Lovely Logan the Style Arc Shacket

Two weeks in a row what's happening!

This week is all about the 'shacket' - the shirt/jacket - and yes I'm aware I'm about a year too late to this particular party. 

Shackets (not sure I like this word) were absolutely everywhere at one point and I had purchased the Style Arc Logan pattern to join in with that fun. But like most great ideas it languished unmade for some reason. 

Yet another pattern to file under 'why didn't I make this sooner' category because it's fantastic!

Style Arc describes the Logan as an 'oversized shirt style jacket' - which I suppose it is depending on your fabric choice. I'd say mine was more 'heavy shirt' than jacket. 

The size chart would put me in a 16 however I read multiple reviews about this being VERY over-sized so opted for a more familiar 14 instead. This was plenty. Room to manoevre without being utterly swamped. My sweet spot for a casual garment.  

You'll have to forgive the crumpled state in the pictures however it's a testament to the fact I have been wearing it and it was rather 'lived in' by the time I took the photo. I'd say that was a good sign. 

The design features two big breast pockets, a rounded yoke at the back (which I actually had to put a centre seam in due to fabric allowance) and hidden side seam pockets too!

 Since making it I've found this shirt to be so practical. Whack it on in milder weather or when I've pottering between indoors and outdoors without needing a 'big coat' on. The length covers comfy leggings (yes I am still wearing those) and the pockets are super deep for chucking in tickets, car keys and whatever else when you have your hands full whilst doing said pottering. 

Plans for this shacket had been some 'Essex Speckle Yarn Dyed Robert Kaufman' cotton/linen mix however it was very narrow and I couldn't fit the sleeves on. Delving back into the stash depths I picked out what I thought was the same fabric in black - but by happy coincidence it was a brushed cotton and even better for this project! (Fabric intended for my husband - sorry love!).

This is also a Robert Kaufman - 'Black Speckled Shetland Flannel'. I have no idea where I originally bought it however that is the name if you wish to find any. As you can see close up it has colourful little flecks.

There was an attempt at matching speckles with buttons so I popped on some blue glittery ones. The whole shirt is top stitched but difficult to see on the black flannel. A contrast colour may be good if you want to make it stand out a little.

 My next sewing projects have been bags, intended as gifts, so I will have to wait to share those!

Until the next time, wishing you all well.

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Rio & Loren

 Hello all! If anyone is still out there....I appreciate it's been a long while again. 

I have managed a little bit of sewing the last few weeks and couldn't resist in sharing this wonderful jacket. Mainly because of the fabric. 

The interwebs went crazy for this fabric called Paradise Jacquard - which I SWEAR was called 'Rio Paradise' when I bought it but I can't find that description anywhere. 

The fabric is a beautiful woven jacquard from Sister Mintaka made from recycled yarns!

What better than fabric with birds, tropical trees, mountains, the moon, the sun and the stars.

Obviously resistance was futile and I bought 2.5m of this wonder fabric. Every time I look at it there's something new in the scene.  

As the fabric is the star of the show it needed a simple pattern pairing. Enter a previously made Style Arc jacket in the form of 'Loren'. The Loren Jacket is a wonderfully simple blazer that would be a great starter project if you were looking for a spring jacket.    

There is an option for side seam or patch pockets but I did neither, not wanting to break up the print. 

This is a size 16 from the chart, no alterations made to the pattern. 

The fabric is also reversible and so the unlined look is perfect! In order for have those 'pretty guts' I bound the raw edges in cotton bias. 

 No your eyes are not deceiving you - this is not Richard O'Brien in a jazzy jacket it's just me, follicly challenged right now.

It's such a fun and uplifting make this one - not exactly a basic staple of the wardrobe but certainly a museum piece to enjoy. 

My head has also had a little decoration with Henna - shout out to Nadia Sondh who created this incredible Henna Crown for me before a chemo session. 

Of course the jacket needed a little finishing touch - voila, love labels from Sewanonymous. ❤️

Hopefully I'll be back soon with a few more makes!

Feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx

Sewing Round-Up - 2023 Hits and Misses

 Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Let's hope 2024 is a kind one for all 💕

I'm just popping back on the blog again with a little round-up of sewing from 2023 where I thought I'd pick my top 3 and worst 3 makes of the year. If it's not your thing no worries - I'm going to attempt a return to sewing when I can. 

Also if you can't be bothered to read the rest of the post I'll save you from scrolling.

