Every now and then I make a vow to myself – no more patterns.  And just as often as I make the vow, I break it.  The Style Arc Besharl jacket was part of a special offer package of jacket, pants and top – and I liked all three pieces, so I bought it.  But so far I’ve only sewn the jacket.

Style Arc describe this jacket as follows: This style is the perfect solution to dress up outer wear whether you are off to a sporting event or out to dinner. Slightly cocooned shaped and dropped back hemline gives this shawl collared jacket a fashionable kimono-style look. A must have jacket for your wardrobe. FABRIC SUGGESTION Cashmere, merino wool or boiled wool, Ponte, sweater knit or any fabric with drape.

The fabric I used was a soft printed ponte.  Style Arc were selling this fabric a little while ago, but it’s no longer on their website.  I think that I saw it at Super Cheap Fabrics at the time as well.  It’s got beautiful drape, which worked perfectly for this jacket.

I did pay attention when laying out the pattern pieces to keep the print runnning in the same direction, although I made no attempt to pattern match. This is a straightfoward style to sew, and most construction was on the overlocker. I used the machine to topstitch where needed.

There are pockets in the side seams, which come in handy. They do hang around and flap a bit, so would probably be best topstitched to the front to secure them. I notice that the line drawing has a pale pocket line on it – maybe that’s a suggestion?

The shawl collar turns back from a wide rectangular piece that also forms the front bands. I often don’t like the way that this type of collar construction sits on me at the back of my neck (forward neck, rounded shoulders, short person) and this is no exception. It forms slightly weird folds. at the back below the turn back.

But overall I’m pretty happy with this jacket! It’s comfortable casual yet also looks rather smart. I suspect it will get quite a lot of wear as we move into spring – and it will be a good air-conditioned office piece as well.