Pattern Review: Victoria Blazer [By Hand London]


victoria blazer 1

Pattern: Victoria Blazer from By Hand London
Fabric: Shell – cotton sateen from Grey’s Fabric Lining – poly charmeuse from Joann’s
Size: 4

Shirt: Lucky Brand
Jeans: Mek Denim
Flats: Michael Kors
Shades: Tommy Hilfiger


victoria blazer 2

Green is my favorite color, so it was a no-brainer to make this blazer out of a green cotton sateen I spotted at Grey’s when I went fabric shopping with my friends (Ana bought the same fabric but in a gold color to make her own version).

I don’t have a whole lot to say about this blazer since I’m not crazy about it.  I love the colors and it was easy to put together, but I’m not too sure if it’s “me” or not.


victoria blazer 4

I totally lucked out on the lining, I found it in the remnant bin at Joann Fabrics for $5.  I decided to fully line the jacket so it would be easy to take on and off.

Even though the pattern didn’t call for interfacing, I wish it had.  I kept obsessing over pressing and pressing the collar and lapels, trying to get them to stay crisp and flat.  Do BHL patterns just not call for interfacing?  I only made the Charlotte skirt so far, and was also surprised that there was no requirement for interfacing in the waistband.  I also kicked myself for not understitching after I attached the lining to the jacket.  Again, not called for in the instructions, and it bothers me that the lining rolls out from time to time and can be seen along the blazer lapels and bottom hem.  I was surprised that that wasn’t a construction step, but I’m also mad that I didn’t think to do it myself.  Again, something else that I’m not happy about with this blazer.


victoria blazer 3

If I was to make another one, I’d probably omit the pockets – they’re not the type of pockets that you can put your hands in and walk around, they’re set back a little too far.

I’m not sure if this jacket is exactly my style, especially at this length – I feel like it was one of those patterns that everyone was making so I decided to as well.  I’m more of a structured, pulled-together kinda gal, and this blazer has a very casual, sloppy kind of feel to it.  Perhaps if I did a shorter length with the above mods I would get a different result.  Now that I’ve made one blazer, I don’t have any fear about sewing a more complicated jacket pattern down the road.

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10 Comments

  1. September 21, 2013 / 9:38 pm

    Oh, I think it is lovely, and you did a smashing job. You look absolutely wonderful in it.

  2. September 21, 2013 / 11:57 pm

    i think the jacket is really nice, that's a good color on you. i do like the slouchy blazer, but i agree that the lapels need to be interfaced. i want to make this pattern up sometime, but i intend to draft a facing because i'm not crazy about the lining meeting the lapels like that. you could go in by hand and do a prick stitch all around the edge since you didn't under stitch; it works to the same effect and is super easy to do. hope the jacket grows on you, because it's really cute!

  3. September 22, 2013 / 3:00 am

    That is my favorite color too! I'm with you on liking more structured blazers, but I'm kind of liking this look. It has a more cardigan look to it – and I do wear cardigans a lot in the winter.

    You might find yourself grabbing it from your closet just because of the pretty color and fun lining. I like it! You did a great job and there will always be something you want to fix on every project! =)

  4. September 22, 2013 / 3:03 pm

    I really, really like the jacket on you. It fits well and that color is awesome!

    That's good to know about some of the pattern omissions. I guess at some point you have to use some sewing instinct when instructions seem weird. Although, that can backfire the other way too!

  5. September 23, 2013 / 2:54 am

    I think the blazer looks fantastic on you, but I appreciate your honest review of some of the pattern's shortcomings. That's very helpful insight!

  6. September 29, 2013 / 4:02 pm

    I was really surprised to read that you're not crazy about this because it looks awesome on you! The color and style are really working for you, in my opinion.

    I understitched my lining, but you could also kind of roll it to the back a tiny bit and topstitch all the way around the opening to give a similar effect. Maybe you would like it more then?

  7. October 4, 2013 / 9:02 pm

    Oh I love it. And as someone who is so new to sewing that I squeak all your ideas on what to do really help me learn what should be done in a pattern. So thanks for writing it up.

  8. October 17, 2013 / 5:49 pm

    Aw, sad that you don't love it, I think it looks great!!

  9. January 4, 2014 / 8:15 pm

    I've never sewn BHL, but she may be from the Butda school of sewing. I.e. General directions/ order of construction up assuming you'll tweak here and there or add finishing touches yourself. The color is awesome.

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