Our first tailoring project
I am thrilled to be finally launching our Naomi Blazer workshop and pattern!
This blazer has been a long time coming. We've been working on this pattern for 18 months, with countless revisions, tweaks and toiles.
A lot of our designs focus on flow and volume, so we felt like there was something missing that could complement the range, something more smart, feminine, fitted, structured and ultimately special.
September is an ideal time to dive into a project like this. Taking your time to make your Naomi Blazer would mean you still have maximum wear for winter weather, and for those in warmer climates, it works beautifully in more breathable cottons and linens too.
Since this is a more challenging pattern, we have made sure that the workshop is comprehensive, well paced and thorough in guiding you through every part of the making journey (with over 4 hours of video content and photo guides!).
Design and details
Creating a silhouette that is both modern and fitted took priority in the design process. With 6 darts in total, I wanted to use fitted construction to double as design features - for example, the front darts run through the welt pocket to create a corset-like illusion. The darts and side seams create a curved hourglass shape which can be adjusted to fit your body shape perfectly.
The slanted chest pocket has been placed lower down the bust so that the pocket is really usable. You can put your sunnies or glasses in there easily without them interrupting the bust shape. The dropped pocket also elongates the torso and gives it a more modern feel.
We tweaked the collar and lapel shape relentlessly and I am so happy with the final result; the shape is wide and bold without being too much of a distraction or statement that takes away from the garment as a whole.
The rest of the blazer has your classic features like a back vent and a fitted two piece sleeve. I wanted the fit to feel like a glove but in a relaxed way - it should follow the contours on the body with a curve but still be comfortable and in no way restrictive.
You can size up or down depending on how you plan to style the piece, whether it's a fitted blazer to be worn with a single layer underneath or more as a jacket with multiple layers underneath. We would recommend making a toile first since to make sure your piece will fit you well before spending hours on the sewing process.
What you'll learn:
- Welt pockets
- Sewing darts
- Collar and lapel shaping
- Adding a back vent
- Inserting a two-piece fitted sleeve
- Adding shoulder pads and sleeve rolls
- Sewing an outer shell and lining shell
- Slip stitching
- Buttons and button holes
- Pressing
- Topstitching
This is a long term project that you can keep ongoing with other projects and is definitely one to take your time with. We encourage you to enjoy this process - sew slowly, enjoy the learning and not rush the details. This is a special piece that will take time, but will be so rewarding to create.
I do want to highlight that even though the blazer is one of our more challenging patterns, it is not meant to be intimidating in the slightest. If you've had a go at shirt or trouser making, you are very well prepared to make your own Naomi Blazer, especially with the workshop by your side.
In short, there's nothing to worry about.
I’m really so pleased to finally get this pattern and workshop out into the world. I’ve had lots of messages over the past few months asking about the launch so I know lots of you are excited too.
I can’t wait to see your Naomi Blazers!
Hetty x
