I love it when a vision for a project comes to life and is exactly as magical as you imagined! I got this nylon puffer from Blackbird Fabrics last spring and I have been dreaming of a Wildwood Jacket. I really wanted to try this lightweight pre-quilted material ever since I saw one of our models, Parnian, make this cool colourblocked Wildwood in a very similar fabric.
Pre-quilted material is so appealing because it makes the whole project much faster. Obviously, quilting it yourself allows you a lot more creative freedom and you get to pick two fabrics, but there is something to be said for speedy shortcuts sometimes. This nylon puffer is super lightweight and slippery. It makes a “swish” noise when you brush it against itself. I opted not to layer it with any kind of underlining (like I did with this teddy fleece version) because I didn’t want to overheat. I’m glad I didn’t, it is plenty warm!
To make this even faster, I used store bought bias tape. I usually make my own because I find the store bought stuff very stiff, but I wanted to see just how fast I could make this jacket! I decided on a nice complimentary green tape and I love the result. I went with an extra wide double fold. It matches the west coast mountain scenery perfectly!
The only change I made to the design was to cut the pockets slightly larger, about 1/2” (1.3 cm) on all sides. I like my pockets extra roomy.
From start to finish, including cutting this project out, it took me 3.5 hours. I broke that up over a couple of days because all that binding can get tedious, but it was overall a very quick sew! I even included the collar from our Collar and Hood Expansion Pack! I’m glad I opted for the collar because I can flip it up to add extra warmth around the neck when it is windy.
Once concern I had with this fabric was being overly hot or sweaty. This is all polyester so I wasn’t sure if I would like the feeling of it against my body on the inside. Luckily, I have found it to be very comfortable! It is incredibly lightweight so it feels like wearing nothing, but it holds in warmth just the right amount. It blocks the wind really well (we tested it on the deck of the ferry so that is impressive), but it doesn't feel sweaty or cumbersome.
Another thing I was considering was adding some kind of reinforcement strip of fabric along the center front on the inside of the jacket. I wanted to make sure the snaps wouldn’t rip the nylon fabric. In the end I just decided to go for it and put the snaps right on the nylon, no interfacing. They feel really strong and I don’t think they are in danger of ripping off so that is great!
I LOVE this jacket! I have been wearing it every day since I completed it and I could not be happier to have it in my closet. I think it will be my new go-to for cold and windy days. It also keeps the occasional drizzle off and dries quickly. I am so glad I sewed this one up!
