Jamming in My New Jameela Jacket

Introducing Jameela, a fun stylish jacket from Sewing Masin.

The Jameela offers lots of great options for creating your own custom jacket. There are two length options: cropped like you see here, or a longer hip-length option. Both choices offer detailed styling and easy-to-wear versatility.

The jacket is a quick, interesting sew. It is an unlined jacket with interesting top-stitch detailing and creatively designed oversized welt pockets. It has a burrito style back yoke which is always fun to sew and "reveal", as well as a box pleat at the back.

The cropped version comes with a sleeve placket and sleeve cuff that finish off the jacket with nicely designed added details. The styling gives it that perfect versatility to be dressed up for work, worn out for a date night, or styled casually for errands. It is definitely a go-to everyday jacket.

Jameela is a woven pattern but I chose to create mine in a light-weight ponte knit. I think this version of the Jameela will offer a great option for travelling. It will pack easily, won't crease and I will be able to pair if with a huge variety of makes, making it the perfect travel capsule feature.

The jacket sewed up easily using a knit. I had to be careful with the pockets as they stretched a littled bit and I didn't want them to droop too much, so I cut them down a bit to keep the shape. In hindsight, I would have put a bit of interfacing on the pocket front to give it a bit more structure. The large lined, welt pocket is creatively designed and fun to sew together. I really like the angled design of the pocket and how nicely the welt and lining come together.

I laid out this knit geometric pattern in fun ways for added interest and impact. As this was a two way stretch I was able to play around with the pattern placement. I cut the back yoke and pockets on the bias and cut the pocket welt and button placket in the oppositive direction of the main bodice pieces. I think the overall result offers an interesting chic design and it eliminated pattern matching which was an added bonus.

I know that I will be wearing my Jameela Jacket often. I look forward to posting it on my Instagram feed, featured with a variety of pants, skirts and tops; encapsulating the perfect mix and match travel wardrobe.

Without a doubt I will be making more Jameela Jackets. I am already envisioning a cream linen jacket with colourful topstitching to welcome in the spring, and it will make a great denim jacket with faux leather or suede pocket and collar features.

After all.... there is Sew Much To Design.

Happy Jacket Sewing,

Lou Sheffer

• Jackets and Cardigans