Yup, you read that correctly! This jacket has been made using a curtain – let me explain. I won the Papercut Patterns Bellatrix Blazer in Kat‘s giveaway last year. I had a pretty good idea it would look pretty fabulous on the Daughters, and I especially liked the cropped version.
Thankfully I have a lightbox, because I needed it to trace the pattern! For this first go I was going completely by the book & Daughter No2’s measurements. With a new pattern I like to keep it simple and see where I need to alter, & I like to do the whole thing according to the instructions, so I can decided where I’d do things differently. On the whole, the pattern went together really well. One thing I don’t like is a bagged lining, so that’s definitely going to be changed when I make the “real thing”. I will also be lengthening the sleeve by about 8cm (Daughter No2 has orangutang arms).
I made the toile from a sturdy cotton jaquard curtain fabric to replicate what it may be like in a wool or maybe a thick twill. Considering there is no interfacing in it, I think it stands up quite well. Of course there is always a hitch… I put it all together & then did a fitting. Daughter No2 immediately went into raptures & wanted to wear it as is – “I like it, the colour is cool, the fabric is cool…” Really?? It’s a CURTAIN!! I have a serious problem – I am incapable of saying the word “No”. So I looked doubtful instead & said, there’s no interfacing – it needs to be lined…
But there was no dissuading her. So I retrofitted the lining – no easy feat, I can tell you! There is no understitching on the collar, no stay-tape & actually no fastening either, but she thinks its fab & went out in it tonight… I guess I’d better get cracking on the proper one now, but I’ll take my time, afterall, she has a new jacket already! 🙂
But before she gets another blazer, I need my Jungle attire!
p.s. I gave in to temptation & made this version…
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 
This looks SO CUTE and definitely not like a toile! I love love love it! Your daughter looks so adorable!
Thanks Sonja! We are full of plans for lots of these!
The blazer looks great. Definitely not remind me of a curtain 🙂
Thank goodness! 🙂 Of course she had to tell her friends last night that it was from a curtain panel, & they didn’t believe her..
What a great jacket! Funny what Daughters take a liking to. 🙂
Too right! 🙂 I have so many fabric that would look fab in this pattern!
It looks fab and definitely not as if it came from a curtain panel. it fits her like a glove 🙂
The overall fit is great, I just need to lengthen the shoulders & that sleeve!
It looks great. Forget what ‘wasn’t’ in there and what should have been done and just be happy that she likes it enough to wear. You must have had occasions where you have worked for days and been told they didn’t like it too?
I’m looking forward to your jungle make 🙂
I’m really lucky with Daughter No2, she likes everything! It’s her sister who’s the fuss-pot. I’m not overly fussed about the curtain, I just know it would look so much better with some structure! Anyways, I will definitely be making more. 🙂
It looks fabulous and you’d never guess it started life as a curtain! I can see why she loves it.
Thanks Vikki! Here’s hoping she likes the other versions the same, if not more!
What a fabulous jacket and what a fabulous response from your daughter! I wish my eldest was as enthusiastic!
Funny, my eldest can be “offish” too. It all depends on how much input she’s had. Luckily I have a much better handle of Daughter No2’s dress style.
Ahh to be young again and not care about how a garment was made, just how it looks!! 😀 You did such a stellar job on this, and it does look really great on her, it’s no wonder she snapped it up! ^__^