Pattern Testing: Greenstyle Creations - Sundance Jacket

*This post contains affiliate links. I make a small percentage of commission when you use my link to purchase a GreenStyle Pattern. So if you're inspired by my make, please help my fabric addiction. ;) *

Fall is coming my friends! (in fact it's here.) I have a cat to my right, chocolate wrappers to my left, and Friends in my living room. The show, not real ones. Hello, I have cats - that should tell you something.

Speaking of friends, let me introduce you to my best. I call her Zoey (mostly because that's her name.) and I've known her for 23 years. Hello, my little, big sister. Lookin' fly in your new jacket. Please join me in being proud of Zoey, not only did she model for me but she wore spandex tights, too! Thanks sis, you're the best. 

Here is Zoey in he new Greenstyle Creations Sundance Jacket with Stride Tights (Which she commented on how comfortable they were. Win!)

So - Let's just get this out of the way. I am the most proud of this jacket out of anything I've sewn. I mean, c'mon. It's so detailed and contoured and GAH! Talk about the recent awesome serge in great patterns from GreenStyle Creations. I mean, they've always had great patterns, but they've gotten super great recently. Maybe I'm just a sucker for athletic wear. 

Can I share a secret? The jacket was intended for me but this was one of the test versions and I used a thicker fabric. It turned out a little small (completely wearable, but it looked like it fit a little more roomy on my sister) - It's been revised 2 times since then, so this time around I'd make an XS according to my measurements.  I was the only tester who had mine run small. Thankful that my sister has a smaller frame than I do, at least she can appreciate my hard work!:D 

The back is contoured, giving a slender, feminine shaping and the hood is lined with her favorite color. :)

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The Sundance Jacket comes with lots of options.

-Vest

-Long Sleeve

-Plain back

-Pleated back

-Thumb holes/cuffs

-Hood with or without drawstring

-Collar

-Pockets 

I made what would be the low end of an XS in the final pattern, thumb cuffs, hood, and long sleeves. I lined it with the same purple mesh that I used on the Stride Tights. It looks so athletic!

The really great thing about this jacket is it's so versatile! If you use spandex/nylon it looks really sporty, but if you use a ponte with a pattern, it just looks like a cute, toss on, no fuss jacket. Here are two of my favorites that can be worn anywhere, gym or just going out. Both sewn up by another talented tester, Sweet Red Poppy.

Remember last post where I said I wanted detailed shots? Well, this was the perfect opportunity because I wasn't in front of the camera, I was able to take all the detailed "sewing shots." 

The thumb holes aren't top stitched and they were created in a way I've never seen before - it was a little leap of faith, but I followed Angelyn's directions diligently and voila! Freaking awesome thumb holes without maneuvering to top stitch the holes. I feel like you need the pattern for this thumb hole technique alone. Amaze. 

Zippered pockets! A tip included in the pattern is to use Wondertape to put in the zippers and this is SO HELPFUL on stretchy fabrics.

I used a double needle to top stitch all the areas. This gave it it really professional look. My fiance even said "Wow, that jacket looks like you bought it. And like an expensive Nike jacket, not a cheap Walmart Jacket." :D Cause you know, I strive for Walmart quality, anything above is just a bonus. ;)

THIS area clearly needs a little work. I had a tough time with the thick fabric + zipper + slippery-ness of the hood lining. Practice makes perfect I suppose. 

Regardless, who looks at your neck that closely? --- "Creep, back off. Don't talk to me that close, you're in my space bubble and I don't want to breath your disposed-of air." 

(Add that to the list of shit my sister would not say. Were different in some ways. :) )

So, it shouldn't surprise you that I have a black one cut out for me! Best of all, with all the options you still only need 2.5 yards or less of fabric for the whole jacket! Even with expensive fabric, it's still a better price than a nice RTW jacket. Plus, saying that you MADE it will blow people's mind. Maybe, or maybe you've already made crazy awesome things, but seriously this for me is just - I can't believe I made a jacket!

But you know the best part of this jacket? You can make it, too! I always feel like I'm saying how "not confident" I am, but seriously, things like this can look intimidating but really, I just took it piece by piece and tadah! I finished it and it looks great. It is such a rewarding feeling.*pat pat* But i can't take all the credit, obviously the great drafting skills of Angelyn and the awesome instructions made it possible! I love that GreenStyle has no trim pages, so even a larger pattern like this is quick to piece together. Also, the instruction include line drawings which make the more technical parts simple to see what's happening. You will love this jacket, and if you don't, feel free to message me just to tell me I am wrong. ;)

Though I have yet to not like a GreenStyle pattern! They're just so clear to understand, they really make difficult looking, detailed patterns that are easy to sew up. Very rewarding! :) 

Details:

GreenStyle Creations Sundance Jacket - $12.00

Fabric: Heavy athletic fabric from Joann's 11.50/yard for 2.5 yards =$28.75

Hood Lining - Scraps from Stride Tights

Zippers: 26"=$5 and two 5"=$6

Estimated Total Cost $39.75

I received the pattern free of charge in exchange for testing it.