When @naturaldane and @onesewsweet announced the Black History Month Pattern Designers Challenge, I was excited. I wanted to try Style Sew Me patterns for a while and what a perfect time to do it. I got the Nikki blazer pattern and the Alise top, which is a current work in progress.
I used a green ponte knit for this version. I made the largest size and used smaller seam allowances. Mostly because I was worried that the sleeves wouldn’t fit but that wasn’t an issue; I should have just measures the pieces but I guess I was feeling lazy at the time. Even with the seam allowances as recommended and not in a knit fabric, it seems like the sleeves would be fine. Also, another thing about the sleeves is they are 2 piece sleeves. I adore a 2-piece sleeve.
I made no alterations for this version. The fit is okay, but for the next versions, I will shorten the bodice by about 2 inches, and add a bit more flare to the back skirt piece. I know that the sleeves are about an inch too long, but my preference is that they are longer so it’s unlikely that I would change it. A note that in the pictures, I am holding my remote so my hands disappear in a lot of the pictures. The sleeves hit about 1/3 or 1/2 of the way into my palm so a bit long but I like it that way.
I didn’t line this version since the knit is sewn on my serger and all the insides are finished anyway.
In terms of instructions, the pattern actually has very few. But there are youtube tutorials on it and the other patterns so anything that isn’t clear in the instructions is understood through the video tutorials.
I have already made a second version of the blazer. For this one, I added a bit more flare to the back peplum as sort of a faux full butt adjustment. I shortened the bodice by 2 inches. I do think that I could use a narrow shoulder adjustment but I keep forgetting and it’s not bothering me too much. The fabric is antique gold coloured faux leather and cotton lycra for the side panels and under sleeve due to fabric constraints. I hemmed the blazer with Heat N Bond Super hem and it is holding nicely in place. I also used the Heat N Bond to give a nice crisp edge to the collar pieces.
I made this one for the Day and Night Dress Challenge.
I also made my tassel necklace and the clutch (although to be real, the clutch isn’t quite done since it still needs lining and I haven’t found the strap I want to use for it.
The theme this year was to take a dress that you have in your closet that you don’t wear that often and make things that complete a day look and a night look. This Cashmerette Rivermont is actually the opposite of the dress requirements. I wear this one so often that I needed different looks for it. Mission accomplished.
The clutch is the Seamwork Valencia. It’s made with purple leather and green suede. Both of these are my first projects with faux or real leather aside from some leather patches on a jacket that I made ages ago. The sewing could be better on the Seamwork Valencia, but it could also be worse. Thank goodness for past me getting a teflon foot for my sewing machine. Also thank goodness for an amazing sewing machine with the Singer Heavy Duty 4452. ❤ Oh and I will be posting my review on the machine soon since it’s been a year with it.
The Valencia needed some piecing since the purple leather I had was a small remnant. The clutch has a magentic snap. Part of the reason I am also waiting to finish this is that the holes I cut for the magentic snap were cut a bit big. I think it will be okay but it would benefit from some reinforcement behind the snap just to ensure the hole doesn’t get bigger. I’m procrastinating on doing that. But I’m also not sure about the lining yet. Do you ever hesitate on small details like that? I even had a lining all ready and then went to put it in and was all….nope I don’t like that. I’ll figure it out. I might have to visit a remnant bin or two. Oh no fabric shopping! hahah.
I definitely don’t think this is my last leather/suede/faux leather project. I really want to make a small backpack with a combination of tan and more of the hunter green suede. We’ll see when I get around to that. I still haven’t found the perfect pattern for that.
TL:DR Review
- Pattern: Style Sew Me Nikki Blazer
- Pros: Princess seams in front a back, nice shaping. The sleeves are actually generously sized and didn’t require a large bicep adjustment at all.
- Cons: I can’t think of any cons! My length issue is because I am short, but that’s a common adjustment and easy adjustment for me.
- Make again?: Definitely. I want a woven version next!
- Rating:
5/5 stars
TL:DR Review
- Pattern: Seamwork Valencia
- Pros: An easy project for a first leather purse.
- Cons: No cons really.
- Make again?: Probably not. I don’t know how many clutches I would need!
- Rating: 5/5 stars
Andie Wells Studio 
Oh – I feel eligible to comment cuz I’ve just made this! 🙂 I agree that the removal of a couple of inches in the waist is a good idea. What I did – and I too have the boobs – was only shorten the back (because I find then I have the extra length to go over the boobs on the front body). Have you ever tried that? I’m searching for other peeps for whom this works. I too was surprised by how nicely (and slimly) the sleeves fit given that they look very large till you sew them up. And I concur that, for you, narrowing the shoulder would be a good idea for the next version. I used the shoulder pads (because for me it was necessary re:vertical height of the front piece leaves a bit of below shoulder hollowness. This is a thing I sometimes get when sewing jackets – I should look into what it’s called. It’s not that my boobs are deflating at the top (which is what I thought was causing the problem a couple of years ago). I actually think it’s more of a vertical than horizontal issue (and the shoulder pads ameliorate it by giving more height at the shoulder. Anyway, enough about me! For you I think removing a bit of the extra width in the shoulder would work well. I love your extra swish in the peplum and I think it’s very fun that you’ve made this in gold.
It does sound like the vertical length between your shoulder and bust line is shorter than what it is drafted in the pattern. I often make this adjustment, especially in collared garments because there it really doesn’t allow the collar to sit flat. I usually take a wedge out of the pattern from collar to armsyce across the top. It tends to need less removed for me closer to the armsyce, but you may need a uniform amount. Yes, definitely doing a narrow shoulder adjustment for next time. 🙂
Oh and I forgot the other question you asked. I find I need the length taken out of the front, too. I’m pretty short and short waisted so I generally need to remove torso length. 🙂