I am often heard saying “I do like a little bit of colour”.  Actually, I rather like quite a lot of it.  That’s not to say that I don’t also sew and wear neutrals, because I do, but I find it very difficult to resist purchasing fabrics like this one.

Bright digitally printed polyester crepe – so bright that it is close to fluorescent! I came across this fabric at Darn Cheap Fabrics early in the year. It was in the remnant basket practically begging me to take it home – so I did. I have taken quite a while deciding what it should become, and in the end chose the Tessuti Tokyo Jacket.

I used up every scrap of my fabric making this jacket. I went with my measurements and cut out the Large, but would possibly size down to a Medium if I made it again. I might make it again – it’s that bit more structured and shaped than many of the kimono style jackets that are very fashionable at the moment, and because of the collar band it stays nicely on my shoulders. The pockets are an unusual touch, but not hard to construct. Especially if you slow down and read the instructions!  The sleeves are a dolman style, cut in one with the body of the jacket.  The website description is as follows: Our Tokyo Jacket is a loose fitting, relaxed jacket with three-quarter length magyar sleeves. The neckline, cuffs and pockets are trimmed with a band that provides smart and simple detailing. This jacket is suitable for all ages and can be dressed up or down. Best made up in drapey fabrics such as viscose, polyester, wool crepe as well as medium weight silk. Not suitable for jersey fabrics.

There wasn’t enough fabric for me to really play around with print placement, so it is what it is. I’d have preferred it if the dominant bird wasn’t doubled up in the way that it is, but beggars can’t be choosers. The cuffs mirror the pocket fold nicely, and overall construction was straightforward. Most was done on the overlocker, with topstitching on the machine. The fabric behaved surprisingly well during cutting, construction and pressing. This pattern would be gorgeous sewn in silk crepe de chine.

So there you go – more than a little bit of colour, and definitely a great way to keep the fun in what I wear.