Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases made through these links will help support the blog at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your amazing support and please see my disclosure policy for more information.
I am so excited to finally being sharing this pattern with you. I love it, like really love it, and I think you will too. Let me tell you a bit about what makes the new Made for Mermaids Dionne Blazer Sewing Pattern a must make and show you the versions I created in testing. If you prefer to watch a video rather than read through the review, feel free to jump to the bottom of this post for my online pattern review.
I created three different looks during testing all using the long sleeve pattern pieces for the Dionne Blazer Pattern. Up first is the look inspired by this pin. The whole look is found on this blog…and can I just say, I am so happy I looked up this blog when writing this post because the woman pretty much has all my same style tastes. I am so excited to go back and look for more great ideas. Go check her out!
Clearly, I loved the look so much I even created a fun little clutch inspired by her bag. I really knew I wanted a faux leather blazer when I saw this pattern released into testing. I have had some in my stash for quite a while that I picked up for some leggings and never made. I am pretty sure it is stretch faux leather from Joanns but I have to be honest I am not 100% sure because it has been so long since I picked it up. This jacket is very fitted on the sleeve because this fabric has a little less stretch, but I absolutely love it. I used a faux suede scuba on the facing and that worked out well. I did not top stitch on the scuba, but rather on the leather side. My other versions are top stitched on the facing and you can see the difference. I personally like the top stitching better and think it holds the facing down better, so something to keep in mind.
My second version was a scuba from Joann and a ponte knit facing. Nothing too fancy, just a great basic. You can see that top stitching I was referring to here. I recommend keeping it 1/4 inch away from the edge so that it doesn’t get lost in the corners and cause you some frustration while sewing.
My final blazer during testing is my favorite, probably because it is one of my favorite colors, in a cozy textured knit, and just pairs great with jeans or a dress. This is a new fabric recently picked up at Joanns and great for the fall season.
The look of this new blazer pattern is so classic yet on trend. Plus, its a knit so you don’t have to fuss with many of the more challenging aspects of sewing up a blazer. I wrote my full thoughts below after a few more pictures.
This one is paired with the Greenstyle chelsea pants pattern which I talked about here.
The dress is paired with the Wiggle Dress from Patterns for Pirates which I talked about here.
DIONNE BLAZER PATTERN REVIEW
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
A knit blazer pattern with two sleeve length options.
PATTERN SIZING:
Sizes Grey-Red which coordinates with the Made for Mermaids size charts. I cut a Pink chest graded to the blue waist to a purple hip. While you may not need to grade completely for the waist, you may want to take a smaller seam allowance in this area if you were supposed to grade. The design of the blazer is to fall straight and not hug to your waist area, so make sure you pay attention to the measurement chart to achieve your desired look.
Supplies Needed:
Structured knit fabric (I used faux stretch leather, textured knit, ponte, and scuba)
Pattern from Made for Mermaids
Sewing machine and serger (optional), thread (my favorite serger thread is below) scissors
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes, the blazers I created during testing reflect the final intended product. The yellow textured knit is the final version of the pattern, fit wise. There were some slight changes to the arm area and the yellow blazer is made with those final pattern pieces.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Yes, there are a couple more challenging steps when it comes to attaching the facing. You do need to read through them a little more carefully but the pattern is marked intermediate for this reason. For an intermediate level sewist, there will likely be no issues. Make sure you pay close attention to the seam allowances used, as they change during the pattern at different steps in the sewing process. This is mainly due to adding the facing. This is an unlined jacket, with no pockets or closures so it comes together fairly quickly and easily.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I love the style of the blazer and that it is made in a knit. As much as I love a structured jacket, this provides a much quicker way to sew outwear and provides a style that I think is very versatile in your wardrobe.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
Yes, I have already made 3 during testing with no plans to stop. I am currently working on a sleeve hack for a tie sleeve and I love it. This pattern is so great, I highly recommend it to intermediate level sewists and up.
CONCLUSION:
I think this is a wonderful new pattern. It adds a great level of style with the current trend of blazers yet, is such a classic look this should be a pattern that can serve you well for years to come. With little fabric (a little under 2 yds.) and little time (these jackets come together quickly- takes me about an hour) you can add lots of great new blazers to your wardrobe.
**This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**
Until next time,
Happy Sewing