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Thanks, Rachel! The t-shirt gets a lot of wear! 🙂
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Loooove this! What size did you sew up? I have the pattern and I think (from your other makes) that we are the same size ish…
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I made an XS (I’m about 35″-27″-35″ and 5’6″). Hope you love this!
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Your blazer is the dogs bollocks. Awesome job girl. I really like the patterns you pick.
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Thank you so much! I just can’t say no to new patterns– they’re my weakness!
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it looks awesome!! I’ve never owned a black blazer either, and I think it would fill a cap in my wardrobe, this pattern looks like the perfect one 🙂 I’ve never used Papercut Patterns, how are the instructions? are they clear and detailed enough for a complex pattern like this?
I like your new haircut 😀
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I thought they were easy to follow. I read them through a few times first to make sure I knew what was going on. You could totally do it, and I think it would look cute on you!
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this reminds me of a gap blazer i had that i loved so much because of the round collar
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I live in tuxedo blazers but have never actually made one. After seeing yours and Heather’s Bellatrixes I’m thinking maybe I should give it a try!
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