Shabby Chic Victoria Blazer

posted by Marie on Tuesday, July 02, 2013 113 comments

In the unlikely event that you haven't heard of the Victoria Blazer - By Hand London's third commercial pattern - I implore you to go check it out now! I've been sewing for over three years now, but I often tend to play it safe and shy away from 'difficult' projects. The Victoria Blazer is perfect in the sense that it's a surprisingly easy make, yet by the end of it...you've made a fully lined jacket!!! It's a great confidence-building pattern, but if you're still unsure about tackling it yourself, you're in luck - the By Hand London girls have just announced a sewalong!


As you can see, I opted for the cropped version in fear of the full-length blazer swamping my short frame, but I can see a longer version in my future for sure. I made a straight size 12 and I'm pretty happy with the fit, but I might be tempted to cut a size 10 next time - at least for the shoulders, armholes and sleeves.

I used a lovely aqua/minty linen for the shell of my blazer - which I won in an epic Megan Nielsen giveaway - and a beautiful stripy cotton for my lining.

The pattern itself has minimal pieces and is very cleverly constructed, with clearly written instructions which are nice and easy to follow.



I absolutely adore the flattering front dart detail and the collar/lapels come out so crisp, making you feel like such a clever stitcher. Although the pattern doesn't call for it, I chose to top-stitch my collar/lapels to stop the lining from peeking out and to help it hold it's shape better. 




Another detail I love about this pattern are the cute little cuffs, which I chose to make out of my lining fabric, but they can also be made form your main fabric if you want a more uniform look.



Look, I fully lined a jacket! I feel so clever...even if it was easy peasy! And the design of the blazer even makes me feel cool by default!



How do you feel about this pattern - made it already or tempted to give it a go? Perhaps you're a tailoring pro and have some advice for aspiring stitchers like myself...
Marie

Obsessed with stitching since 2009. Passionate about vintage styles yet mainly using contemporary patterns. Instigated the #VintagePledge to rectify this and help inspire others.

113 comments:

  1. Claire (aka Seemane)2 July 2013 at 11:17

    Marie, your jacket c'est tres chic :)!
    (P.S. Did you get my email about Threads Magazine issues hun?)

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  2. Elisalex2 July 2013 at 11:39

    Arrrrg I LOVE IT!!!! I think this is the most adorably feminine Victoria I've seen yet - and coming from you I wouldn't expect anything less! The colour and length is simple perfect on you, and I love how you've used the lining fabric to make the cuffs really pop. xxx

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  3. Roisin Muldoon2 July 2013 at 11:40

    This is SO pretty. I love this pattern and like you, am keen to make another one in a slightly smaller size just for a different look. And I hear their new pattern release is iminient - squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 11:58

      Thanks Roisin, especially for your advice on sizing in the first place ;o) I simply can't wait to see the new pattern!

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  4. Unknown2 July 2013 at 12:02

    I am totally tempted! The blazer looks amazing on you. The length is perfect for you, because it just finishes on your waist! And it is a great idea to use lining fabric for the cuffs, especially because yours is so pretty and great to show off!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 11:59

      Thank you Daniela, I'm pretty pleased with where the hem hits me and I'm not sure a longer length would be as flattering...but will probably go for it anyway ;o)

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  5. shivani2 July 2013 at 12:04

    so pretty! love the cropped length on you.

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  6. Katy2 July 2013 at 12:16

    Gosh, that's just gorgeous! LOVE IT, the colour suits you perfectly! I've just bought that pattern and I can't wait to sew it up.

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:00

      Thank you Katy, you'll rock this pattern for sure!

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  7. didyoumakethat2 July 2013 at 12:19

    Very nice. What I like about this pattern is that it makes a smart alternative to a cardie when you want to keep the air con chill off in an office. I am dying to make this, but forcing myself not to buy a new pattern until I've finished a certain dress...

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:01

      Yes, I definitely need to smarten my wardrobe up a little, so this is perfect! Can't wait to see that certain dress of yours all finished up by the way!

