Jackets by Jalie
Basically Jalie Blog Tour, my Jackets by Jalie
I am sew excited to be a part of the “Basically Jalie Blog Tour” with “Jackets by Jalie”! As a “Jalie Ambassador” I have a lot of experience sewing with Jalie sewing patterns, as a result, I often have helpful tips and techniques. (Jalie Sewing Patterns are drafted flawlessly and their instructions are clear and concise.) And I do love to share my love of sewing!
The Basically Jalie Blog Tour features 22 bloggers from February 6-12th, has a Rafflecopter prize and a sew-along component! The sew-along means that YOU can sew basics using Jalie Patterns and enter to win some amazing prizes from our sponsors!
**Be sure to read through to the end of the post to find the blog tour schedule and links to each blog post on the tour, and then enter the Rafflecopter giveaway from our generous sponsors!
My Pattern Choices
I decided to make a jacket as my contribution to the Basically Jalie Blog Tour, but couldn’t make up my mind between 2, so I chose them both! Hence, “Jackets by Jalie” came about.
Neither one would be considered truly “basic”, but, an adventurous “beyond beginner” can sew these. Before I write about the jackets by Jalie, though,
A Huge Thank-You to my Sponsors!
One of my sponsors is Jalie Sewing Patterns, they generously provided me with both jacket patterns, 2679 Softshell Jacket and 2795 Zip-Front Jacket and Hoodiein exchange for sewing and promotion.
My other generous sponsor is Discovery Trekking Outfitters who gave me a store credit of $50 toward my “Jackets by Jalie” fabric purchase.
If you’ve never heard of Discovery Trekking Outfitters, you must check them out. This company, in BC, Canada carries the types of textiles you might find in clothing from your favorite outdoor clothing stores: Patagonia, Nike, Northface, and Lululemon. DTO has many Polartec fabrics including: Goretex (think water repellant AND breathable), PowerWool (think warm and wicking properties) and ThermoShell (fleecy warm fluffy goodness) just to name a few. They have plenty of fabrics for warm weather, too… and they ship worldwide! I chose Polartec® Power Shield® in Fuscia for my Softshell Jacket 2679. It’s lightweight, with a smooth water and windproof exterior and a soft black fleece interior. I also chose Polartec® Power Stretch in red for 2795 which has a smooth outer and a fleecy interior and ordered 2 yards of each. Their website has a lot of technical information about all the fabrics they carry, in addition to the great customer service on the phone.
As a Canadian consumer, I stongly feel the need to support my local and Canadian suppliers, and both of my sponsors are Canadian! Yipee!
Softshell Jacket 2679
This was my first time sewing Power Shield and I was impressed with how easy it was to work with. I used my rotary cutter for most of the cutting, and if I needed to use pins, kept them within the seam allowance as much as possible. My sewing machine had no problem sewing through and top-stitching the multiple layers. (I used a Schmetz Stretch needle 90/14 and Mettler polyester thread).
I love the seam details in this jacket (great for
My Sewing Notes
The only adjustment I made to the pattern was to add 2 inches in the body length. (I’m 5 ft 10 inches, therefore that’s a standard addition for me). I did not add to the sleeve length and they are plenty long enough.
I used a 2-way zipper for the front opening for convenience, (2 inches longer than suggested) and have “zipper-by-the-yard” which I used for the pockets.
I love this type of zipper because I can cut them to any length I need. I zig-zag stoppers at each end with my sewing machine so that I don’t pull the slider off unintentionally. (I’ve done it.) (I keep black, white and cream in my sewing room.)
The zippers are ready to sew along the first side. Note that with the slider off to the end, I didn’t have to worry about sewing around it. No wobbly seam :).
I used my quarter inch piecing foot for much of the straight stitch seaming and top-stitching. The marks along the sides of the foot show 1/4 inch, and 3/8 inch which is the seam allowance for this jacket. (Don’t select a zig-zag stitch while this foot is attached!!!!!!)
