I had to dust off the old blogging here to bring you the Joy Jacket Pattern from Chalk and Notch that just released today – it is such a good one and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
The Pattern
The Joy Jacket pattern is your new spring jacket must have. It’s fully lined, relaxed fit and designed to be a mid-weight jacket. It features a center front exposed zipper and optional drawstrings at the hood and hem.
Ever since Gabriela teased this pattern on her Instagram I have been dying for it so I was so excited to see it was ready for testing!
Over the course of the test, I made both views – View A has a wide collar and View B features a hood. There are interchangeable pockets – either a square or angled pocket.
Chalk and Notch patterns are usually named after hairstyles (who knew?! Not me – my mind was BLOWN when Gabriela told us that during the test). This jacket is different though. This jacket is named after Emily’s (from @enjoyful_makes) mom. Gabriela drafted a pattern based on a jacket that Emily’s mom used to wear all the time. That made this test so much more special – I loved every minute of it. I met Emily when I was in Utah in November and I was so excited to be making a jacket that meant so much to her.
The Jackets
So I think my favorite type of sewing is jacket sewing. I know, I know, they take a long time and are kinda complicated but hear me out – you can wear them every single day and no one is like why are you wearing the same jacket that you wore yesterday? I feel like I get the most wear out of my “me made” jackets, so I’m always open to making another one.
I started the test by making View B. I used a nylon coating from Style Maker Fabrics and a rayon from Style Maker Fabrics for the lining. I don’t know what happened when I was making my first version, but I made a major error with the hood. I still wear it, but I am still kicking myself that I made that mistake – the jacket isn’t quite totally functional as intended, but it’s still a wearable jacket.
After making that mistake, I couldn’t stop thinking about making another one. I made this one out of some Rayon Twill that Allie from Indie Sew sent me in December and a crepe poly fabric from Indie Sew that I bought when the Fall/Winter collection was released. The rayon till was more in line with the “recommended” fabrics for the jacket. The jacket calls for a drapey woven similar to tencel.
I have LOVED seeing everyone’s jackets come together as part of the test – haven’t seen them for yourself? Take a look at #JoyJacketPattern on Instagram! Gabriela’s patterns are so well done and her designs are so beautiful.
I have a couple more planned (I have fabric for at least two more!). I think I’d like to try adding a drawstring at the waist (similar to the Kelly Anorak)!
I loved every minute of participating in the test sew – these women who tested the jacket are amazing and so talented. I’ve had a really busy last month and a half (don’t you hate when life gets the best of you?) but seeing these women sewing up amazing things and being so supportive of one another has been such a joy [no pun intended!]. Thanks to Gabriela and the Chalk and Notch team for letting me be a part of it.
A couple of us from the test met up to take some photos!
Also, you might want to check back on my Instagram on Wednesday to see a fun giveaway so you can win a copy of the pattern for yourself!
Have a great Monday!
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Beautiful jacket Lara! I love your lining especially 🙂
Thanks Kathleen! I thought it was fun – I’m always up for a good lining fabric.
Okay I LOVE the idea of the drawstring at the waist! I was proud of myself for making a coat with less waist definition, since that’s something I’m sensitive about ? As much as I love the hem drawstring (which I do!), a waist drawstring might be in my future…
I know, me too! I love a nice drawstring waist – which is why I think I love (and probably you love) the Kelly so much. I’ve been thinking about adding one to the Joy jacket so maybe I’ll give it a go – or maybe we should do a waist drawstring double date haha
Waist drawstring double date! Waist drawstring double date!
What beautiful jackets, Lara! I especially love that lining from Indie Sew.
Two questions I’m keen to ask. In terms of time taken, was it similar to your Kelly and Lonetree? Also, did you have to make any significant fit adjustments? I’m so keen to make one but might be wise to wait until I’m not pregnant for fitting even though the style is loose fitting. Thanks for your ongoing inspiration!
Thanks Elizabeth! I’ve been saving that Indie Sew Fabric because I couldn’t decide what to do with it and I was so excited to use it on this project. I think it’s probably similar to the time on the Kelly or the Lonetree – similar construction with the exception of the lining on the Joy Jacket. But some of the time you spend doing the lining is netted against the time you’d spend finishing seams and such on the non-lined jackets. So it’s about the same time wise.
I didn’t make any adjustments to the fit at all – I usually don’t have to on most patterns – so I didn’t on this. I don’t believe anyone in the test group was pregnant, but the jacket is pretty loose fitting around the middle, and it’s super cute unzipped so it might still work!
Thanks Lara! I’m too far along to think about wearing it while pregnant but I still have time for a big project or two before the baby arrives. With a big project like this, I do want to get the fit right. You and I often make the same size so it’s cool to hear about your experience. Thanks again!
I love how both of your jackets turned out and it is always such a pleasure having you test! Thank you so much for joining us and I can’t believe you are up for two more. Love it – and I can’t wait to check them out!
Thanks Gabriela for such a fun testing experience and beautiful pattern! I can’t wait to see what you’re up to next!