Oh hey, she says casually, as you can tell from this lovely shot of my torso I have successfully created a relaxed blazer for myself. It’s the Evans Blazer, a recent pattern from Hey June Handmade. While it might seem like just another item in the old handmade pile it’s a bit more exciting than that. As it turns out, the Evans Blazer is the icing on my handmade wardrobe cake!! It manages to pull it all together.
Allow me to explain. In college (oh yes, we are going way back) I had a very stylish friend who owned a relaxed-style blazer and would throw it on over all kinds of different outfits. While she enjoyed the comfort equivalent of a cardigan sweater, she looked totally pulled together and grown up in contrast to frumpy-librarian which happened to be college go-to style. Her use of a blazer was downright impressive and I’ve hung onto the relaxed blazer as a style tip.
So, when Adrianna from Hey June Handmade asked me to put together a guest post for her I decided to make the Evans Blazer and challenge myself to style it five different ways. As I pulled together the different looks I realized that the blazer was working like magic with so many of my favorite handmade clothes. I had inadvertently made an essential capsule wardrobe piece that added some spit and shine to my other handmade outfits. Wahoo!
There are more pictures up on the Hey June blog but here is a quick overview of the blazer as a compliment to my handmade wardrobe.
With my stretch denim Ginger Jeans from Closet Case and a lightweight sweater from the thrift store, It’s got a fall feeling:
Accompanying my flower-y Georgia Dress hack from Seamwork, it’s playful and sharp but not overly formal. Especially when you top it with pom pom earrings! A necessary addition if you ask me. I can envision wearing this to a nice BBQ or garden party.
I love how this thrifted chambray shirt looks poking out under the sleeves and how great is the navy with these Kelly green Ginger Jeans? Again with the Ginger Jeans!
One of my favorite looks is the Evans Blazer paired with my favorite pair of Sienna Lander Pants and my flamingo Georgia Dress turned into a top. The blazer just makes it look, I dunno, casual chic!?
The other look I love is actually over this thrifted jumpsuit…nothing about this is handmade (well, except the blazer. Ha!) but I just love how it looks and it points to how versatile the blazer is.
Just a few details. I made my Evans Blazer in a sturdy navy and white stripe ponte knit that was in my stash. Overall, I definitely would classify sewing a blazer as an intermediate level project. Yet, it’s not as difficult as you would think because the Evans omits finicky things like a a back slit, etc. I had to closely follow the instructions but didn’t find it hard to pull together. As is almost always the case, Adrianna created a clear and high quality pattern that makes creating something challenging as easy as possible.
Even the good-looking welt pockets weren’t difficult but look so professional. I also stitched Hong Kong seams for about 60% of the seams just to be fancy.
Note: I am affiliate for Hey June Handmade and this post includes affiliate links. My opinion, however, is completely my own and can’t be bought!
Looking fly!! I especially love it with the green jeans.