Now that it’s been nearly a year, I think I’ve finally processed making this blazer.
Last year after the Jasika Blazer was released I jumped on the bandwagon and made a “wearable” muslin. As in, it was wearable, but not particularly professional in real life, and at the time I had an interview scheduled, and I really wanted to wear a blazer, and I didn’t want to try to go and purchase one if I knew I could make one myself.
So the second one was made in just about a week, and I’m super proud. Also, I haven’t worn it since. More on that later.
The fabric for the main body of the blazer is a lightweight cotton from IKEA (Main fabric). Honestly too lightweight for it. Hindsight. The lapel is made with a brocade from Joann Fabrics (Option 1). Also not my favorite. When I moved, something must have caught on it, because there’s a big pull of thread on one side. And the lining is from stash.
Looking back at my Instagram posts that I made during this period, it seems to have been pulled together smoothly, and sure, it seems like I took a day off after I saw Avenger’s Endgame, but I didn’t announce to the world that anything went wrong, at least?
I remember wearing it made me feel both like a powerhouse, and self conscious when it buckled in weird places.
The first one was made from a true medium weight fabric, and so it stayed solid in areas that caved in this second one.
I also think I should have shortened it a bit further, and maybe used a different cup size, as when it’s buttoned I get some weird gaping between button and bust.
So you are seeing it unbuttoned, as that’s where I’m most comfy photograph-wise.
If it seems like I’m feeling down about it, I’m not. I’m proud of this blazer. I’m proud of the journey that both of them took me on, because I’m definitely more comfortable with speed-tailoring.
But I just don’t wear blazers in real life, I did not get the job that I interviewed for right after making this blazer, and that’s hard. The job that I’m currently working was possibly my next interview after the blazer one, and it involved an online interview, so I ended up wearing a nice sweater instead.
Plus, I just now tried on both blazers a year later, and they’re more snug at the waist than I’d prefer. We’ll see what happens when the world has reached an equilibrium again, but I think these might be destined for a thrift store.
I think it’s also that I’m really enjoying a more cropped silhouette for my upper body garments. And these blazers are full length, which hit me (in my eyes) at a weird place and makes me feel and look shorter.
But I learned so much, especially with this one, and the next time I make a blazer (that’s more my style) I’ll have the confidence to make it! Now that I’m up north, and I found a store that sells reasonably priced wool, I might even try to make a tweedy one! Not anytime soon, but you never know!