My first Helen’s Closet Pona jacket has been a welcome addition to my wardrobe.  So much so that I have used the pattern a second time!

This time around I sewed it in a textured thai cotton, a fairly mid-weight stable fabric.

The most difficult thing about sewing this jacket was deciding which side of the fabric to use! It’s woven in navy and white, and the floating white threads make a different pattern on either side. As you can see, I eventually went with the more ‘hashtag’ effect.

From the pattern website: The Pona Jacket is a modern outer layer that is easy to make and style. An extra-wide facing allows this unlined jacket to drape open in the front, no closures necessary! Pona has an oversized blazer feel, complete with pockets and a statement lapel. Make a modern, cropped Pona in linen for warmer weather or a longer jacket in wool for fall and winter. Pona is a perfect beginner jacket pattern! Recommended Fabrics: Light to medium weight fabrics with no stretch, such as mid-weight linen or cotton, corduroy, and wool. Pona can be made in a lighter-weight, drapey fabric such as Tencel twill for a more fluid look.

As you can also see, this time around I sewed the longer version. Those deep pockets are highly practical! As I mentioned the last time I sewed this jacket, the large lapels have really grown on me since this pattern was first released. They somehow give it a little drama while simultaneously adding to the casual feel of the jacket. Sounds contradictory, but I think that it works. The collar rolls so nicely too.

This is a terrific relaxed, unstructured light layer for in between weather. The instructions were excellent – Helen’s Closet is outstanding in that regard. Helpful, clear diagrams, good layout, and words carefully chosen so that the finished product is just as it should be.