When I caught up with my friend Hélène in New York she asked me if I would participate in an international challenge with Suzy from @sewinginspain. The challenge was to make the Pauline Alice Tello Jacket which sounded easy, except that I was going to have six days at home between trips and I would probably be battling jetlag. But how could I refuse the lovely Hélène? Challenge accepted!
I didn’t have the pattern ready, so I had to print and tape, and oh yes, my machines were being serviced and had to be collected, so now I was down to five days! I also had no idea what fabric to use, so I trawled through my stash, keeping in mind the style of jacket, choosing and rejecting. The description of the Tello jacket is as follows: “a classic utility jacket, unlined and with many pockets. It features a topstitched collar, one-piece sleeves with dart, one vertical zipped chest pocket with lined interior and one patch pocket, large hip pockets and six button closures.” and then I found this funny jungle green cotton drill from Spotlight, which I suspect I bought about five years ago and which seemed to fit the brief of utility jacket. I didn’t have a green zip so went with a brown one and had a lovely time choosing the buttons, which are from my vintage collection. Every component of this jacket came from my stash.
I had some bias binding I made previously from a recycled dress that I didn’t like, so used it to bind all the seams, and used a piece of plain grey cotton for the zipped pocket lining.
In spite of my panic, the jacket came together really quickly and I was done within a couple of days. I packed it for my trip to Tasmania where it has proven to be the perfect layering piece.
I wore it several times, including a visit to Cataract Gorge in Launceston.
The back view as I bravely look over the fence.
This jacket has pockets for every occasion and I struggled to keep my hands out of them!
This is a lovely jacket to wear out and about, and I wore it to the gorgeous Arthur’s Circle in Battery Point.
Finally, for the challenge Hélène and Suzy suggested that we create fun photos and synchronise our IG posts across our various timezones. The synchronisation was easy, but I’d already taken my photos and they were really boring. I engaged Mark’s help and before I knew where I was in high heels with various props making a spectacle of myself in front of passersby. Mark produced a bicycle built by Archie which was many sizes too big for me – I couldn’t reach the pedals from the seat.
then he dragged the rocking horse out of the house, complete with my riding crop, and there I sat in my utility jacket doing utility sorts of things. It was all a bit of a laugh really. 
In spite of the fact that I really like this jacket, I was treating it as a bit of a wearable toile and I think I will reduce the width of the shoulders for the next one. I do have some lovely winter fabric for another one, and I’m already looking forward to making it.
I really like this, and Mark’s creativity with props is wonderful. You look like you’re having a good time!
Always having a good time! I think I need props more often though!!
I really love this jacket!!! All the components from your stash built a great little jacket that you’ve shown easily goes everywhere well. And those pictures!!! Isn’t it fun how the ‘taking of pictures for the blog’ creates a wonderful time in and of itself. (With the exception of a very high bar on a bicycle?!!!!!) I want to make this jacket now!!!! P.S. Thank you again for sharing your gorgeous travel photos. Gorgeous scenery!
I totally agree about the blog photos. I am constantly thinking about what might be good and it was such fun to do the bike and rocking horse photos. I might need to do fun photos more often!
Beautiful photos, both in Tasmania and in Perth, where Mark was clearly inspired! Now, this challenge was just too easy for you despite your very tight schedule between two flights. Suzy and I knew you would nail it and I remember you even finished yours before us, speedy Sue! But how fun and exciting was it to exchange e-mails, ideas, tips and everything. I agree that this is a perfect little pattern for a utility jacket and I also plan to make one for our summer when you make yours for winter xx
It was such a fun challenge Hélène and I think we need another one soon! I love this jacket and can imagine that I’m going to be wearing it a lot as the weather cools down. I so enjoyed all the planning in the collaboration, so thank you so much for including me. xxx
Love the fun photos! Your jacket is impeccably made as per usual and looks like a fab fit too.
The fun photos were lots of fun to do. I think the shoulders need to be tweaked a bit and then it will be a perfect fit.
the jacket looks fantastic, perfect fabric and color for a wear with everything casual jacket
I was hoping that this would be exactly that Beth. So far it’s lived up to the promise of the perfect casual jacket.
AMAZING!!!! Really, this is a fantastic sew in a truly versatile colour!
Thank you Abbey. I think this will be a really useful jacket and I’m looking forward to cooler weather so I can wear it constantly.
What fun pictures, haha! I love the green fabric you chose. Looks like a very versatile piece!
I am hoping that this jacket will see me through until winter. The green is a remarkably versatile colour.
You guys have so much fun!!!
Fun is mandatory!! Thank you Wendy.
Wow, I really admire your jacket and the skills to make it look so professional!
Aw, thank you Patty. The jacket has a few fitting issues, but it’s still a really useful garment.
You did a beautiful work inside and outside. Great jacket and pictures ❤
Thank you Hana. This is a really nice jacket pattern.
What a great post and I’m glad the jacket has proved so useful. I visualise mine for travelling too. Your photos are amazing…that gorge! Glad to see Mark enters into the spirit of things…Westy is usually unenthusiastic about photos, but he got quite excited about the chainsaw one. We will have to do another little challenge together, maybe in the autumn.
Suzy xxxx
Count me in, Suzy! How about you, Sue? Another mini challenge in September?
Sounds fab! It’s a nice trans-seasonal time.
Very nice! I’ll have to look this pattern up! Looks like you had a lot of fun taking the photos too!
Loads of fun Linda. It’s a well drafted pattern and came together really well.
What a great looking jacket with pretty details. Chapeau!
Thanks Sonja! The jacket is really good to have in the wardrobe.
It’s always good when you get an unexpected winner lie this – and well done getting it made in short order 👏😀
Yes, I was really surprised at how easy it was to make and how much I like it.
It’s a very smart looking utility jacket – I think it is the collar that makes that so. But pockets, pockets, pockets – what fun to make and later find uses for.
Yep, gotta have pockets. The jacket can be dressed up or down and is proving to be really handy.
Great looking jacket and love all those pockets. Love the rocking horse.
I love the rocking horse too! The jacket is proving to be really useful.