How I Modified (Hacked) Emilie

This post describes a few of my Emilie pattern modifications.  The new, and free sewing pattern from Jalie; Emilie, is a gifting sewist’s dream come true. (Get yours here) I’ve made 6 with plans for more. My first 3 and the latest Emilie’s were sewn according to the pattern, the 4th and 5th versions were modified from the original pattern.

Emilie Modification #1

My version has 3/4 sleeves, a high/low hem, and a shorter collar, left open at the front. I was working with a left-over piece of fabric from my stash and I used it ALL! You gotta LOVE that!

Due to my limited amount of fabric, the collar is 3 inches (about 8 cm) shorter than the pattern piece. I folded it with right sides together like the instructions. Along the seam allowance, I made a dot 1 1/2 inches from the raw edge and only sewed each end to that point.

Then I folded the collar with right sides together and sewed along the original seam line from the dot to the fold on each side forming the points when turned right side out. I attached the collar with the seam at center front.

To change up the hem, I left the side seam length the same as the pattern, then drew a gentle curve on the front, ending up 3 inches shorter at center front. I lengthened the back by 3 inches using a similar curve. Fusing 1 inch wide strips of Heat ‘n Bond Lite stabilized the hem and made cover-stitching it a smooth job.

Emilie Modification #2

More stash-busting! I love “shopping my stash”! This fabric is a textured poly/something crepe with a smooth background. It’s light in weight and drapes nicely. It doesn’t have quite enough stretch. Watch that stretch factor, it makes all the difference in the sleeve width and how much the collar stretches over your head.

More about that in a minute.

Here are my (first) modification steps; lengthen the body by 9 inches (I’m tall), shorten the sleeve to 3/4, and add a half inch to the sleeve width at the sleeve hem.

I wore it to our Quilt Guild Christmas meeting over a pair of black leggings, with a string of flashing Christmas lights around my neck, felt pretty darn festive and I received plenty of compliments.

Oh Oh, There’s a Problem

But…………………………..getting on it over my head was a bit of a challenge. Not enough stretch in that fabric! That was the easy part! Getting it OFF over my head was a struggle. The rough texture of the crepe actually scraped my nose and ears. If I was going to wear it again something needed to be modified.

I added a front zipper! These lacy zippers with their fancy pulls, are sew cute and I had one that was the right colour and length. After marking the center front with chalk, I stuck Wonder-Tape to the back side of the zipper, used a few pins for security and then zig-zagged the zipper in place. After checking to be sure the zipper was centered, I cut down the front opening partway.

This modified Emilie tunic will become a basic in my wardrobe because it’s so easy to dress up with some jewelry or a scarf. And, it’s been cat approved.

There’s a great Facebook group for us Jalie sewing enthusiasts, where you can post photos of your makes and modifications, or ask questions about a Jalie pattern. Check it out by clicking here.  I hope this post inspires you to try your own Emilie pattern modifications.

I wrote another post about this great freebie click here to read it.

 

I almost forgot to add this note about the links to Amazon.ca to some of the products I use and endorse.  While I feel that shopping locally and supporting our local merchants should be our first choice, sometimes it isn’t possible.  Clicking on the product link will take you to Amazon.ca so you can make your purchase there.  The price you pay is the same, and I get a little commission.  Thank you.  

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