Hello, readers!
I made a list a while ago of things that were missing from my closet and added them to my never-ending sewing list. One of those things was a blazer. I have a few suit jackets, but nothing along the lines of the classic tailored jackets I was imagining. I’ve been collecting fabrics and patterns to make cute blazers that could be switched between dresses, skirts and jeans, but I have yet to delve into sewing my own blazer. When Decades of Style introduced their third pattern for their Decades Everyday line, I knew it was the perfect easy intro pattern and exactly what I was looking for.
Pattern Name: Decades Everyday Three’s A Charm Jacket
Size Range: Bust sizes 30″-46″
What size did you make? Graded up to about a size 48/49″ bust
What are your…..
- Measurements: 48-41-52
- Body Shape: Pear-ish/Spoon
- Height: 5’8
- Bra size: 44D
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?
Aside from enlarging the pattern, I fully lined it and widened the sleeves for my full biceps. Re-sizing the pattern up a size or so was an easy task, but lining this jacket was a bit of tricky process for me. This pattern is unlined with facings to make it easier to construct, but as I prefer my jackets lined, I went ahead and lined it — basically sewing two jackets. One in my Anna Sui wool plaid suiting and the other in red silk charmeuse. I wanted to keep the facings, so I followed the construction process illustrated in the instructions and inserted my lining in as I sewed my jacket. Lining the jacket took twice as long as sewing an unlined version.
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?
This jacket went together well. Decades of Style patterns are thoughtful, beautifully designed and well-drafted and the Three’s A Charm Jacket is no different. The instructions guide you through the process and don’t leave anything out. The shaping is provided by cleverly designed darts in the front and back. There are facings around the collar and the front lines of the jacket, with a self-facing on the back. These are held down with top-stitching that is mirrored on the sleeve hem. The front button is optional.
How did you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think that the design works well for your body shape?
This jacket is slim-fitting and meant to be worn with sleeveless or short-sleeved tops and dresses, like a woven cardigan. It’s fitted around the waist to both allow for fuller skirts, but to also give waist definition. This is exactly the type of style that I like to wear and the design pairs perfectly with the dresses in my closet.
Will you make this pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?
I will most definitely make this jacket again and already have some fabric set aside to make another. I plan to enlarge the armscyes to better accommodate the added width from the enlarged sleeves. Depending upon what I plan to wear my future Three’s A Charm Jackets with, I may also go up a size and may lengthen the sleeves to wear with a long-sleeved sweater. I might also sew a bound buttonhole for a cleaner finish.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources or materials that helped you sew this piece up?
If you’re not accustomed to wearing slim-fitting jackets, I’d suggest making a muslin first to check the fit and see if it’s to your liking. If you like a little more ease, you may want to go up a size.
I used the method in this tutorial to grade this pattern up.
Pattern Rating (1-5):
- Size range: 4
- Instructions: 5
- Construction process: 5
- Final fit: 4.5
- Overall rating: 4.62
Overall, I am very pleased with this jacket. I’ve always wanted a plaid blazer and I’ve had this fabric in my stash for a while waiting to be made into one. I was a little apprehensive about making this fabric into a jacket as I wanted the plaid pattern to match, so this jacket was a great option as I didn’t have as many pattern pieces to line up and match.
I love this jacket! Thanks so much for the review. I purchased the pattern after seeing your great results. I am excited to give it a go!
Love the plaid!
I never would have thought about this jacket, but seeing it on you it’s just perfect. My heart dunked when I scrolled back to see the sizing and saw you’d graded up, I so dread trying to do this so it works.
You look great in it and that lining is a big hit.
Looks great!
Ooh, I like that. I just bought this pattern this week. I like yours. The lining looks great, too.
Fabulous! I saw this pattern and was seriously considering it. Now I am sold. You look amazing and smart!
that looks stunning, well done you!
I am so glad you reviewed this. I have it in my cue. Beautiful!
Tanya this is gorgeous! And a great looking way to use up some of the smaller pieces of plaid that I have…
Just gorgeous!! Love it in plaid! I just finished my silk version and need to get some photos.