The sewing went smoothly and the jacket fits me well. I haven’t worn it yet, this winter has been too cold, but I will this spring.
Jacket & Hoodie 2795
This pattern has the option of a hood or a collar/hood combo. Our weather can be cold and blustery, consequently, I went with the collar/hood. The hood is nicely shaped and is comfortable to wear. I also like the position of the pockets and the wide lower band. No cold winds are going to get inside this jacket.
My Sewing Notes
I added 2 inches in the body length so needed a 2 inch longer zipper. I like 2 way zippers for convenience, as I often have “stuff” in my pant pocket.
This was my first time sewing with a fleece as stretchy as this Power Stretch, so, as a result of a few challenges, I applied a few techniques to help me along.
Here’s what the pocket welt looked like when I zig-zag basted the edges together, even after slipping tissue paper underneath. No.
I turned to my Heat
I fused 1 inch wide strips of
I also used the Heat
I used Wonder Tape to fuse the zipper into place before sewing with the machine which resulted in no shifting at all.
My top-stitching on this jacket was all done using Sulky 12 weight cotton thread and a Schmetz 100/16 top-stitch needle. I had a few skipped stitches in thick areas but they’re not noticeable.
I’ve already had a lot of opportunities to wear this jacket because of our wintery weather, due to it’s lightweight and its smooth outer finish which makes it easy to slide into a thicker outer coat, and the hood is a real asset.
Jackets by Jalie, in Conclusion
Please check out all the other posts and blogs involved in this Basically Jalie Blog Tour, and let me know if this has been a helpful article. Most of all, remember, “sharing is caring”. 🙂
GIVEAWAY!
Are there some Jalie patterns you’ve been itching to get? Now’s your chance to WIN YOUR JALIE WISHLIST! Head over to Jalie’s website, create an account, add your favorite patterns to your wishlist, and complete the rafflecopter form below (patterns must be added by February 12, 2019 11:59pm EST to be eligible). Incomplete entries will be eligible for fabric prizes only.
For extra entries, join our Jalie sewalong! Make a Jalie “basic” between January 28 and February 12 and share it on Instagram with hashtag #basicallyjalie and/or in the Basically Jalie Album in the Sewing with Jalie Facebook group.
We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who have teamed up to provide the following prizes (please stop by their shops and show them some love!):
Grand Prize (Worldwide) Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $100 CAD in patterns! Discovery Trekking Outfitters – One (1) x 50 USD gift card D&H Fabrics co. – One (1) x $50 USD gift card
Sewalong Prize (Continental USA only) Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $25 CAD in patterns! The Sewciety – One (1) Subscription box (value: $48 USD) Simply By Ti – One (1) x $20 USD gift card
Sewalong Prize (Worldwide, excluding Continental USA) Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $25 CAD in patterns! PatternReview.com – One (1) x $30 USD gift card Discovery Trekking Outfitters – One (1) x 50 USD gift card
(Note: gift cards exclude shipping unless otherwise stated on sponsor website) a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blogger Lineup
Be sure to visit these talented sewing bloggers during the tour:
Wednesday, Feb 6 – The Petite Sewist | auschick sews | Replicate then Deviate | Deepika Blogs
Thursday, Feb 7 – Sew What Yvette | Sew Cucio | Shalini’s Sewing Space | Curtiepie | A Jennuine Life
Friday, Feb 8 – SeamsLikeStyle | It’s Liesel | SewSophieLynn | Danvillegirl Sewing Diary | Skirt Fixation
Monday, Feb 11 – The Crafting Fiend | Sprouting JubeJube | its sew colorful | Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing
Tuesday, Feb 12 – All Things Katy! | BigFlyNotions | needle and the belle | Zoopolis
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Wow! Your softshell jacket is fantastic! I’m going to put it on my future to-do list for when I get more experienced.
Thank you Rebecca, don’t be afraid to make one, the softshell fabric is easy to sew, and the instructions for the jacket are excellent.
What a great post Yvette! So much information !
Thank you Jane, I love to share my sewing discoveries.
