I hate quitting. I hate failing. I hate giving up. But there are times when it is appropriate to throw in the towel and admit that
I can’t sew this blazer…. yet.
There is a difference between not doing because it is hard, and not doing because… well, you just really don’t know how to do it. I just don’t know how to sew this blazer. These Burdastyle directions don’t include any diagrams or pictures, and the pattern markings are minimal and cryptic. The directions themselves are not even coherent to me. What piping straps? Where am I cutting which dart? Why aren’t my seams matching up? Is there supposed to be a fold here? I just don’t know!
So I am setting this aside. Admitting defeat in this battle, but not giving up the war.
I will still sew myself a blazer. I love this old denim one I bought in college. I wear it all the time, even though it fits me poorly. Probably because it makes me feel suave and sophisticated even when I haven’t showered in days and I have boogers hiding on my shirt underneath.
(caught in “The Blazer” at a friend’s birthday party)
So, tell me. If I give up on the Burdastyle pattern, which one should I make?
This one?
Option #1: Butterick 5619 (View B)
Pros: It’s unlined and could be a nice light weight for summer. It would be simple in assembly and allow me to focus on fit.
Cons: I’m not sure if I like the collar. Also, I would have preferred a full length sleeve. And, sadly, I can’t find any finished samples of the jacket on Pattern Review.
or….
Option #2: Vogue 8781 (View A)
Pros: This is the classic look I am going for. It is rated “intermediate” and I think I can handle that.
Cons: Shoulder pads are not my style, at least not that extreme of a pad. Also, possibly having to adjust princess seams and raglan sleeves intimidates me. It’s not a big deal, but it isn’t what I was hoping to do.
…or…
Option #3: Vogue 1293
Pros: Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous.
Cons: Rated “advanced”.
– UPDATING TO ADD SOME OF THE EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS –
Option #4: Vogue 8333
Pro: This looks like a totally classy option. Lovely details. This would be a high end couture type jacket, in line with what Vogue is all about.
Con: “Advanced”, this would be time consuming. It actually might be too much couture for my stay-at-home-mom needs.
Option #5: Butterick 4610
Pro: Classic shape. Basic Pattern.
Con: It’s a Butterick, so it won’t have those nice extra details that Vogue has, but do I really need them?
Option #6: McCalls 6172
Pro: It’s a Palmer & Pletsch pattern which has OODLES of tips and details included in the directions. This is also a very classic cut. The welt pockets are a classy detail.
Cons: …. ?
So what should I choose?
So I chose option 3 before reading your pros and cons, after which I think I still choose option 3 but only if it’s easy enough and less cryptic than the Burdastyle.
Take heart! At least you can sleep at night knowing that there is someone else out there (not too far away) that is MUCH worse at pattern sewing than you are. (I know that’s not much of a consolation, but hey, it’s what I got 😉
Have you looked at Vogue 8333 (sorry – I’m not sure how to post a direct link)? It is a Claire Shaeffer Custom Couture pattern and so the instructions should be fairly comprehensive.
I don’t know how I missed that one! Much better than the raglan version.
I like option 3 best as well… and I think you are quite capable of advanced sewing: those suitcases you make are amazing. Just as long as there are a little more instructions than the first blazer you tried. =)
I vote for option 3 also. It’s advanced because there is trim inserted in almost all the seems (not really clear on the photos but Caroline of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic is making is/made it).
Or the Shaeffer that I covet myself. Good luck and sursum corda!
It is a beauty isn’t it. One concern I have with #3 is the higher collar. It might be less flattering on the mom-pooch I have…
You always do look super cool I that jacket!
Voting 1 or 6.
I would go for option 4 Voque 8333, just love the detail on the side. And I know how it feels, I tossed a dress in a corner, just had it with the pattern and instructions and bought one in the store for a wedding. Good luck
My fav is #4 by far! Just absolutely love the lines & especially the details..but I’d save it till after some exp. I love #3 also. I bet you’d have no trouble with it because of what you’ve sewn before! Oh my heaven’s — look at you suitcase & all your beautiful purses!
I love option 4! It looks so classic and awesome!
Of course, option 6 is also classic amazing but without the Vogue difficulties, so overall, I have to vote for option 6.
I’d go option 5, but I’m not a fan of the sleeve length.
Myself I’d pick option 6 because of the oodles Of directions. I would need them. But the vogue 8333 is beautiful. I guess the best would be to strike a balance between ease of sewing and a pattern you love. Good luck!
I think I like 5 and 6 the best for their casual look. Each of these will flatter slightly different body types. So, I guess I would start there – what style would look best on your figure. Be careful of the length – you don’t want it going right across the widest part of you. Most of these patterns you can go down to your local chain fabric store and actually pull the directions out of the package and take a look. Hopefully they will be good enough to get you through. Good Luck!!!
Vogue #4 is amazing and I hope you will make it someday because it would great on you, but I think Butterick #5 would work and be the most like the original. It would be great to get a victory at this point!
I googled a little and don’t know if you did the test square to make sure your printer was making the pattern the right size:
http://www.burdastyle.com/discussions/site-and-pattern-corrections/topics/jorinde-4112-test-square-sizing-issue–2
Also, on the Burda site you are supposed to be able to hover over the instructions and ask a question at each step if you need help. I think you have to join for this, though. Just throwing this out there. I have never used a Burda pattern and I applaud your fearlessness at jumping right in.