In Pur(Suit) of Summer!
2:00 PM
It's no secret that I love blazers! So it shouldn't be a surprise that I'd want a summer suit. One with shorts in particular.
This outfit started with the fabric. I bought this blue and white striped chambray weight cotton fabric last year when Hancock fabrics was going out of business. It was dirt cheap, so I bought like 5 yards.
I had intentions of making a summer suit. I wavered a bit on what else I could do with the fabric, but it came right back to the suit.
So, I started with a blazer - Simplicity 1421. I'd made it in white 2 years ago.
I was asked on Instagram if this jacket was easy. And my answer is a resounding 'NO'. It seems like I always read or hear other sewing bloggers raving on about how quick, easy and simple something is to sew.
Well, this isn't one of those sewing projects. This isn't one that you'll finish in an afternoon. This blazer isn't hard in a technical sense. It's unlined and has a bias bound trim. It's extremely tedious and you have to be downright meticulous and take your time when applying it. Or you'll end up with a hot mess!
This jacket is really fitted. But it does have cup sizes which save so much time from having to do a FBA. I cut the size 14 with the C cup. I added an inch to the length of the jacket and also to the sleeves. I cut myself some slack on this version by just serging the seams and only binding the facings. I feel it looks just as neat as a full-blown Hong Kong finish.
I created custom shoulder pads and covered them in my fabric.
I used metal brass and silver buttons from my stash.
I went slightly smaller on the two front buttons. I used 7/8" instead of 1" buttons. It's so difficult to find matching buttons in multiple sizes without having to order them.
And I made sure the stripes all lined up as much as possible.
My shorts are Simplicity 8389. I made the pants also.
I cut the size 14 and I added about 2 inches to the length and widened the leg a little. I'm so pleased with how this turned out!
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61 comments
Perfection:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Lora!
DeleteI agree. It looks high end too!!
DeleteYou did an impressive job on that jacket!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lora!
DeleteSo fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThank you Genevieve!
DeleteAbsolute pefection - looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan!
DeleteYour work is awesome Erica!
ReplyDeleteThank you Keviyun!
DeleteSeeing that striped trim, I can see why you said it was not an easy make, but boy is it a stunning summer suit.
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
It was so worth the effort! Thanks Theresa!
DeleteOutstanding!
ReplyDeleteThank you Faye!
DeleteWOW! I LOVE the stripes - just WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteKelly
Thank you Kelly!
DeleteLove the entire set, then again, I love everything you make
ReplyDeleteThank you LaQuana!
DeleteYES!!!!!! Ugh you are so good lol!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mimi!
DeleteI love seeing your garments. This blazer is fab. Everything is perfection. The pockets are matched so well, that they practically disappear. The collar and lapel are perfection. The fit is superb!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Karen!
DeleteFabulous summer suit. Worth all the time and effort as you look terrific.
ReplyDeleteThank you Marysia!
DeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteThank you ShamJ!
DeleteWear it with pride. It's lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you Allie!
DeleteI love virtually everything you make. Your handmade wardrobe is extraordinary. It is also extensive. This causes me to wonder whether you have an opportunity to wear your beautiful garments more than once or twice each!
ReplyDeleteI do. Thank you Ann!
DeleteI love it and think I need a striped blazer now! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you do too! Thanks Kisha!
DeleteLOVE IT...Thanks so much for showing the inside. This gives seamstresses an idea on how a professional garment should look. This is rarely done. It is perfect inside and out.
ReplyDeleteIt's not real until you see the inside! Thanks Pheadra!
DeleteOnce again, a winner! You look gorgeous and the suit is a stunner!
ReplyDeleteThank you Belle!
DeleteLove the whole look!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheri!
DeleteThe suit is gorgeous and you look fabulous Erica.
ReplyDeleteThank you LaToria!
DeleteDitto everyone else. This is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda!
DeleteThis is nothing short of fantastic! Beautiful suit and you look gorgeous as always. You have such a wonderful fashion eye!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tomasa!
DeleteFabulous, I love the bias trim on the jacket and yes I can see that this would not be a quick and easy make at all! The pieces look great together and I can also see them as versatile separates too.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be wearing them separately. Thank you Allison!
DeleteA really crisp, clean and fresh look for summer, great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ines!
DeleteThis is absolutely gorgeous! I love the binding on the jacket and the short suit is such a great take on what can be so boring (work wear). This looks fantastic :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Deadlycraft!
DeleteYou did an amazing job!! I love it
ReplyDeleteThank you Sara!
DeleteI just love this - it's perfection. So classic and classy. The stripe matching is excellent, and the bias tape really makes it extra special.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tacomapat!
DeleteWow - what an impressive job you did. Suit looks fabulous on you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen!
DeleteThis look amazing!! Such great details!! Thanks for the honest review!! Just by looking at your results, I would've pulled this pattern out but I'm glad you mentioned it wasn't the easiest. #imnotthereyet! I'll wait until I get more advanced.
ReplyDeleteDon't be discouraged. You just need to take your time and not rush the project. Thank you!
DeleteHi, Erica,
ReplyDeleteYou are a true inspiration! I am thinking to attempt a similar suit and got the cotton chambray type fabric, however, it seems not as heavy as yours. Would you recommend to interface the fabric and then cut out the pattern pieces?
Thank you.
Iana
Keep creating!!
I would recommend testing your interfacing on a swatch of your fabric to see if you like the weight.
DeleteThanks!