Jalie’s Claudette 4451

I LOVE Jalie’s Claudette 4451,  and it brings back great memories.  When I was a teen, my mom (who was my mentor and a fantastic sewist) made me a shirtdress.  It was corduroy, the softest narrow-wale corduroy in a warm rust colour.  Unfortunately, I grew out of it far too quickly.  And I have no pictures.  I rarely wear dresses these days, but the idea of a new classic shirt style really appealed to me.

This is one of the new patterns Jalie introduced this Spring; here’s a link to Chantal, another one I really like.

My first sew was done using a bold black and white even plaid in a linen/cotton blend.  It’s thick, cozy, and warm.  More of a jacket than a shirt. A “Shacket”?

I worked hard at matching and balancing the plaid.  Notice that the front pockets blend in perfectly, and the flaps are on the bias?  I used Cam-snaps for all the closures.

The back yoke was cut on the bias, too, which eliminated having to try and match it to the lower back.

I fussy cut the pocket so it matches perfectly, then cut the flaps on the bias for fun and contrast.

The top-stitching on the cuff is a nice accent.  You can see the interesting weave of the fabric in this photo.

A close-up view of the collar and neck.

This was a new way for me to make a sleeve plaquette, quite different, and it went together well.

I had a lot of fun making Jalie’s Claudette and there is at least another in my future.  Have you sewn this pattern yet?  What are YOUR impressions?  I’d love to hear from you!