Hello, friends!
It’s another Decades Everyday Three’s A Charm Jacket! This time, I’ve made one that can be worn with so many different things, which I expect to be a wardrobe workhorse.
Source: Decades of Style Patterns
Ever since I received the Three’s a Charm pattern, I’ve had fabrics set aside to make it. But as I looked at my closet and my fabrics waiting to be sewn into dresses, I realized that what I really need are basics in solid colors that can be worn with many other things. Most of my dresses are prints, and I guess I’m kind of old school when it comes to wearing prints with other prints as I don’t like my clothing to clash.
I made this jacket with white Bondi Denim from Harts Fabric. It’s a cotton/poly blend with 2% spandex, so it gives this jacket a little stretch, making it super comfortable. I’m starting to think that any future Three’s A Charm jacket needs to be sewn in fabric with a little stretch in it. After all, all of my cardigans stretch, and as this is basically a woven cardigan, that makes sense to me.
I did make some changes to this pattern since last I made it. I went up to a 49″ bust size, enlarged the armscyes and did a permanent full bicep adjustment to the sleeves. This makes this version closer to the designer’s intention and a better fit. The only other thing I might do next time, is a very slight swayback adjustment. Other than that, I’m extremely happy with the outcome.
If you’re interested in seeing what my full bicep adjustment looks like, here is my sleeve piece. I did take a better photo with my camera, but it’s been misplaced or disappeared, so I took a quick one on my phone, so you can see what it looks like.
I cut out several patterns a few weeks ago and this jacket was one of them. I was in the middle of sewing my tangerine Dorothy Lara dress when I decided to make this jacket to wear the next day. As I already had it cut out and my adjustments made, it only took me a couple of hours to complete. This one is unlined, so the process was much quicker than my lined version.
I finished the seams with Hug Snug rayon seam binding. I didn’t have any white, but this light pink ended up working fine. I used my serger on the sleeves as I was in a time crunch. This photo was taken after I had worn and washed it already and the pink Clover Chaco liner markings are still visible as it did not come out in the wash. It’s also very slightly visible on the exterior. I’m going to try some stain remover when I wash it again.
I originally made this jacket without the button, but after wearing it for a day, decided that I preferred having some type of closure. I like the sleek, unobtrusive look of this jacket, so I opted for a covered button. I have some interesting buttons in my stash that would have looked nicely, but as I see this jacket as a chameleon — meaning that I can wear it with anything — I didn’t want a button that would clash with some of my dresses. I figure that if I want to dress it up, I’ll add a pin.
Overall, I find this to be a sweet, little lovely jacket. With the stretch fabric, it makes it very easy and comfortable to wear. It’s a quick sew when you leave it unlined. The only thing I don’t care for is that my front facings overlap a tiny bit on the front. I’m not sure if it’s the stretch fabric or the fact that I was sewing speedily whilst watching episodes of “The Inbetweeners”, but I think I might understitch that next time. The facings are sewn down by top-stitching, which should have fixed that problem. So it’s probably my fault for not evenly ironing it. Whatever the reason, only and I a nitpicker are going to notice it and I’m super happy with the outcome of this jacket. It’s a definite wardrobe staple and I’m certain there’ll be another in my future.
Happy Sewing!
- Jacket: Decades Everyday Three’s A Charm Jacket in white stretch denim, made by me
- Dress: Butterick 5982 in Nanette Lepore embroidered cotton, made by me
- Brooch: Luxulite
- Earrings: BaubleBar
- Belt: Macy’s
- Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens
Fantastic make. I’m hoping after I finish the community play I’m in this weekend, I will be able to make up a couple of these jackets. My wardrobe needs exactly what you described, solid colored jackets that are a bit more structured than a cardigan, and go with multiple different things.
I love the red and white dress with the jacket! So much fun and bright and springy.
Thank you, Mariah! It’s such a nice pattern to make and a great dress topper.
This is so lovely! I love simple basics like this, it looks so elegant. I have this cut out to muslin up and I’m hoping mine turn out half as good as yours!
I can’t wait to see yours!!!
I really like this pattern. Also like the idea of using a stretch fabric, which I hand’t thought of before. i’m very wide up top – wide shoulders, bust and chest, despite being short in stature, and it can be challenging to find a blazer or topper of any kind that both fits and can close. This looks lovely and versatile.
Thanks, Rachel! Yes, it’s a jacket that can be worn with so many things. The only thing I worry about is getting it dirty. The stretch really does help with the fit and the comfort.
What a pretty jacket, fresh and simple and very flattering. May have to check into it for spring.
Thank you, Jennifer! It’s a nice little easy jacket to make and wear. So great to wear with sleeveless dresses.
I’ve seen this pattern about but never fancied making it until now. Although the other versions all look lovely I couldn’t imagine the jacket on me. However, after seeing your jacket it looks so slimming and it works perfectly with your dresses. I can imagine you will get plenty of use out of it.
Another pattern to add to my ‘must make’ list.
Debbie x
Thank you, Debbie! I know it would be great you on you. I really saw the potential of the pattern when I wore it with a dress. It’s a nice easy topper.
Great fit Tanya, and I bet it’ll go with everything! A made a white Morris last year and someone told me to wear it if I’m ever a passenger on a plane – apparently those wearing white jackets get looks after better!!! Not tried it yet tho! 😀
Thank you! I’ve never heard that before! I guess I will have to try it. Let me know if you try it and it works for you!
I did understitch the facings. They just roll better when you do. Just finishing up my new one from the sewalong. Made up in denim with a bit of stretch. Planning to sashiko stitch in a Jean topstitching thread and use a brass closure on the front. Loving this jacket. I also had to enlarge the armhole and did a BAA. ( beefy arm adjustment). LOL
Hahaha! I like BAA!!!! 🙂 Yes, I think I will definitely understitch the facings next time. I really like this in stretch denim. It’s such a versatile pattern.
I have to admit I wasn’t sold on this pattern at the start but this version is changing my mind! A little bit more posh than a plain old shop bought cardigan. I think I’ll have to add it to my pattern wishlist!
Thanks, Melissa! It does feel quite a bit fancier than a cardi. I also felt like a “grown-up” wearing it as I wore it for the first time chaperoning kids from my husband’s middle school class around museums.
Dear Tanya, Hi! I think that jacket in white looks the best and it will go with most anything. It looks like if you just did the swayback adjustment it would then be perfect! It’s really great! Thank you for sharing! Kathy from Arizona
Thanks, Kathy! Yes, I think that’s the only adjustment I need for the next one. I’m not sure what color for the next version, but maybe a red or a yellow.
Dear Tanya, Hi! Oh my vote would be for yellow since the white turned out so beautiful! It would go well with other outfits I recall your having made in the past. Thanks, Kathy from Arizona
Love!
Thanks, my dear!
That looks like a super-useful piece that will get a lot of use! Smart thinking to go with the stretch fabric and plain button to make it as comfy and practical as possible. Such great pics of you, too!
Thank you! Yeah, I wanted something that went with everything, so maybe a bit boring, but better as a separate for me.
OMG this is fabulous. Great idea to go with the solid white button too. Hope you love The Inbetweeners as much as I do!
Thanks, Geri! 🙂 Yes, the Inbetweeners is so fun to watch. I wish there were more episodes!
There’s a couple of movies! Although I prefer the episodes
Looks great! I think I need one in white, too. 😀
Thanks, Andie! I think you need one, too! It goes with so many things!
I’m still on the fence about this jacket, but both your versions have been cute!
Thanks, Abbey! 🙂