Ponte Blazer

Pattern: McCall's Unlined Jacket M6519
Fabric: 2 yds ponte knit
Cost: $30



What a bummer it must be, I thought as I stood at the mirror, adjusting my jacket hem, to not be able to make your own clothes. To be at the whim of the department store, and whatever colors are in season. To have a too long torso and no recourse, or to prefer a different sheen... 

Maybe it's the control freak in me, but I can't stand to pay department store prices for a jacket that's just not right. And while the things I make don't always fit me as well as the department store version, it is so much fun to pick out every aspect of the thing I'm making - from the fabric and buttons all the way down to the hem length and the sleeve cap.

This process was abundantly clear in this jacket, a simple blazer for work. In the re-drafting process, I changed everything from the length to the cut, shifting the shape from cropped and boxy to hip-length and close-fitting. Instead of a woven fabric, I used a stable ponte knit, which is so comfy and makes the look a tad bit more casual - perfect for regular wear. During the process I nipped and tucked, taking the shoulder seam back 1/2 inch, playing with the hem length depending on what inspiration I found on Pinterest, and adding buttons where there were none. The result? Much better!



You may think from all the tweaking I've done that McCall's M6519 is an ill-fitting pattern, but I actually love it. I bought it for the one-piece collar, which is more of a shawl collar than a blazer but with a notch cut out for that "blazer" look. The fact that it's unlined makes it a breeze to put together. While I have spent hours making a more proper blazer, this pattern is a heckuva lot easier, while still pulling off that classic look. I don't know about you, but I'm all for shortcuts when the result is just what I've been wanting.


As for the fabric, I've been seeing ponte blazers all over the place lately, and I loved the drape and ease of wearing. It feels less "stuffy" to me than putting on a full suit for work, and is as comfy as a t-shirt for long days in the cube'. That and the fact that it's summer now, so this will be the perfect lightweight jacket for heading to the office (it's San Francisco - ALWAYS bring layers).

The funny thing is, I attempted to make another unconventional blazer a few years ago - a sweatshirt blazer. I don't think I interfaced it? And the stretch was more than I could handle. It's amazing what a couple years difference makes!


17 comments:

  1. I love this blazer! Yeah, isn't nice to have unlocked the (not so very) secret magic of being able to make exactly what you want?! I need a couple more ponte jackets like this, I made one for that Fabric contest we were in, but the fabric ended up pilling like a butt after a few washes. Great job with a perfect little blazer!!

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    1. I hear ya Kathy re the pilling thing. I made a pair of pants with ponte & it looks dreadful after 3 wearings. I wonder if there are different grades of ponte?

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  2. I love this so much. Although I can't redraft a pattern, I'll keep hoping that someone offers a similar pattern.

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    1. Republique du Chiffon also has a blazer with a shawl collar (http://www.republiqueduchiffon.com/store/product/5). To make a pattern designed for a woven more snug-fitting and perfect for a knit, I sometimes just size down a size or two. Making up a muslin can also help!

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  3. I love it! I've been kind of looking into patterns for a ponte blazer... I am such a sweater person but sometimes I want to step it up just a little bit! This jacket really looks great on you, the color and cut are perfect!

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  4. I have wanted a ponte blazer for a long time now. I love the shape of that collar. Awesome job!

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  5. Wow is just love this jacket!! You are making me really want to try a ponte knit jacket too! It is perfect on you! We'll done!

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  6. Love it!
    I've been totally scheming to make myself a similar blazer. But I guess sitting in my queue doesn't really equal actually getting made. Anyway, looks awesome!

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  7. So cute!!! This fit is great, and I totally agree about the fun of choosing every aspect of the garment, even if it's not constructed quite as well as store bought. Yours looks stellar though! Love ponte for blazers! In fact I have a partially finished one that I really should get out and get done! Oh well - someday ;)

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  8. i love this! i made a ponte knit blazer quite a while ago and it gets worn a lot. how clever to have a noched collar like yours! sometimes a "shortcut" is just the ticket. and i completely agree with you--it's quite liberating to know that i can make exactly the garment i want/need without being subject to whatever RTW happens to be available.

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  9. Sooo cute! And I like the pattern you used too!

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  10. Very nice! Now I think I need a ponte blazer, too!

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  11. Love it! I've had M6519 on my mind for awhile...I made a ponte blazer before but it was just a bit too big to be really comfortable.
    I have a Kelly green (yummmm!) one planned for the PR mini wardrobe contest!

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  12. Love This! I desperately need some blazers for work. Yours looks so good and comfortable, too.

    I'm in quirky Peach's Summer Stashbust, too. So great that she has it set for 3 months. That is so do-able.

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  13. This looks great! I made a draped blazer out of a knit a few years ago and it did not turn out that well. Live and learn!

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  14. Your jacket looks great and really comfy! Nice job! I'll have to check out that pattern.

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