Greetings Fellow Sewists! I’m Annette from The Sewful Life and I finally made a pattern I’ve owned for years – CNT Patterns’ A Little Somethin’ Jacket. I really think you’re going to love it! It’s quick and easy to make, comfortable, fits well and I get loads of compliments when I wear it. And . . . we do love compliments – right?
I’m kind of a rebellious sewist. I think just following a pattern is boring, so I usually mix up views, cut up pattern pieces or use fabric and embellishments in ways the designer didn’t include. It’s not that I don’t like the original design, it’s just that I love to play and I want the end result to match my own personal vision.
I made my A Little Somethin’ Jacket for a class I was teaching, chose two pieces of Shannon Fabrics Embrace Double Gauze and played with some color blocking. And, just to be truthful, I was provided the fabrics by Shannon, but I paid for the pattern and all of my opinions are my own.
This is the fabric that was originally made for baby swaddles, but since I’m an avid clothing sewist, I thought it looked like great fashion fabric. It’s lightweight, 100% Cotton and about 52” wide, so It works well for curvy sizes. I’d stay away from the duckies and bunnies, but the solids, graphic prints and florals are quite lovely. Other brands of double gauze would be lovely, too.
Do you still call it color blocking when you use a print and a solid? Close enough, I think! After making a sketch in my design notebook, I decided to use Herringbone Royal for the back and upper front and Solid Cobalt for sleeves and the lower front. To create my color blocked look, I drew a line on the front body pattern piece 10” up from the bottom edge. Next, I traced a new bottom piece, adding a ¼” seam allowance to the top edge. On the original front body piece, I folded the bottom up ¼” from the line I drew, so there was a seam allowance on that edge, too.
My pre-sketching was super important to my jacket’s success. It gave me a chance to see what my color/print blocking would look like in the finished jacket and the opportunity to “move” the pieces around on paper without cutting into my fabric first. I really love the page layout and usability of Cashmerette’s Curvy Sketchbook and keep it close to my cutting table. Sometimes I’m really daring with my makes but, most of the time, I do try to avoid potential disasters!
So, let’s talk about the pattern. I chose the size 20 (designed for a 44” bust, 36” waist and 48” hip) and found that I did not need to make any adjustments since it’s a straight, loose fit. My height is 5’7” and I’m a pretty classic apple body type with a 46” bust, 42”waist, 45” tummy and 47” hips. There are just three pattern pieces, so it’s wonderfully quick to put together.
The pattern instructions are very clear and easy to follow. The only semi-tricky part is where the front band/collar joins to the back neck (circled in the picture). It’s not hard and if you’ve done this type of join before, you’ll have no trouble at all. If you haven’t done this before, don’t worry – the instructions are great. It’s a good skill to add to your sewing “toolbox”, too!
My sleeves were cut at the 3/4 length offered on the pattern and I chose the shorter jacket body length (22-1/2”). I love it that there are options in the pattern – you can make a full-length sleeve or a longer (25-1/2”) body length, too. Since the design lines are simple and straightforward, it would be easy to make the jacket coat or duster length or adjust the sleeves to a short length.
Both the sleeves and body hems were topstitched with matching navy thread. I used this same color for the bottom hem of the jacket and the topstitching along the front and neck. This is how my clothes are constructed whenever possible. Most of the designs I sew are easy-fit with simple lines and I love the speed of serging using a 3mm length, four thread overlock stitch for stability.
A serged finish on the hem edges meant that I didn’t have to turn under the edge, so it prevented bulk. This gave the hems a nice smooth line with no ridge under the topstitching. It would be easy to turn up a cuff on this sleeve, too, if you like that look.
Here are my CSC Pattern Review ratings for A Little Somethin’ Jacket:
Size Range – 4*
Instructions – 5
Construction Process – 5
Final Fit – 5
Overall Rating – 4.5
*I do think this style would work for everyone, but the size range just goes up to 24 (48” bust, 50” hip), which may be limiting for some curvy lasses. However, since the lines are pretty straight, sizing up would probably be pretty easy.
Would I make the A Little Somethin’ Jacket again? YES!!! Did I say that loud enough? It’s now starring on my TNT list – here’s why…
- It was quick, the instructions were great and the styling is versatile.
- The fabric requirements are reasonable (2 – 3 yards) and work well for the lengths I keep in my stash of pretties. And, I do love to sew from my stash.
- The jacket looks and feels fabulous, dahling… and I get LOADS of compliments when I wear it. And, I kind of… well, okay – TOTALLY, love compliments!
- The simple lines of this design would beautifully show off lots of amazing fabrics. I’m thinking solid linen, floral rayon, drapey wool for Fall, a border print and, even though it’s designed for woven fabrics, a not-so-stretchy knit, too.
You wrote, “The pattern instructions are very clear and easy to follow. The only semi-tricky part is where the front band/collar joins to the back neck (circled in the picture). It’s not hard and if you’ve done this type of join before, you’ll have no trouble at all. If you haven’t done this before, don’t worry – the instructions are great.”
