Even though I have way too many things on my plate (like usual), I thought this pattern was very cute. I volunteered to test it, and it did turn out very cute!
Wardrobe by Me Amelia Bomber Jacket
Outfit details: Jeggings made by me, top – CAbi, boots – American Eagle
I used some Nanette Lepore fabric I found at SR Harris. I love how they occasionally have some designer fabrics. They usually have some Ralph Lauren and Tahari fabrics. This was a nice cotton-viscose blend.
The lining is a satin that has some lycra in it. It was a nice weight for the lining, meaning it had some weight. The outer is pretty lightweight.
My binding was a bit too lightweight and stretchy. I had to take 7″ off the band to make it bring in the body. Otherwise it was very wide at the base. If you make it, keep that in mind if your binding is very easy to stretch. It will need to be shortened.
I cut a straight 10 on this, and I fit more in the 12 bust, 8 hip sizing. I can zip it up and it isn’t too tight at the top, so this fits fine to go down a size in the bust. I think it is a little wide at the hip still, so I would grade it down on the next one.
Okay, so this is not a beginner pattern. She has it marked as an experienced pattern. You have to bag the lining, and attaching the band at the bottom corners is a little confusing, as well. That was the hardest part for everyone, in getting the corners on the rib to look nice. She was very good at walking people through this part. She has tried to clear up the confusion in the instructions. I think she needed some more illustrations on the bottom band, though I think it would be hard to illustrate. You just need to pin really well and watch where you are sewing. Definitely clip the corner, too.
I got a bit frustrated at the bottom band, like most everyone else. In the end, I just did some seam ripping and topstitched it to make sure it laid flat. I think that the best way to get it to have nice corners is to attach the rib separately to the lining and outer shell first, instead of all at once. Then, go and sew them all together.
Overall it is a cute pattern, but not a quick sew. You need to take your time. I would recommend it with the caveat that the bottom band can be frustrating, so be prepared!
This is a great looking jacket and I love your fabric. I have had the same experience with the fabric for the bands, it is difficult to find good binding.
Thanks Lori! Yes, I didn’t realize how hard it would be to find binding. I didn’t have time to order it online, so I bought what I could find and what I could find wasn’t the greatest.