New pattern: the James fisherman' smock

If you like sturdy clothes, you will love James!

I’m so excited to announce that the James fisherman's smock is finally here! The collection was design around the theme "sew strong". The coverall Jean-Paul, the fisherman's smock James and the upcoming patterns (I'm still working on 2 other patterns) were drafted with the same common points; durability and comfort.

HISTORY

The fisherman's smock was an item of workwear that became a symbol of Cornish identity. Made from rough cloth - quite often canvas, the smock was worn as an outer garment to protect the wearer from the wear and tear of their every day work. The traditional dress of the Cornish fisherman can be seen in the many paintings made during the 19th and  early 20th century by the Newlyn School of Artists.

MOODBOARD

I’ve gathered some images from around the internet to inspire your own James smock.

I love the idea of combining this rough garment to lovely pastel shades. What about a blush pink fisherman's smock? 

One of my tester, Aurélie, choose a fabric with abstract and colorful patterns, it was really #JCCastelbajaclike. I loved it and it inspired me this moodboard. 

DESCRIPTION

James is a classic fisherman’s smock (It is called «vareuse» in french) revisited by Ready to sew. You will love the neat and strong construction of this garment and its discrete charm.

- Front opening fastened with 1 button

- Inside chest pocket

- kimono sleeves

- Decorative and functional topstitching

- Side patch pocket or big kangaroo pocket

- Side slits

- curved hem

Fabric: organic denim by Amandine Cha

PATTERN DIFFICULTY

The James smock was rated as Advanced beginner before the test but according to the feedbacks of some of my testers, it should have been rated as Intermediate. The reasons why it is not rated as Advanced beginner anymore are:

- The topstitching details on the facing

- The curved hem finished with bias tape

The instructions are ; as usual ; very detailed and you can get some help here by following the sew along! It is a great pattern to jump from an Advance beginner level to an intermediate level!

SUGGESTED FABRICS AND NOTIONS

The sewing pattern James calls for strong woven fabrics sush as denim, cotton twill, cotton canvas, gabardine, medium weight linen, coated Linen. 

Well, that’s all I can think of for now. I’ve been wearing my white cotton canvas a few times and it doesn’t hurt that it gathers compliments everywhere it goes ;-)