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  8. Claire2 July 2013 at 12:27

    The best version I have seen of this pattern so far! I love the colour and the lining finishes it off beautifully. This pattern is definitely on my to buy list.

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  9. Carlee2 July 2013 at 12:38

    I have to say I'm tempted now! Lovely make!!

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  10. Stevie2 July 2013 at 13:08

    Beautiful! I wasn't sure about this blazer but the cropped version is amazing... I think I may have to purchase. You look awesome in that blazer hun. I LOVE the minty linen! x

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  11. Clare Szabo2 July 2013 at 13:16

    This is so pretty, really love the styling too. I made this blazer last week and, I too, found it to be such a great, easy pattern despite being an actual blazer. Like you said, you feel dead clever afterwards! Gorgeous job xx

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:02

      Thanks Clare! You version is sooooo cool, like really, seriously cool!

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  12. Anonymous2 July 2013 at 14:06

    This is so pretty and I love that lining fabric, especially on the cuffs.

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  13. Anonymous2 July 2013 at 14:15

    This is amazingly summery... perfect for our UK mock summers! I'm turning my eye to this pattern after seeing your version and convinced that it's not too complicated. Hmmm can I squeeze it onto my sewing list and do the sewalong too?!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:03

      Honestly, it's not complicated at all! Go for it and if you're worried, try to follow the sewalong as I'm sure it'll be fab!

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  14. Jane2 July 2013 at 14:27

    Ah it's lovely Marie, so crisp and clean and totally gorgeous. I love your lining fabric too by the way. Really glad to hear from you (and others) that it's an easy make. I've bought the pattern and am planning to shamelessly copy Roisin and make a red one for autumn, maybe in the longer length. x

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:04

      Thanks Jane! The pattern is a total breeze and I think it would be rude for you not to make one in red ;o)

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  15. Kathryn2 July 2013 at 15:05

    This is gorgeous! I love the colours, and that contrastring cuff! I'm really looking forward to making this pattern up - going to take part in the By Hand girls sew-along for it which starts soon.

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:04

      Excellent, good luck! You'll love the result ;o)

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  16. Anonymous2 July 2013 at 15:27

    This is adorable! I love it! The color is just perfect on you, and the lining is so cute, too! Awesome job, girl!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:05

      Thanks Sonja! I can totally see you wearing this blazer by the way!

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  17. LLADYBIRD2 July 2013 at 15:42

    Super cute! Making the cuffs in the lining fabric - that's my favorite part :D

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  18. thequirkypeach2 July 2013 at 15:48

    Ooooh I love this cropped version! I have decided that is the best style for me in jackets - balances out the pear shape without hiding the waist :) Great fabric choices and excellent execution - I might have to put this on my wish list!

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  19. Roobeedoo2 July 2013 at 16:10

    Sharp!
    I love how you have contrasted the tailoring with the lace dress too :)

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:29

      Thanks lovely, I thought it would be a nice contrast!

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  20. Kim2 July 2013 at 16:46

    Very cute! I am really tempted to give this pattern a go, especially if there's a sew a long coming!

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  21. Cecili2 July 2013 at 17:41

    You look gorgeous, that mint colour is great on you!

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  22. Heather Lou2 July 2013 at 18:18

    cuuuuuuuuuute! But my darts look totally different. I think I did it wrong.

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:32

      Nope, on closer inspection, I think it's me who has done it wrong! I actually like how they look though, so not too bothered! Hehe...what a dufus I am!

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  23. Anonymous2 July 2013 at 19:27

    So cute. I love the blue and the floral lining. I really need to get this pattern. I think I would wear this type of blazer all the time. I have too many other projects at the moment but I'll get to it some day :)

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:39

      Thanks! Hope you get round to making it for yourself soon ;o)

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  24. Catherine Daze2 July 2013 at 20:59

    So fresh and pretty; very you!