TOP 3

•  Alex Coat - Atelier Jupe - stylish but not difficult to make
  
• Sorry, not sorry - Closet Core Kalle (she's a classic and I love her, ok) 
• Ruby Skirt - Sew Over It - converted me to skirts, who knew that could be done
  

 WORST 3

• Friday Pattern Company - Saguaro Set - Nope. Sewing world peer pressure.
• Dressmakers Closet - The Dolly Top - it's not you its me

I can't think of a 3rd so I'm going to give a special mention to a GREAT basic pattern which I made a few of this year:

• True Bias - Zoey Tank
  

There was a challenge over on Instagram for #mymakesforthemonth which I joined in with. This was a great way of collating some projects into easy view posts. 

January started off very much in the blue. 

Most worn: The Baa-ble Hat 

Least Worn: Greenstyle Valerie Tunic - mostly because I forgot I made it

Fail: A Tilly and the Buttons dress in the bottom right. Looked awful and got the chop into my most worn item for February.

February brought some different colours but only just.Whilst I was proud of the pink coat I haven't worn that either. Fear of standing out? No idea. I still have it so perhaps once I'm feeling up to it a return to neon may be made! The Alex Coat was also an absolute labour of love and an 'overall' winner.

Most worn: Friday Pattern Co Westcliff Dress 

Least Worn: Pink Butterick Coat

Fail: Some Style Arc trousers that looked fit for a clown

March was another mishmash of items including gifts for my sister and husband. 

Most worn: Kalle Shirt with hacked collar - by far my most loved shirt

Least worn: Yellow sun dress - never worn. It was a panic make for holiday.

April saw me do the usual pre-holiday sewing frenzy including a little foray into swimwear. 

There is an epic fail not pictured which was a lilac sequin dress for a gala dinner but WOW that did not suit me.I looked like tinkerbell on crack. It has been re-homed. 

Most worn: The black Ocean Daze shirt (bottom middle) which was amazing for layering on holiday and also saved me post-surgery when I was recovering in the heat. 

Least worn: One shoulder tank - mostly because it wasn't warm enough at the time

Fail: Hands down the saguaro set. What was I thinking.

May makes me a little sad as it's the last time I felt good about life and things were going well. However not to dwell on that the sewing was a fun one. The Nicks shirt was a gift for my mother in law, a fun dino repair for my husband's jeans and an Indigo dress was my sister's birthday present. 

Most worn: The Ruby Skirt - I absolutely loved wearing that outfit

No misses in May :)

June was quite fun in terms of makes but potentially the least worn items of all.The cardigan was too small but got rehomed. The succulent garden dress felt a bit 'off' and the sports bra was a toile. The pretty bra - well it was interesting to make but oh the irony. The bottom right is a Kalle space dress which was fun - but quite stiff and not my usual substrate of choice. 

Most worn: None!!

July was a sporty one as I was training for a fitness event, having even made the mascot (I am happy to report he supported the team even without me on it).

Most worn: Kalle 'dip in the lake' shirt - my absolute favourite wear this year.

Least worn: Style Arc Nova - although I actually love the dress I didn't really have anywhere to wear it after finishing it off

August brought some cheery colours and my first attempt at the Zadie Jumpsuit. 

Most worn: Gym wear

Least worn and fail:  Tessuti shorts (bottom right) - fit was off.

September was surgery month so I managed to make myself some nice PJs and joggers for recovery.

Lore Piar had me pattern test the Lenne Top and that's all that happened. 

Most worn: Carolyn PJs

Least worn: Everything else

Made a few bits in October. Another panic dress (bottom left) as nothing fit right after surery and I needed a quick win. 

Most worn: All-In-Easy-Fit Shirt with snakes (bottom middle)

Least worn: The panic dress (Tilly Buttons Indigo)

By November I was trying to get outdoors walking as much as possible so made a load of outdoor-activewear!

Most worn: Jalie 2795 (bottom middle) - damn that thing is warm

Least worn and FAIL: In  desperate attempt I made a frilly Dolly Top by the Dressmakers Closet. I should have known better.  

Special mention: Closet Core Kelly Anorak - so happy I got that finished.

There was no sewing in December just lots of sofa knitting. 

Once more another year of makes which I haven't really worn however I did found a little niche in making activewear and outdoor wear and thoroughly enjoyed that. 

My body shape has changed so much over the last few months I have no idea what sewing in 2024 looks like. I would definitely like to try and make trousers that fit and move away from leggings (although I fear you may have to prise them off me).

You can also probably put money on another Kalle Shirt! 

Do tell me what patterns you have really loved making and any recommendations.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. x

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