Jaime's Summer of Basics Kelly Anorak

My second Summer of Basics make is one of my proudest sewing moments. Welcome new army green twill Kelly Anorak jacket of my dreams!

I made my first jacket last winter and also used a Closet Case Files pattern - the Clare Coat. I loved it and wore it last year and will continue again this season. I don’t, however, have a handmade jacket for the spring and fall seasons when a thick wool jacket isn't necessary. There are several cute anorak-style patterns out, but I really wanted to sew this one since I had such good luck with my last CCP jacket. Guys, I love it.

Pattern: Kelly Anorak Jacket by Closet Case Designs
Materials: Indiesew Army Green Twill (out of stock, but check out this close alternative), 1 Kelly Anorak hardware kit
Size Made: 6
Modifications: None

I choose to use an Army Green Twill we have from Indiesew. This is a great weight and it is a current favorite color. I mean, army green is classic and forever, right? This fabric is not waterproof or even water-resistant being 100% cotton. I'm fine with this, living in dry Colorado, but it would be amazing to sew this jacket up in one of our waxed canvases for a truly weather-resistant shell.

This jacket was a lot of pieces and a lot of cutting and sewing. I took my time and worked on it an hour or two every day for a couple of weeks. I love this type of leisurely sewing for big projects. It really keeps me from getting stressed or overwhelmed and makes for a super enjoyable sewing experience.

The Kelly Anorak is an unlined jacket so there are some clever construction details to make for beautifully finished edges in the hood and front zipper. Overall, the instructions were great. I only had a couple of questions on the zipper plackets and the tutorials on the Closet Case blog helped me get through those.

Kelly Anorak requires a lot of cool hardware which makes you feel pretty awesome and really takes the finished project up a notch. I used the kit from Closet Case which was super easy as it contains everything you need in two fabulous neutral palettes.

The fit of the jacket is great. It is quite tight around my hips when its zipped so next time I would grade out to an 8 for the bottom. It works though and I don't see myself needing to make another one of these anytime soon.

A recent trip to Iceland gave me the chance to really use and test this jacket. I love it. Fall, I'm so ready for you! Thank you, Karen for hosting the Summer of Basics and pushing me to make a basic that was much needed in my handmade wardrobe. Be sure to check out all the amazing makes on the hashtag #summerofbasics on Instagram and check back tomorrow right here to see our pick for the best first garment.