Monday, February 19, 2018

Testing, testing: Chalk and Notch Joy Jacket + Giveaway


Chalk and Notch has released the Joy Jacket pattern!


I was really excited to test this cool, casual jacket. Such lovely details on this drapey, lined, raglan sleeve jacket. That collar!! 


Here's how Gabriela at Chalk and Notch describes it:
The Joy Jacket is a fully lined, relaxed fit, mid-weight jacket. The center front zipper is exposed, and both views offer optional drawstrings at the neck and hem. View A has a wide collar and View B has a hood. The square patch pockets and angled patch pockets are interchangeable for both views.

And the story behind the Joy Jacket is really special, too. It's named in honor of Emily's late mother, Joy, and the pattern is based off of a jacket of hers. Read more about this touching tribute in the Chalk and Notch pattern release blog post.


So, I have a sewing confession: I'd never actually sewn a fully lined jacket before this. As such, this was a pretty exciting project for me! Wow, bagging a jacket lining is like MAGIC! I felt like a wizard. I was Hermione for a few minutes there as I pulled the jacket through that little hole in the sleeve lining, and it felt damn good.


The lining is rayon challis from my stash, a yard-sale purchase from last summer. You might remember it from another Chalk and Notch pattern test; I used it for my Fringe Dress, too!


My army-green 2-way antiqued brass zipper was purchased from Wawak, along with some tricot interfacing. That was my first time ordering from Wawak- the package came soooo fast! I am a convert.


My main fabric is a 55% linen/45% rayon blend, Robert Kaufman Brussels washer linen in O.D. green from Hart's Fabric. Having used this substrate a couple times before (see Lottie and Zeena) I knew it would be perfect for the Joy Jacket pattern. I love this fabric so much: the beautiful earthy, slubby texture of linen, mixed with the killer drape of rayon. Yes.


I chose a size 16 blended to a size 16/18 at the hip, with no other fit changes, and I am really happy with how it fits! The Joy Jacket is quite an easy fitting jacket, but Gabriela has added some nice features to help perfect the shoulders. The two-piece raglan sleeve has a bit of extra seam allowance to help get the curve right for different shoulder shapes. 


I love the angled way the collar attaches to the bodice of the coat... and the angled, lined pockets are awesome, too. The angle is just right; you never want to take your hands out of them.


The Joy Jacket pattern includes an option for a grommets and a drawstring at the collar (or hood) and hem. I didn't include them on mine, although when I make the jacket again, I will definitely try to find coordinating grommets! A little bird (well, Gabriela) told me that Chalk and Notch will be selling hardware kits for the Joy Jacket to make sourcing coordinating findings easier.


I really love this jacket and can't wait to make another. My husband was super jealous, too, when I enthusiastically showed him the finished product. He wants one now, too! I actually think the Joy Jacket could work really well for a man with a few fit adjustments. I told him not to hold his breath, though!


Here come the fun part: Gabriela has generously given me one copy of the Joy Jacket pattern to give away to a lucky reader! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter!