At first I wasn’t terribly sold on the Victoria blazer by By Hand London. It just felt a little too late 80’s – early 90’s to suit my style, and I’m not usually a fan of boxy clothing on my torso. However, I’ve been swayed by many cute versions popping up on the blogosphere, so when I ordered the Anna dress pattern (stay tuned for a couple versions of it coming up!), I figured I would save on shipping and added the Victoria to my shopping cart. I’m so glad I did!
I made up the Victoria in off-white linen, fully lined in the same fabric. (Like many, I opted to add a lining to the sleeves). I actually intended to line it with a fun blue batik print, but I didn’t want there to be any chance of the blue bleeding onto the white linen in future washes, so I put the batik in the washing machine one more time before cutting the blazer. And then I wasn’t patient enough to wait for it to come out of the wash so I went ahead and cut the lining out of the linen as well. I’m actually happy with the results of my impatience this time, as a very basic jacket will be easier to fit into my wardrobe. The linen came from my stash. It’s had a previous life as my mom’s curtains and then another life as a fabric headboard, so it’s been around the block, but it’s still in lovely shape. Given that it has a bit of drape, I thought that it had synthetic fiber in it, but it irons beautifully on the hottest setting and a burn test burns like a natural fiber, so I might be wrong.
The only other adjustment that I made to the pattern was to taper the shape of the front lapel from a square to a soft triangle (thanks to The Quirky Peach for the idea!). I’ve always been a cardigan sort of gal so this is the first blazer in my closet. I must admit, I’m already planning a few more. I love the cropped length (I think the long version may remain too boxy for me), and I think it would be really fun in some crazy fabric.
Because the Anna dress pattern fit me right out of the envelope (like I said, coming soon), I went ahead and sewed up this jacket right out of the envelope. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit across my shoulders. I can wear it, and will wear it, but it’s not as comfortable as it should be and doesn’t hang perfectly. (That’s what I get for not doing a muslin). So, broad shouldered ladies beware, you might want to go up a size (or two). The sleeves also dig into my elbow when I bend my arms, so I’ll add an inch in sleeve length the next time I make them as well. (Since I always add 2 inches to sleeves, I should have known better here as well).
I don’t know why, but as soon as I tried on the finished blazer I knew that it would look fabulous with this necklace, one I rarely wear, but was given to me by a Maasai woman in northern Tanzania. Perhaps the combo of square necklace with boxy top? Regardless, I love it, and love the inspiration to wear this special necklace more often.
Comments 7
You really made a relaxed version of this jacket! I love it! perfectly matched with those wide legged pants. And yeah, great necklace!
I agree, that is a fabulous outfit – every detail is perfect! Beautiful work on the blazer!
Cute blazer! I like it with the loose pants you’re wearing. Your necklace is amazing! It really shines with the solid colors of your outfit. Awesome all around!
Love your Victoria Blazer! I recently ordered the Anna pattern as well, and now wish I had added to my cart! Looking forward to seeing your Anna’s… ~Laurie
This is a fabulous blazer!
This looks great! I really like the short over long style, and to think it started out as curtains. How Gone with the Wind is that?!!!
I’ve been tempted by this blazer too, so many great versions out there, including this one! I do really love it with that gorgeous necklace. Looking forward to seeing your Anna dresses!