It is so satisfying to complete a project that has been in your sewing queue for too long, isn’t it? I loved the Grainline Studio Tamarack Jacket from the moment it was released in 2017. The simple shape and cozy style made me excited to try quilting! This is my first quilting project EVER and I really enjoyed it.
I had planned to make my Tamarack in a neutral fabric so that it would pair easily with my wardrobe. The intention was to make the outside solid black and the inside lining in the triangle print, but when I cut it out and saw the pieces, I couldn’t resist putting the lining on the outside! I love how striking it looks and I am so happy I went big on this project. I also lengthened the design and exaggerated the side split and high-low hem.
The triangle print is gorgeous yarn-dyed cotton from Maiwa Supply (a local sustainable fiber arts supply store). The black fabric is a linen and viscose slub from Blackbird Fabrics. I wish I could say the black sleeves were intentional, but I simply ran out of fabric! I think it was a blessing in disguise because it breaks up the bold print and gave me an opportunity to make these fun, oversized elbow patches. I also added a strip of the triangle print to the inside of the sleeve, so that it shows when the sleeve is rolled up. Sew
I lengthened this design to suit my body and the proportions I wanted for this look. When lengthening, I decided to exaggerate the side split and high-low hem as well. I would love to make a short Tamarack in the future too, this design has me really excited to make more quilted pieces.
You may have noticed that I changed the pocket design. This was actually a recommendation from my fellow podcast host, Caroline! She made the Tamarack jacket and mentioned that the welt pockets were challenging with the quilting batting. She said she would opt for patch pockets if she could go back, so I took her advice! I am really glad I did. I love the look of patch pockets, and it also means there isn’t a pocket bag on the inside of my jacket. I was able to pattern match, so the pockets are almost invisible!
I had planned to add snaps to close my Tamarack but I chickened out at the last moment and went for hook and eye closures. They are actually really ideal for this style of jacket and they are easy to remove if I ever do decide to go for the snaps (I wasn’t ready to punch holes in my precious new jacket). I added four hook and eye closures and often only close 1 or 2 to keep the cold out. Wearing this jacket is the equivalent of getting to stay in bed all day. It is like cozying up with the perfect blanket on a cold winter night. I have been wearing it nearly every day since I finished it and I know it will serve me for many months of the year in the Vancouver climate.
You can probably tell from these pics that I am so happy with this make. I