Oh I forgot to say I added 1″ length just above the waistline. I consider myself long waisted and am 5’8″ tall. That is perfect for me
I love your style and have enjoyed seeing your many creations. I am starting to sew for myself after 20 years of abstinence and so coming to terms with a new body shape. You and the curvy team are inspirational.
Thank you for this post ! I have been meaning to sew a jacket/vest too! I want a closet item that is somewhat formal for work and this is the perfect piece. Always loving your insightful posts!
Thanks! It could easily be dressed up or down with different fabrics.
Such a lovely jacket and perfect to smarten up a summer dress or full skirt in the summer. Already downloaded. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks, T! I really love how it looks with a fuller skirt. Can’t wait to make another!
Oohs! Glad to hear from you! I have been checking on your blog to see if you are sewing………or blogging! Nothing! Sigh! Hope you are back.
Hi Elaine … I have started sewing again and knitting and making stuff in general and I think my blog may be back in action in the next month! 😉 Thanks for keeping an eye out for me! X
Your jacket suits you to a T and I love the material you’ve chosen for both the fashion and lining. Looks gorgeous – great length too. It’s the sort of jacket you can wear with most everything.
Thank you, Kathleen!
Tanya it is a lovely style and you made a great job. Can I suggest next time, a few adjustments? The shoulders and neckline are sitting a little far out, probably from drafting up although this is a common problem with graded patterns anyway – I suggest folding at least 1.5 inches out of the centre back in a wedge that tapers away, so the neckline sits in closer and the shoulders are pulled in. If this decreases the width of the back too much then add it back in below the shoulder in a wedge up the other way. Yes you need more room in the armscye so it doesn’t pull the shoulders down. I’d add a little bit to the top – straighten the shoulder line a little as I can see from the plaid that it is quite angled, and lower it just a little – scooping more out will make it too tight across the back and chest. You can though take some of the angle out of the armscye, as the shoulder seems to extend quite a bit.
I’m suggesting these things not as a criticism of your beautiful jacket, but because these are problems we all face in bought patterns and like you, I am a “non-technical” grader – I love your method and it’s pretty much what I do too as I taught myself. But with these few refinements I think you can improve the comfort and fit of the upper part of this pattern 🙂
Thanks – when I fix the armscye, I’ll consider your suggestions and see how they work out.
This jacket fits you beautifully, and you look stunning in it. I can understand the need to up-grade to fit it over a sweater. I prefer a lined jacket too though I have not lined one myself yet. I like the fit and I think it’d be a pattern that in time I’d like to try too.
Thank you! I did try it on with a sweater and it fit, but a little snug and the sleeves stick out as the jacket sleeves are meant to be cropped. An easy pattern fix to lengthen them.
This is SO CUTE!! It really is a great design for wearing with dresses, isn’t it? I think I’m going to have to get the pattern! I’m excited that they have PDFs now, I just hate tracing.
It really is great with a dress! I had planned on taking photos with a new skirt, but tried it on with this dress and liked it better. 🙂
You beat me to the finish line Tanya. What a lovely lovely job you did. I am happy with my muslin but will need some tweaking in the shoulders for my foreward head and shoulder as well as a bit more across the back for my stoop. I loved the darted sleeve and really love the fit. I have several buttons out auditioning for the front. So many of my antique buttons are singles. Great to be able to use them! I am going to be able to wear my muslin. Bonus. Great jacket for curvy women!
I can’t wait to see yours, Elaine! It’s the perfect pattern for cool buttons. I didn’t have any that I thought went well and didn’t detract from the fabric, so I just used a covered button.
Oooh, that red lining is the perfect addition! It very cute!
It makes me fee pretty fabulous, that lining!
You are super quick! This is lovely on you. I have a few other things to make first and then I’m all over this!! Thanks for making it up so quick!! g
I would have been even quicker if I didn’t line it! It’s a fast jacket pattern.
Wow! This jacket is fabulous and the outfit it makes is great, too. I like that it is structured but not too much of a straight jacket look. You did an amazing job with the fit and the plaid match. Can’t wait to see the other versions you dream up!
Thanks, Patti!
Great jacket! I had been loving the teaser shots from Decades on Instagram and ordered it as soon as it was released. It’s so nice to see how great it looks on a curvy figure! I am looking forward to adding a few of these to my wardrobe.
I can’t wait to see your take on it, Michelle!