I have both those patterns on my wish list and am excited to discover a Canadian source for technical fabric. And in my own province 🙂
Great patterns Rena, and the fabric is almost on your doorstep 🙂
I love your jackets!
Thank you sew much 🙂
Yvette – that softshell jacket is gorgeous. How versatile it would be as a travel garment! Your comments are very helpful, too. Have you considered doing a workshop on sewing outwear like this? I’ll be there!
Hi Hyacinthe, yes, it would make a great travel garment, just roll it up and go. I’d love to do a workshop on that Jacket, hmmmmmmm
Love your choice of colours and patterns. I was curious as to how easy it is to sew with Power Shield–I think I’m ready to jump in!
do it Lynn, you won’t regret it 🙂
Love the lines on the first jacket pattern and high neck. It looks like something I could wear on a chilly morning when Dragon Boating. Plan to purchase pattern if/when available.
Hi Carol, the fabric AND the pattern are readily available. I wore the jacket last week when it turned mild, with a sweater on underneath it was war, water-proof, windproof, wonderful.
Love you jackets!
Thank you!
Great tip about using the fusible to stabilize the fabric.
Thanks Terri, trial and error 🙂
I love your jackets! And I love your tips for sewing the welts. I serged mine instead of basting it, but I can see how just using some fuse inside would make that process even easier! I think I’ll also put some stabilizer around my pockets next time! I did put stabilizer on my zipper openings rather than using wondertape on the zipper, and then marked with chalk where the seams needed to align.
Thank you sew much! I also used chalk (and forgot to mention it) to be sure the seams at the zipper lined up.
Your jackets look great! It looks super professional. I had never heard of Discovery Trekking Outfitters either and I’m super happy to add another bookmark to my “Fabric Stores in Canada” list. I’ve used a few Jalie patterns and have one in particular that I use all the time. It is awesome the range of sizes they have so I can sew for the whole family with only a couple patterns.
Thank you, Alison! And, yes, be sure to check out the Discovery Trekking Outfitters website, there’s some great info there.
Yvette, thank you for sharing your experience of sewing these 2 jackets. My favourite is the fushia which looks awesome on you!!! I have taken notes and will definitely be making this one….
Thank you Suzanne, I’m in love with the Fuscia one, too, and even my hubby mentioned that he hadn’t noticed it before. That means it caught his attention, lol. 🙂
Thanks for your review and construction tips for the two patterns. I just bought some Windpro Stretch from Discovery Trekking and have been trying to decide between these patterns. Other than the zipper pockets on one and the hood on the other, did you find any noticeable differences in fit or construction? I’m leaning toward 2679 Softshell Jacket.
Also, do you have an online source of your separating zippers in Canada?
Thanks!
Thanks for the tips on the soft shell jacket! That may be my level up project this year. I appreciate the fabric sourcing suggestions. That is one of my biggest sewing challenges as all my fabric is from online shops. The jacket looks great on you 🙂
Thank you Marsha! If you have any questions about the fabrics at Discovery Trekking, just phone them. They know their stuff.
Loved reading about your jackets, especially the softshell one – I haven’t sewn with that typed of fabric before. Stay warm!
And that fabric was soooooo easy to work with 🙂
These are beautifully sewn! Excellent fit! Thanks for the zipper zigzag stops tip!
Thank you, Emily, it’s my pleasure 🙂
Wow, talk about topnotch! So gorgeous ♥️
Thank you Becky 🙂
Yvette beautiful sewing work on this jacket. Love the colour on you too!!
Thank you Heather, I do like to wear bright colours 🙂
Good job! Looking sharp!
Thank you 🙂
Your work is amazing! These jackets are incredible. You are one talented seamstress!
Thank you sew much! I LOVE to sew!
I love the Softshell Jacket 2679. You did a fantastic job on both jackets.
Thank you, Rose! I’ll be using that pattern again, I’m sure. I wore it a few times this past week when the temps rose a bit, and with a fleece sweater on underneath, I was toasty warm.
Impressive work! Jalie patterns is amazing!
