[TOUR] Basically Jalie

I haven’t used many Jalie patterns, probably because they don’t come across my screen often and I always thought of them as a figure skating and dance costume designer. I’m not sure why! They for sure have more designs available now and their reputation for drafting is spot on. (Also, if you haven’t read the about me on their website – go read it! I truly enjoyed reading up on their history.) So when the opportunity to join in a tour opened up, I jumped. I like being able to push myself and I know some of the patterns available are on the more complex side. Also, don’t forget to read to the end to find out about the really incredible giveaways Jalie has put together for you – it’s a whopper of a prize pack! We have so many bloggers to inspire you, a sew a long you can join in on and that prize… I wish I could enter to win it!

Anyway, since we’re talking about basics, I wanted to make sure to pick something that I would wear on a day to day basis. Since I’m a stay at home mom, I don’t have much need for office clothes or leotards. But Jalie has so much more than that! I finally decided on 2794 (a sweetheart top) and 2908 (real actual jeans). The sweetheart is a nice top with a little more design to it than your “basic” tee which is right up my alley and jeans are probably in the actual definition of wardrobe basic haha!

• 

• 

I actually made two of each of these, in order to test out my fit but also to demonstrate to you what these changes actually do. Starting out with the shirt, this sweetheart has a raglan front, but set in sleeves due to the front yoke. Doesn’t it kind of look like a bolero jacket? If you color blocked this it could definitely look like a top and jacket. The shirt comes together easily with the instructions, with lots of notches for lining things up, which is wonderful. The only issue I had was with the neckline/yoke binding being too short, but I’ve sent that feedback on to Jalie since I think it was an oversight or mathematical error.

• 

  no alterations

• 

  FBA and notes

• 

  FBA, narrow shoulder

I like the fit of my first shirt alright, but I can very obviously use a full just adjustment. There’s just not enough room there and it’s actually making the gathering at the sweetheart line less obvious. I did a basic slash and spread method for my FBA, slightly changing the angle of the “armsyce” curve (though really it’s a yoke curve), to add more width. I also added more length to the lower front, which I gathered to match the back. My final adjustment was for my narrow shoulders, but I think it will need some more thinking. I lined up the yoke with the back armsyce and narrowed that by about 1″. I also shortened the elastic in the center front. It helps a lot but I think I need to narrow the actual neckline which will in turn exxagerate the sweetheart shape. I like this top, but I think it does create a visual illusion that I am much smaller (because of those yoke pieces) that I don’t overly enjoy. I’ll keep playing with this to get a style that works best for me!

• 

• 

Next up is these jeans. Guys. I made jeans. Real jeans. With a zipper and a button and a fly! I am so proud of myself. I did the same thing for this pattern, only shortening for my height as I usually would for my 27″ inseam. I like the fit of the first pair, but they could use a couple adjustments to be even better. I ended up doing a small full belly adjustment to add some extra length and the tiniest smidge of width to the lower crotch curve and doesn’t change the zipper/fly area. The waistband directions have you cut it in two pieces on the bias, but my first pair actually felt loose so I cut the next one on the straight grain and eliminated the seam allowance to cut on the fold. I did make a mistake when cutting the denim pair placed the front legs with the stretch going in the wrong direction so while they fit they’re a little tight because they don’t have the intended ease. I actually added back in 1″ at the hem because I prefer my pants a little longer. I also added the back pockets and the belt loops to my second pair – and I love it! I love that the front pockets have a facing, so they look like real store bought jeans. I think these will be my go to jeans pattern from now on.

• 

• 

One final thing that I really love about Jalie is that they include SO MANY SIZES in the pattern. From little girl up through me, so I can make these for Miss Sass, too without buying another pattern! I do wish they would expand their upper size range more, since I’m right in their top end – and I know so many people who would LOVE to use their patterns. So Jalie, this is my plea to you! Please think about expanding! We are here and want to give you our money, if you’ll just include us!

Are there some Jalie patterns you’ve been itching to get? Now’s your chance to WIN YOUR JALIE WISHLIST! Head over to Jalie’s website, create an account, add your favorite patterns to your wishlist, and complete the rafflecopter form below (patterns must be added by February 12, 2019 11:59pm EST to be eligible). Incomplete entries will be eligible for fabric prizes only.

For extra entries, join our Jalie sewalong! Make a Jalie “basic” between January 28 and February 12 and share it on Instagram with hashtag #basicallyjalie and/or in the Basically Jalie Album in the Sewing with Jalie Facebook group.

We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who have teamed up to provide the following prizes (please stop by their shops and show them some love!):

Grand Prize (Worldwide)

Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $100 CAD in patterns!

Discovery Trekking Outfitters – One (1) x 50 USD gift card

D&H Fabrics co. – One (1) x $50 USD gift card

Sewalong Prize (Continental USA only)

Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $25 CAD in patterns!

The Sewciety – One (1) Subscription box (value: $48 USD)

Simply By Ti – One (1) x $20 USD gift card

Sewalong Prize (Worldwide, excluding Continental USA)

Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $25 CAD in patterns!

PatternReview.com – One (1) x $30 USD gift card

Discovery Trekking Outfitters – One (1) x 50 USD gift card

(Note: gift cards exclude shipping unless otherwise stated on sponsor website)

Enter the Sweepstakes Here!

---

Blogger Lineup

Be sure to visit these talented sewing bloggers during the tour:

Wednesday, Feb 6 – The Petite Sewist | auschick sews | Replicate then Deviate | Deepika Blogs

Thursday, Feb 7 – Sew What Yvette | Sew Cucio | Shalini’s Sewing Space | Curtiepie | A Jennuine Life

Friday, Feb 8 – SeamsLikeStyle | It’s Liesel | SewSophieLynn | Danvillegirl Sewing Diary | Skirt Fixation

Monday, Feb 11 – The Crafting Fiend | Sprouting JubeJube | its sew colorful | Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing

Tuesday, Feb 12 – All Things Katy! | BigFlyNotions | needle and the belle | Zoopolis

Pattern & Fabric Links
2794 Sweetheart Top | 2908 Bootcut Jeans
Burgundy Polka Dot DBP | Solid Blue DBP
Grey Stretch Twill | Dark Wash Stretch Denim