I consider myself and intermediate sewer. I do NOT find the instructions easy to follow. I’m completely stalled on how to put together the front and back shoulder seams.. I’m looking at your image and it’s not helping either (maybe I can’t see it due to the fabric stripe).
Is there anything you can tell me that would make it clearer?
Annette, I’m making my second “A Little Somethin’ Jacket.” Although you said more than once that the instructions are good and easy, I have a couple of sticking points, and I hope you or others can help me. (I bought the pattern 5 or 10 years ago. Maybe the instructions have been improved?) 1) the sleeve pattern piece has a series of dots for matching with front and back pieces. I assume that is to allow for the range of sizes, but I couldn’t figure out which dots to use for my size. 2) Under “Finishing Front Edge,” I have an approximately 8 inch long by half an inch extension on the facing. The pattern piece “Front” has a section jutting out 1/2″, with a precise cutting line for each size, 8-22. The instructions do not tell me how to “fold raw edge under 1/4″ press and stitch in place” for this extension. Should I cut at the corners, or gradually fold the raw edge under or what?
Hey Pat – I’ll pull the pattern out this afternoon and take a look at it for you. Hang on! 🙂
Annette, Have you had a chance to look at the pattern? I’d love to have your guidance. Pat
I saw your article in Threads magazine –read it– and just now reread it. Thank you very much for stepping up and doing something about the situation of poor sizing by the pattern companies. I am still sewing some . In a couple of weeks–July 3 — I will be 80 years old and proud of it. I live in an assisted living home and am an active volunteer in many areas, so I do have a limited amount of time to sew. It is though along with my folk art the most fun of activities. I too, have sewn since 4 H days (third grade).
When I was young , I was curvy but thin. Now I am 5’1″ –I have lost 4 and a half inches for I was 5’5″and a half all of my grown days. I of course now many curves and try and fit into a 24 size–and am wearing a 2xor 3x knit top or larger if cheaper and similar in hip.. my waist is larger than what is on the pattern size. Clothing that my has been given to me –the skirt waist is a couple of inches too small and I need to alter them. My situation is this. I cannot sew involved beautiful clothing anymore. Simple is my style, Right now I need easy pants, what do you have –sometimes I am in a wheel chair most of the time I walk with a walker. thank you for helping me. kay/kate/katie
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Hi Kay – I wrote this Jacket post, but I didn’t write the Threads article, but my favorite pants right now are Indygo Junction’s Artisan Pants. They’re easy to sew, comfy and have an elastic waistband. It’s wonderful that you are continuing to sew!! I always say “where there’s a will, there’s a sewist!” Happy Sewing!
You’re so skilled. 🙂 That design is fantastic. I purchased the pattern based on your great review and finished jacket. I just love the pop of that bright blue.
Yay!!! You’re going to love it, so I’m happy that I inspired you. 🙂 Thank you for the lovely comments, Stephanie!
I have had this pattern in my stash for years and, even though i love the lines and look, just not gotten around to making it up. You’ve inspired me to get going and make it! I love the two tone look and the light weight gauzy fabric you chose. Thank you for the inspiration!
I think you’ll really love it!! It’s such a quick and easy make and super comfy to wear.
Thank you for this review! I have a muslin that I started from this pattern back before I knew how to pick the correct sizing, and it has all the cascade of resulting fit problems that I used to run up against. After reading your review I’m going to start over with a better size and see how it goes. I love your version of the jacket!
Oh, good! It’s such a great pattern, I hope it works out for you. 🙂
Love this!! You look faahbulous! Thank You for sharing.
Thank you daahling!! 🙂
This jacket and review are great. You’re so upbeat!
Thank you!! Sewing should be joyful, right?! 😀
Hi Annette –
This jacket is adorable on you! So flattering and what a great pattern.
Love how you used the Embrace prints and the solids together. It would be fun to see you make more of them with different combinations, too! : )
Thanks!
Ellen
Thanks, Ellen!! I have a few more Embrace tricks up my sewing sleeves. Haha!
You look fab in that strong graphic print + solid combo!
Thank you so much, Claire!! I do love bold.
I made the long sleeve/longer jacket version out of a challis that I had in my stash from the last century.
I agree, it is very easy, and quick.
I always get compliments, so whats not to like?
Ooh! That does sound lovely. Agreed!!
Annette – You knocked it out of the ball park with this review! I can’t wait to get my hands on some double gauze and make this pattern. Thank you for all the detail and the great photos. I will be following you and look forward to more great reviews.
Awww, Liz, thank you SO much!! There will be more coming!
Thank you so much for this! I’ve actually owned this pattern for a year and love looking at the photo on the front but just never seem to get around to making it. Today I’m going to cut out the pieces! And the colo blocking, what a great idea. Yours looks great!
Aww, so glad to hear this Hollie!! I’d love to see what you make. I’m glad I could help!
A pattern company I’ve not seen but I have to say I love her work! Thank you for bringing her to our attention in this post 🙂 Your jacket IS gorgeous – lovely blend of fabrics.
Thanks so much, Kathleen!! Yes, I have my eye on a couple more of her patterns, too. 🙂