Thank you sew much 🙂
Thanks for doing a review of the two patterns. I just purchased some Windpro Stretch from Discovery Trekking and have been trying to decide which of these patterns to use. Other than one having zip pockets and the other having a hood, do you have any other thoughts on fit and style of these? I’m leaning toward 2679 Softshell Jacket.
Also, do you have a Canadian online source of your separating zippers?
Thanks! I’ll be referring to this post when I get going on it.
Thank you Christine, I loved both patterns and couldn’t make up my mind, which is why I sewed both for the tour. The sleeves are long, so check that before you cut. As for the zippers, and lots of other notions, I’ve been buying from https://www.cleanersupply.ca/Tailoring/Zippers/Jacket/ykk-5-molded-plastic-two-way-jacket-zipper/
thank you for the zipper source!
The details in both of your jackets are spectacular! I keep thinking about getting the zipper tape like that but always second guess if I use enough zippers (of the same color) to be worth it…
Thanks Nikki! As for the zippers, that’s why I only keep three colours around, I can fill my sewing room pretty easily.
Your top stitching game is on point!! Great jackets
Thanks Kelly, years of practice and great sewing machines.
You look so nice and cozy in your jackets! Great sewing!
Thank you Jennifer, they’re just as cozy as they look 🙂
OH MY GOSH! These are amazing! Make me one. They are so well done. I feel intimidated but I’ve added the patterns to my wish list.
Thank you Laura! They, like any journey, were accomplished by “one step at a time”.
I need to remember to get Heat n Bond! Great tips!
Thank you Shalini, Hean ‘n Bond is a versatile sewing notion, and I keep lots of it around, even cutting my scraps into 1 inch wide strips.
Those are beautifully done. Imagine how much wear you’re going to get out of them this spring!
Thank you Andrea, and Spring can come along anytime now 🙂
that jacket looks great! perfect spring jacket! I hope you are lucky enough to be having the weather to match!
Thank you Jeanine, but we’re bracing for yet another winter storm, 25 to 35 cm of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain. Maybe next month 🙂
Love your jackets, and your detailed post! I have been eyeing both of these patterns for years. Do you have a preference? Is one a little better to wear? One maybe a little easier to sew?
Thank you Clare. Of the 2, I’m going to get more wear from the Softshell Jacket, and might make another with the hood of the other pattern.
Thanks!
I love your jackets! I’ve had the pattern for 2679 forever, but have been a bit intimidated and didn’t have the right fabric. I literally made my first order at Discovery Trekking an hour ago, to make Jalie 2680 (the City Coat), and now I wish I’d added some Power Shield to my cart! Well done!
Thank you Tracy, I think Discovery Trekking’s fabrics are a great asset to our sewing community. I hope you enjoy your purchase.
What a nice comparison! I’ve never made a Jalie jacket, though I’ve eyed them much!
thank you Liesel, it was a good experience for me to make them both.
HI Yvette! Thanks for your detailed post. It will come in handy as I start to work on Jalie 2679. I do have a question that I hope you can answer. Since I don’t have a serger, I will be sewing the jacket on my sewing machine. Can I use a straight stitch for the seams and topstitching, or do I need to use a stretch stitch like the lightning bolt? Thanks in advance!!
good morning Tanya! 🙂 That’s a GREAT question, thanks for asking. You can use a lightning stitch, slightly lengthened, or a short narrow zig-zag. Test them both on scraps first, then decide. Your top-stitching should be fine as a straight stitch, I suggest though, that you loosen off the top tension just a bit, and lengthen your stitch. Good luck!
Thank you, Yvette, for your help! I’m ordering the fabric this week, and I’m looking forward to getting started. I will be sure to do lots of test sewing first! 🙂
Hi Yvette! I finally finished my 2679 jacket and I love it. I kept coming back to this post while I was sewing – it was such a help! Thank you!!
Somehow my name got misspelled. It’s Tanya, not Tanta. Oh auto correct… 🤣
thank you so much Tanya, I’m glad it was useful!