I've been struggling to commit to a pattern for this lovely Burgundy corduroy I bought for my birthday back in October, but after seeing several lovely versions of the Paola I knew this was the one! I took a risk & learned a new skill with this and lined the Paola! View & Sizing:Like all Fabrics-Store.com patterns, the sizing for the Paola is grouped, and I made the 0/2 (XS) size. Normally I make some adjustments to FS patterns, but after looking at the finished garment measurements I decided not to make any mods! I replaced the upper pockets with flaps, and I used the pockets from the M6044 mens button down. I originally wanted to make welt pockets on the bottom, but my machine was being a turd and I was already learning a new skill with lining the jacket, so I decided not to push my luck. Materials:The outer 100% cotton corduroy is from Blackbird Fabrics, as are the copper jeans buttons. The flannel lining is from Salt Lake Sewciety, and the arm lining is a rayon from the LA Fashion District I picked up last summer. The sunflower inner pocket patch is from JoAnns and is a canvas. The labels are from Intensely Distracted! Construction:In order to line the Paola Work Wear Jacket, I followed the Helen's Closet tutorial for lining the Pona Jacket. I also watched the Friday Pattern Company video on lining the Ilford Jacket. However, the Ilford Jacket has the button placket built into the front pieces, whereas the Pona Jacket uses a similar facing piece as the Paola. This is super important because it impacts how the lining is attached. Ultimately, you can line the Paola following step by step the instructions in the Helen's Closet tutorial, which I highly recommend. I created separate pattern pieces for the front and back lining, by excluding the neck and front facing pieces and the hem length. The Helen's Closet tutorial explains how to do this. For the sleeves, I used the same sleeve piece but folded up the hem when cutting the lining. I had some people reach out on IG about how to get perfectly rounded pockets, since the FS instructions for the Paola show rectangle pockets. I used a trick from other patterns, and I did a row of basting stitches 3/8" from the raw edge, and pulled the bobbin thread to pull up the rounded edges, which I then ironed flat (similar to gathering stitches). Works great every time! While I like the pockets as I made them, I do plan to make another version that has either slanted pockets (like the Kelly Anorak) or welted pockets. If the jacket were a little longer then I could get my hands in the patch pockets more easily, but I'm definitely putting a lot of strain on the lower pockets as is. I constructed the outer pieces first, following the Paola tutorial, but I omitted finishing any seams. Instead I trimmed all the seams and pressed them open to reduce bulk. Then I constructed the lining, which was super fast. Here are the two pieces before I combined them: Below are some progress pictures as I attached the jacket to the lining. Again, I just followed the Helen's Closet tutorial step by step. I attached them all around with a 3/8" SA. Final Thoughts:I absolutely LOVE this jacket! The corduroy is a dream to work with. I think this will be the perfect spring/fall jacket and a great winter layering piece. I like that it is a boxy fit, but there's a lot a lot of potential to take in seams and get a more form-fitting jacket. I am quite surprised that at 5'3" I didn't need to shorten the jacket or the arms at all. I've seen some folks say they wish they tapered the arms to a smaller wrist circumference, I agree this would be nice, but with a decorative lining I want the option to fold the sleeves up. If I made an unlined version I would taper the sleeves.
I also love that this pattern is FREE and incredibly customizable. I already have ideas for several more, and I'm sure I'll come back to this pattern a lot in the Spring and Fall!
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About FrancescaI got my first sewing machine middle school, circa 2005 (although I don't remember learning much in the way of sewing). After a long hiatus, I was reunited with my machine in 2019. I re-entered the hobby through gear-making, and have been crafting a handmade wardrobe since late 2020. I have a real affinity for comfy clothes (secret pajamas) and all the colors! Archives
August 2023
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