TL; DR – Why do I insist on not following fabric recommendations?

I’ve wanted to make a bomber jacket for a while. I thrifted a Missoni for Target shower curtain (I absolutely love this print) and thought that the polyester-type fabric would be perfect for a bomber jacket. So I bought and downloaded bomber jacket pattern after bomber jacket pattern and kept chickening out. It looked too complicated. Welt pockets? Full lining? Cuff sleeves?

When Styla Patterns shared that they were making a bomber jacket pattern and looking for testers, I jumped at the chance. The nice thing about pattern testing is that if there are parts of the directions that don’t make sense (to you), you can ask and suggest edits on making things clearer. So I know that if I was going to get confused and fumble, being a tester was a sure way to make sure I would have the support.

I had the shell fabric, but had no idea about the lining. I did have this stretch woven wool blend in an grey white that is lovely as a fabric, but not so great as a color for my coloring. It figured it would make a good lining – it’ll be warm but not super-heavy. The trim is a ponte knit I had lying around. Which was less stretchy than the stretch woven lining.

The whole thing came together really well. The welt pocket instructions were crystal clear, and I think they turned out pretty well for my first attempt!

The lining didn’t “fit” together as easily as it might have had it not been a stretch fabric; I ended up with a bunch of extra fabric that I either trimmed or turned into a pleat. But again, that’s a me problem. I even inadvertently did some pattern matching in the front!

If you are intimidated by a full-lined bomber jacket, then you should start with this one. I’m so happy with it! Also, completely accidental pattern matching that flower in the front!