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  25. niddetissus2 July 2013 at 21:36

    This is gorgeous - and makes me think twice about tackling another jacket!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:40

      There is no tackling involved with this pattern, that's how easy it is ;o)

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  26. Shannon2 July 2013 at 21:38

    Very cute jacket! Nice work!

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  27. Tasha2 July 2013 at 21:41

    That is absolutely darling on you and I LOVE that you used the lining as the cuffs. When you move around then you see little lining peeks and the whole thing just comes together. So so cool. And wonderful with that dress. I adore the whole thing!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:40

      Thanks so much Tasha, you're too kind!

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  28. Anonymous2 July 2013 at 22:23

    This is just gorgeous. I love the colours and the lining is just perfect. Lovely! I've just got to do the hand stitching on mine and I'm done!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:41

      Ooooh, you tease! Hurry up and finish it so we can see it already ;o)

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  29. Kat2 July 2013 at 23:49

    You are so clever! I can't imagine trying to make a jacket. Although all the gorgeous cropped versions I've been seeing of Victoria are making me a bit jealous. Love the colour & the lining. So pretty and girly!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:41

      Honestly Kat, this is a really easy pattern...go for it!

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  30. poppykettle3 July 2013 at 00:17

    Wow. I didn't swoon over this pattern much from the sketch of it, but this make of yours has completely made my head turn! Maybe it's because you've sewn it up in one of my FAVOURITE colours... maybe it's because your lining is awesome... maybe it's because it looks fabulous on you? (I'm in love with your dress, too). Which ever it is, this cropped jacket is fabulousness personified! You look amazing :)

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:41

      Thank you so, so much...you are such a cutie pie! Hope you give it a go too ;o)

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  31. Miss Crayola Creepy3 July 2013 at 00:27

    This jacket is so feminine and goes perfectly with your dress. I really need to get over my fear of making jackets because this pattern is adorable! XO

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:42

      This jacket is the perfect way to ease you in as it's soooo easy! I'd never made a jacket before either and was so scared...so if I can do it, anyone can!

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  32. Anonymous3 July 2013 at 00:52

    This looks so great! One of my favourites so far!!

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  33. Anonymous3 July 2013 at 01:00

    snazzy! totes tempted to have a go on this one now. :) Do you think a lightweight fabric or cotton would be ok for the shell? I have a funky print I would love to turn into a blazer hehe.

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:44

      Thanks Sarah! And yes, a lightweight cotton should work just fine, maybe line it with a quilting cotton to give it some structure. Can't wait to see your funky blazer!

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  34. Johanna3 July 2013 at 01:42

    It's gorgeous :) love the colour, the lining peeking out, everything! Well done! :D

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  35. Anna Christina3 July 2013 at 04:02

    I love, love, love this shabby chic look done this way. I don't think I would have ever put the pattern together with the feminine fabric or your dress, but it is so absolutely beautiful, I want to put you on my pinterest board.

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:44

      Pin me away Anna...hehe! Thanks so much for the kind words!

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  36. Nettie3 July 2013 at 04:32

    I love your version!! The material and color make it so different from the ones I've seen!

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  37. Cirque Du Bebe3 July 2013 at 05:54

    Spectacular! I like that you chose a crop length too. That color is so pretty. Very tempted now!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:45

      Thank you Sophie, you'd look amazing in this blazer...long or cropped ;o)

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  38. Scruffybadger3 July 2013 at 06:44

    Marie it's the most perfect shabby chic jacket....ever!! What a delicious combo of fabrics, adorable. Clever you :-)

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  39. Jenny3 July 2013 at 08:31

    Oh my goodness Marie this is sooooo cute!! I am such a fan of cropped blazers, and yours is no exception! The colour on you is perfect.... and with your dress... more perfect!

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  40. TheMaskedSparrow3 July 2013 at 08:50

    Lovely Jacket.

