Oct 17, 2020

Modeling the Completed Safari Jacket!

Friends, the jacket is done and here I am wearing it!

As you may already know, I sewed this safari jacket from vintage Folkwear pattern 130, which makes what they call an "Australian Bush Outfit."  I don't think I'd dare wear my version in the Australian Bush, needless to say.

This is a very well-drafted pattern and the instructions are excellent.  I made only minor changes to the pattern.  The back is designed to have darts that release below the waistline.  With my fabric, this created a bit of an hourglass silhouette I wasn't wild about, so I just stitched the darts down all the way to the hem. The style line isn't changed, just the fullness at the hip.  I guess if you have wider hips you'd want the extra room.  The jacket has darts in front as well: it's not a simple rectangle like many of the safari jacket patterns put out by the big pattern companies around this time (the 1970's, probably due to the popularity of Yves Saint Laurent's safari-inspired styles).

I also added two interior pockets so I wouldn't have to weigh down the outer pockets and I could keep my wallet and phone more secure.  I really like that the lower outer pockets don't have buttons so they're easy to slip my hands into.  


 

You  may notice that I didn't make the belt.  The jacket looks retro enough as-is; with the belt, it would look old-fashioned, imo.  Maybe if I made this in a classic khaki, I'd want the belt.  Not much more to say about the pattern: you can still find copies for sale on eBay and Etsy and I think Folkwear still sells it on their website too.  There aren't many in-print safari jacket patterns out there.  Maybe none.

The pattern includes epaulets, which add a nice military touch.

The fabric is a Chelsea Flea Market find from last month.  It's medium weight cotton canvas.  Originally I didn't envision this as anything more than a wearable muslin but in the end, I love the jacket in this pattern.  Styling it takes a little more effort given how colorful it is, but you know, this blog is called Male Pattern Boldness for a reason!



Here I'm wearing it with a me-made white cotton shirt, blue twill pants, a vintage Shetland wool mustard V-neck sweater I found on eBay last week, mustard checkerboard Vans slip-ons (a recent purchase), and a winter white Irish tweed cap I bought at the Chelsea Flea Market last weekend.  I think it would also look nice with a blue gingham shirt (or solid) and mustard or khaki pants: I have both so I'll have to give them a try.

And that's it!  It's always great when a pattern you've never tried before turns out to be a winner.  Next time I make it, maybe I'll aspire to something more luxurious, like the suede version below.  It's basically the same pattern, only with a cinched waistline instead of a belt.  Elegant!

Have a great day everybody and enjoy your safari and dress appropriately!

You can see me work this outfit in a little Instagram video here.


16 comments:

  1. wow, that came out great. you are amazing -- i didn't even notice the belt until you mentioned you didn't add it.

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  2. Re not wearing it in the Australian bush. You might be surprised. There was no where that got less than 40% in favour of marriage equality (scroll down for map) with majority overwhelmingly in favour (scroll down for map of result).
    https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/16/australians-voted-in-massive-numbers-for-marriage-equality-and-a-fair-go

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  3. Wonderful, you are such a professional sewer. Looks great on you!

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  4. I’m surprised how much I like the jacket in the fairly loud print. Now when I see safari jacket, I think ugh, Melania. You wear it about 10,000x better! Great make!

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  5. Hi Peter! Great wearable muslin! I think if you want to copycat the jacket you were inspiered, you should pay attention on the proportion of the sleeves and sholder. Also small details, like the collar (another style) and two pockets on the breast, which are not patch pockets... they give the jacket a sophisticated touch.
    Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland!

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  6. Oh my gosh. That fabric is rad! I own a chunk of Australian bush and if ever you are visiting this continent you are very, very welcome to come by for a chat. I'll introduce you to my machines then put you and that fab jacket in its rightful place for a photo shoot. At this time of year the bush is full of golds, yellows,reds and purple. I'm sure your amazing jacket will feel right at home.

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  7. Ever the scamp, showcasing your waistline with nary a word.

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  8. Great fabric and excellent jacket! Safari jackets may be having their day again; Waffle Patterns just came out with one for women (though they're calling it a "shirt jacket"): https://www.wafflepatterns.com/product-page/yomogi-shirt-jacket

    As soon as I saw the Waffle pattern, I started looking for vintage versions, but actually the still-in-print Folkwear pattern is the best I've seen so far. However, my rendition, if I make it, will probably not be as striking as yours!

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  9. Really nice jacket, but I wanted to say that having lived most of my 56 years in Australia, I've never heard of a "Slingaroo." (Even my spell checker thought I was trying to say Singapore there!)

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  10. I absolutely love your jacket!
    Stunning in every way!
    And a great great Model!

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