Closet Core Sienna Maker Jacket Review: A Stylish and Functional Jacket

The Closet Core Sienna Maker jacket pattern has been in my stash for a while, and I’m delighted I made it! Who doesn’t like wearing stylish, well-fitting jackets? Ready-to-wear jackets are typically too short and narrow across the back, so I like making them. I enjoy making jackets because I like wearing them, allowing me to create what I want.

I’ve made a few jackets in the last few years; the one that gets the most wear is an anorak-style grey jacket I made a few years ago, see this post. I love the jacket and wear it all the time, but I want more color and something less casual; If I found a cotton canvas in a great print that spoke to me, I would have used that, but this pink is so beautiful. I stick to jewel tones and fall neutrals, I like how I look in them, and they work well with my current wardrobe. This pink was a good color for my skin tone.

I really like this jacket’s “wrap” style, which is why I chose it. A few “Chore” style jackets are out there, but this one spoke to me. I want simple, modern, functional pieces with visual interest. This jacket meets that criteria, and I categorize it as elevated casual. I can’t wait to wear it with some of my sparkly pins/brooches.

Pattern review:

• Pattern name– Closet Core Sienna Maker Jacket.
• Size range: -14-32.
• What size did you make/ what view did you sew?– I cut a straight size 20, I made view A.
• What are your measurements, height, and body type?– I’m a rectangle/ figure 8; I’m 5’9″; Full bust 48″/Hips 49″.
• What adjustments did you make and how long did they take?-I made two adjustments that took a few minutes. I did a 5/8″ forward shoulder adjustment on the front/back bodice and the sleeve. I sewed a 1″ seam allowance at the side seams only. I probably could have cut a size 18, and made a broad shoulder adjustment along my standard forward should adjustment
• What fabric did you use?-I used 10 oz Duck Canvas in the color fuchsia. I purchased the fabric from Fabric Wholesale Direct.
• What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?-Construction was simple, the instructions are straight forward. There is a sew along on the Closet Core blog and because this is a popular pattern, there are tons of Youtube videos, sew-a- longs for the fiddly bits like the collar and center front facing.
• How do you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think the design works well for your particular body shape?– I like the pattern’s fit and the wrap type style, it gives you some shaping through the middle if you want. I like the different lengths and the two piece sleeve. I believe the pattern looks good on most shapes and you can adjust to your proportions. I believe it looks good on my body and from the tons of pictures of sewist who made the jacket, it looks good on bigger bodies.
• Will you make the pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?– I would make this again, but I would not make any design changes. I made bias tape for the sleeve hem and to finish the armhole from a cotton remnant. I would try to make the jacket in something lighter, maybe linen or wool suiting using a different view. If I make this again, I will do a full bicep adjustment, the back sleeve cap has weird drag lines. I may also lengthen the sleeve cap height. Lastly, I would lengthen the sleeve an inch or so and maybe increase the seam allowances for easier flat felled seams. I didn’t have any challenges making this jacket and aside from a few fit adjust I want to make to the sleeve, this was an enjoyable sew.
• Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources (blog posts, fitting books, tutorials) that helped you sew this piece up?– There are lots of videos, blog posts ,and reviews, jump in and give it a try. If you need a FBA or bicep adjustment do a mock up before cutting your fashion fabric.

Future plans
Now that I’ve finished the jacket, I want to sew a few t-shirt dresses and a few woven tops and make a quilted jacket. A quilted jacket seems out of place for the season, but I know myself; I’ll be so happy when it gets cool, and I already have a few jackets to wear. I see many great ready-to-wear quilted jackets, but none have an eye-catching print (in my size), so I will make one. The patterns I’m considering are the Cashmerette Fairfax, Closet Core Parchment, or Love Notions Coda Jacket. I’m leaning toward the Coda because of the rounded hem.

Lastly, at this point, I need to give my sewjo what it wants so it sticks around :). If sewing a jacket in summer is what it wants, so be it! Next up on the blog is my first t-shirt dress of the season. I’ve photographed and worn it already, and I’m cutting out a few more because they are so easy to make and wear.

I want to hear from you. What are you making? What’s on your table? Do you make out-of-season garments, or do you sew with the season/trends?