A little summer jacket from Kwik Sew!

I hope your summer is warm and sunny!  In my neck of the woods, it seems to be struggling to stay in tune with the date on the calendar....warm then cool, blazing hot one day and then a cold front from Canada sets in and bam, it feels like fall!  I think I need some layering pieces...and this little jacket from Kwik Sew--3334 to the rescue!

And, here is my version.  I just love the pink shown in the photo above and will be on the lookout for a fabric like that for my next version!  It is so stinking cute!

I choose a rayon suiting fabric from Fabric Mart that I just love!  It was heavenly to work with.  I love how the checks/plaid is woven into the fabric, not just stamped on.  Fabric Mart has some lovely suiting fabrics out there and I haven't been disappointed in any of them!

A photo bomber!  My son who has interjected himself into the photo above without my knowledge is only participating in this photo shoot as his lovely fiance is taking my photos.  Thanks Valerie!   

I just love the bracelet-length sleeves and the notched collar.  This little jacket took less than two yards of fabric so it was a very economical to sew.  I was very concerned about trying to match the pattern but since it is so small, it was super easy.  It is unlined and fitted with princess seams and a wide neckline. I also used the shaped front hemline on mine.

Of course I modified this a bit.  But first an aside to explain my changes.  I am taking a class on Craftsy from Kenneth D. King on making a jacket and he recommended a few things that I decided to incorporate.  First was to staytape the edges of the garment NOT cut on the straight grain: for example, the armhole areas and neckline.  I simply used HugSnug seam binding that I've had in my stash forever and it worked great. It didn't add any bulk to the seam, is invisible from the garment's right side and according to Kenneth, will extend the life of the jacket--score!

As this little jacket is unlined and I simply didn't want to just serge the seams, I decided to use a contrasting cotton for the Hong Kong finishes for a pop of color that could be visible when I moved just right and I think I achieved that!  This bright orangy-yellow was also from my stash.  I cut one strip for each seams and applied before constructing the garment.  Seriously, this took about an extra 30 minutes and I think the results were well worth it!  I even added the bias trim to the sleeve and jacket hemlines, although those to locations were added after construction.

I just love my little jacket!  It is such a great layering piece and works well with so many other clothing options in my closet.  I needed this jacket!

I used medium-weight fusible interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply and wasn't disappointed in the least.  That stuff truly is the best when it comes to interfacing.  My buttons are from FSS.

My only alterations were to make an FBA and swayback adjustment.  The sleeves I left as is so if you are shorter than 5'7" or don't have average length arms, you may need to check the length.

I did wonder a bit about which color of thread to use for the button holes and 'auditioned' three choices from the garment.  The red thread you can see is a heavier denim topstitching thread and I used it sandwiched between the fabric and the button thread.  This is called a corded button hole.  You trim the extra away red thread and since the button holes are dense, the red doesn't show.  It makes the buttonholes pop up on the surface of the fabric and is a nice touch.  I ended up going with the medium blue.

Thanks for reading!  What are you sewing to supplement your summer wardrobe?

Sue