I’m finally here to tell you about my new Style Arc Estelle Jacket in this lovely Ponte Roma Double Stretch Knit fabric kindly provided by Minerva as part of the Ambassador program.

Style Arc describes the Estelle as follows “This fabulous jacket is not just easy to wear but it is very easy to make. The knee length and the gorgeous waterfall collar makes this jacket a great trans-seasonal addition to your wardrobe. A project you can complete in an afternoon”

I’d probably argue that this pattern is more of a cardigan than a jacket but it is definitely easy to make, and you can definitely knock it off in a couple of hours, including cutting. It’s a perfect ‘staple piece’ and perfect for layering with these cooler days we are having.

Adjustments
The pattern comes in sizes (AU) 4 – 36. I had read in reviews that the pattern ran a little big and many people had actually sized down. For my sizing, I fell into the size range of 10 bust and 14 hip. So even though I had read reviews to size down, I made a straight size 10 for the bodice, as I wanted the extra room for layering … and because I was lazy, I didn’t do any grading for hips. Thankfully with the open, waterfall effect of the front, the jacket is laying OK, however next time I make the jacket I will grade out for my hips for the extra ‘hugability’ (new word!!)

Again, I had read that people had excluded making the pockets as it ‘messed’ with the side seams, but I did make mine with pockets. Who can resist pockets!!!! Style Arc have a good “In Seam Pocket Tutorial” on their website which I followed diligently. I really like how the pockets are constructed and how they sit within a seam.

Fabric
The pattern calls for ponte, or a stable knit, so this Ponte Roma Double Stretch Knit from Minerva was the perfect choice. The colours are probably not something I would usually go for, but I wanted something a little different and stand out from my usual style. The fabric has mustard/yellow, blue/black and rust colours in it, so I didn’t think I could go too wrong.

I washed and dried the fabric in my usual way (warm wash and dried in a dryer) and there was no apparent shrinkage, nor any colour loss. No ironing was necessary after washing, so I know that it’s going to be an easy-care garment.

The fabric has a lovely drape which was perfect for the waterfall effect of this jacket, and I really like the contrast of the underside of the fabric which I think looks pretty cool in the waterfall front piece.

Construction
There are only 4 pattern pieces (3 if you exclude the pockets), so it wasn’t complicated!! As usual with Style Arc patterns, the instructions are sparse but the basics were there. As mentioned above, there is a pocket tutorial on their website so you will need to follow this, as the pattern instructions themselves do not detail putting the pockets in.

It is a super quick sew. The pattern calls for raw edges – no bindings or hemming – yay!! You want to make sure that the fabric you are using doesn’t fray – again the ponte I used was perfect … no fraying!! The centre back seam is slightly shaped and finished with a flat felled seam, which is super easy to do.

The only tricky part of the construction (if you can call it tricky) was the collar, which turns at the shoulder at a right angle. It’s not tricky, just fiddly!

Overall

I really like the pattern and I think it has worked perfectly in this ponte fabric. I would like to make another version in either a boiled wool or maybe a faux suede, as I think it would be a super nice addition to the wardrobe.

Note to add … I think I nailed the stripe matching 🤪👍

Thank you again to Minerva for the lovely fabric

Thanks for reading, and happy sewing.
Meredith
IG: @Sew_Mere_Makes




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