Statement Blazer - Closet Case Jasika

When I received the tester call for this Closet Case Jasika Blazer I'll admit I was nervous to accept. I was fresh off of making Mimi G's Simplicity boyfriend blazer along with the coordinating pants (here) and honestly looking forward to some quick knit sews. However, I couldn't pass on an opportunity to challenge myself. Also I knew from previous makes that if anyone was going to make sewing a tailored, woven blazer approachable it was Heather and the Closet Case team. Thankfully, I was right and I'm so glad I challenged myself! It's been so hard not to share this make with you, so let's talk about it.This corduroy from Fabric Mart was somewhat of a spontaneous purchase. I eyed it when it was first listed and resisted, but when I spotted it on sale for less than $5/yd I gave in and ordered 4 yards. The lining is a satin left over from my Closet Case Clare Coat last year.The Jasika Blazer is truly timeless and a great staple piece for any wardrobe. It features a fitted-but-not-too-fitted shape, two piece sleeve, notched collar, welt pockets (with optional flap), back vent, full lining, optional breast pocket and optional elbow patch. And somehow it's still a very manageable project. I chose to sew View B which omits the welt flaps, breast pocket and elbow patches.A tailored blazer is definitely a more involved make and as such lends itself to intermediate or advanced sewists. But don't be scared, Closet Case is providing everything you need to tackle this blazer. For those who are visual learners, Heather offers a Learn to Sew a Classic Blazer course where she walks you thru every step of the construction for the Jasika blazer, but the skills can be applied to any blazer. Save 15% right now with the coupon code BLAZEROFGLORY.We. as testers, did not have access to these videos (they hadn't been filmed yet), so they are not necessary for success. I found the included written instructions to be very clear and detailed. If you follow me you know I'm a self taught sewist and don't consider myself a 'seamstress' and though many techniques and approaches were new to me I didn't have any issues (other than impatience). What I appreciate here is the construction finds the balance between quality and speed or ease of sew by utilizing 'shortcuts" like fusible interfacing.Even with the shortcuts, this isn't a pattern you're likely to whip up in a weekend. Though the steps are not difficult, they are plentiful and do take time. I broke it up into chunks and took breaks often. There are many pieces to cut (the pattern, fabric, lining, interfacing) and a bunch of markings to transfer. I utilized tailor tacks as markings for the first time. (This is suggested and explained in the pattern instructions.) There's also no shortage of interfacing! Layers of it in certain areas actually. I highly recommend the Tailoring Kit offered by Closet Case, unless you are very familiar with different types of interfacing and have a go to place to purchase it from.Left: layers of interfacing on front piece| Right: thread markings and interfaced front[gallery ids="14773,14778" type="rectangular"]

Left: Welt pocket on front piece | Right: Welt pocket on completed blazer

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Wrong sides of main fabric

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Left: blazer inside out | Right: back vent

I'm so proud of this blazer! This is why I love sewing. I created a leopard, corduroy, satin lined blazer that I would likely never find in a store. And as a bonus it was made to fit me! Speaking of fit, I should mention that a few changes were made to the final pattern. Namely the shoulders were narrowed, volume was removed from the back, room was added at the hips and the sleeves were tweaked.[gallery ids="14748,14742" type="rectangular"]If you're still a little intimidated by creating your own blazer don't be! Heather has thought of everything you need to be successful:

• clear written instructions,
• a Learn to Sew a Classic Blazer video course,
• a tailoring kit (includes all the interfacing, horsehair canvas, stay tape, shoulder pads and sleeve heads)

Pattern: Closet Case Jasika BlazerPattern Description: This jacket is fully lined and features a classic notched collar, single button closure, back vent, shoulder pads, welt pockets, gorgeous two-piece sleeves and a flattering shape that skims the curves of the body. Optional details include pocket flaps, topstitching, decorative sleeve cuff buttons and leather or suede elbow patches.Sizing: 0-20, I sewed a 16Difficulty: 4/AdvancedFabric Used: Leopard Corduroy from Fabric Mart, Dark gold satin from Fabric Warehouse DirectDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they are very clear. A video sewalong with bonus tips is available.Likes: Classic styling, semi fitted shapeDislikes: The testing pattern did have a bit of extra room in the back and was a tad wide in the shoulders, but both of these issues have been addressed in the final pattern.Pattern alterations or any design changes made: NoneWould I sew it again? Yes, I feel like I need a velvet one like the cover illustration.Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, a great intro to a tailored blazer.