    And thanks. I have found a solution to sleeves cuffs on a dress I am making my reading this post. Sewing a line of topstitch around the bottom of the cuff, why didn't I think of that!!!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:46

      Yay, so glad this post has helped you figure out how to do your cuffs!

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  41. Tania3 July 2013 at 10:08

    Colours and fabric are shabby chic style- but sewing is definitely not shabby!! Looks really lovely x

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  42. ZoSews3 July 2013 at 12:36

    Verrrrry gorgeous jacket!

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  43. Anonymous3 July 2013 at 13:36

    So pretty! I love your fabric choices here, and the lining on the cuffs is a nice addition. You talked me into it at the meet-up and I bought myself a copy. The instructions make it seem very non-intimidating, yay!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:48

      Hehe, glad I managed to convince you...I have no doubt you'll rock this pattern!

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  44. Anonymous3 July 2013 at 14:11

    Arghh I really really want this pattern, I would try make so manyyy. Gah.. yours is adorable as usual:)

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  45. Clare S3 July 2013 at 15:37

    This is so pretty - great fabric choices and well-executed! :)

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  46. Erica3 July 2013 at 17:47

    Looks great Marie, well done! You've inspired me..I might even join the sewalong for this..! x

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  47. Adrienne3 July 2013 at 18:39

    Gooooorgeous!!!

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  48. honigdesign3 July 2013 at 18:46

    Gosh I loved this pattern the moment I saw it. Great job with the details and topstitching and the fabric combination is lovely.

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  49. midsummermellie3 July 2013 at 18:52

    I think everyone said it all so fresh and crisp. It looks so good on you as you style t so well

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  50. Anonymous3 July 2013 at 19:43

    Okay, I wasn't sold on this pattern at first, and a bit intimidated by the idea of a jacket, but you have totally convinced me. I love your version. I may just wait until their new pattern comes out though, then order them together.

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:50

      Good idea to order them together! I little jacket like this shouldn't intimidate you my dear...half the dresses you turn around are more complicated than this ;o)

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  51. Rachel4 July 2013 at 00:18

    Marie, this is so cute! The colour is great and it goes so well with a dress .... I am on the fence re: this pattern. Am worried it is too unstructured and that it might not look so good on me. But seeing yours makes me want one badly!!

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    1. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:51

      I think you should totally go for it! You can wear it with a fitted top or dress and then your shape will be nicely retained ;o)

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  52. Marie4 July 2013 at 12:49

    Thanks so much Rachel! I'm not a very brave stitcher either, but I promise that this is a relatively easy make!

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  53. BusyLizzie4 July 2013 at 13:09

    This is great and one of the best versions I have seen. I really liked the cropped version and think it would suit me best too. Sigh...another pattern to add to the ever growing wish list!

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  54. Adrienne5 July 2013 at 09:44

    I love how this is, like, only the third time I come over to drool at your jacket. One more time and I'll pretty much 110% sold on making an exact replica in brown. Gaaaaaah.

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    1. Marie7 July 2013 at 23:13

      Hehe, thanks for letting me know...and for coming back! Can't wait to see you rock a version of this!

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  55. dixie6 July 2013 at 04:39

    you are looking too cute for words in that outfit, marie! love the color, it's very spring/summery and the cropped length is perfect for those natural waist style dresses and skirts. this blazer is def on my to-sew-list.

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  56. Becca7 July 2013 at 17:18

    This is lovely! It's such a beautiful color and I love the lining fabric that you paired with it. Perfect for summer! Looks like I have another pattern to add to my list.

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  57. Kirsty10 July 2013 at 17:44

    Soooo pretty ! I love the accents on the sleeves. Looks awesome with your dress too :-)

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  58. Anonymous16 July 2013 at 23:55

    This is the cutest version yet! I love your choice of fabrics. And you have definitely sold me on the cropped version.... when I eventually get round to it! x

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  59. LindaLuxe26 October 2013 at 23:24

    I don't think you can say it's fully-lined if the sleeves aren't lined.

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