Welcome to the BigFlyNotions stop on the Basically Jalie Blog Tour, hosted by The Petite Sewist and Auschick Sews! Stay tuned until the end to learn about the sewalong and how to enter to win Jalie patterns as well as prizes from our amazing sponsors.
In the PDF pattern world, Jalie gets mentioned a LOT when people are discussing patterns with great drafting and construction, especially in conversations about athletic gear. I can confidently announce Jalie is now my go-to for my day to day wardrobe!

I recently saw this saying and realize it is in reference to creating a more positive lifestyle in general….. Buuuuut, come on, I’m a seamstress, I’m gonna apply this to my closet too!
Saying Adios
I recently went through and Konmari’d my wardrobe (minus the thanking bit, I’m not quite there yet). I’d amassed an embarrassing number of items that didn’t fit, weren’t my style, aren’t comfortable, etc. Looking through my closet after this ruthless purge made me realize:
- I have a mom uniform
- It revolves around layers: dresses and cardigans or leggings with longer tops, paired with cardigans (of course).
- I need to hunt down patterns to sew more uniforms to help bolster my currently meager closet
Saying Bonjour
So, now for the fun part – to tell you about the amazing basics I discovered:
1. Jalie 3248 Drop Pocket Cardigan
2. Jalie 3245 Raglan
3. Jalie Clara Leggings

This cardigan was a total joy to sew up. It is a bit more technical than your typical cardi but it is super clever how the pockets are created and the finishes are typical Jalie (stellar). I made this one in some amazing brushed sweater knit from Mily Mae. It is super soft and I find myself reaching for it a LOT.
I’m a total sucker for a curved hem so the raglan was a no brainer. I love how the pattern pieces are used. Rather than having different cut lines or pieces for the tank and the top, front and back, it is done in a modular fashion. Jalie provides you with a pattern piece from under the bust down to the hem and you tape it to a front and back piece for the shoulders to the bust, depending on whether you’re making the tank or the shirt.

First, I made the shirt from this floral spun polyester. This doesn’t have the drape I was wanting but I loved the print and will wear it loads, especially with the cardigan. The neckline is the perfect balance of not feeling too exposed or constricted.
I sewed the racerback tank in drapey bamboo lycra from Knitpop (affiliate link). I went for a more casual look, opting to not bind the arm and neck holes.
I cannot stop talking about the Clara leggings. They do not have a vertical seam above the crotch. NO CAMEL TOE! The fit is perfection, my only adjustment was for height (I’m quite petite). I made a pair from 12oz black cotton lycra and another from yoga knit and have two more pairs cut out in black double brushed poly.
The waistband is worth mentioning too. It is a contoured waistband and you construct the topmost seam first, then attach elastic to the seam allowance which then gets understitched. The waistband does not move and will support me in anything, whether yoga, running, or my 24/7 professional momming.

I still have a fairly empty closet but I have two new outfits that I know will fit my lifestyle and will be worn loads. Now, to get to sewing up those other two pairs of Claras!
Blogger Lineup
Be sure to visit these talented sewing bloggers during the tour:
Wednesday, Feb 6 – The Petite Sewist | auschick sews | Replicate then Deviate | Deepika Blogs
Thursday, Feb 7 – Sew What Yvette | Sew Cucio | Shalini’s Sewing Space | Curtiepie | A Jennuine Life
Friday, Feb 8 – SeamsLikeStyle | It’s Liesel | SewSophieLynn | Danvillegirl Sewing Diary | Skirt Fixation
Monday, Feb 11 – The Crafting Fiend | Sprouting JubeJube | its sew colorful | Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing
Tuesday, Feb 12 – All Things Katy! | BigFlyNotions | needle and the belle | Zoopolis
Sewalong and Giveaway!
Are there some Jalie patterns you’ve been itching to get? Now’s your chance to WIN YOUR JALIE WISHLIST! Head over to Jalie’s website, create an account, add your favorite patterns to your wishlist, and complete the rafflecopter form below (patterns must be added by February 12, 2019 11:59pm EST to be eligible). Incomplete entries will be eligible for fabric prizes only.
For extra entries, join our Jalie sewalong! Make a Jalie “basic” between January 28 and February 12 and share it on Instagram with hashtag #basicallyjalie and/or in the Basically Jalie Album in the Sewing with Jalie Facebook group.
We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who have teamed up to provide the following prizes (please stop by their shops and show them some love!):
Grand Prize (Worldwide)
Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $100 CAD in patterns!
Discovery Trekking Outfitters – One (1) x 50 USD gift card
D&H Fabrics co. – One (1) x $50 USD gift card
Sewalong Prize (Continental USA only)
Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $25 CAD in patterns!
The Sewciety – One (1) Subscription box (value: $48 USD)
Simply By Ti – One (1) x $20 USD gift card
Sewalong Prize (Worldwide, excluding Continental USA)
Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $25 CAD in patterns!
PatternReview.com – One (1) x $30 USD gift card
Discovery Trekking Outfitters – One (1) x 50 USD gift card
(Note: gift cards exclude shipping unless otherwise stated on sponsor website)
My Jalie wishlist keeps growing! I just LOVE that cardigan so much!!! I can see how it would quickly become a wardrobe staple around here too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! This pattern doesn’t get enough love. I have some DBP in mind for my next one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks lovely on you! Your fabric choices are lovely- I have some of the striped bamboo and I love how soft it is. Nice work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kelle! I seriously want ALL the bamboo!
LikeLike
Ok, everything you made is perfect! I’ve been eyeing that cardigan pattern forever, and I really love your version.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, the pockets are amazeballs ❤
LikeLike
I had been wondering how the Clara was different from the Cora (which I love!)– these are going on my list now! Many thanks for sharing your experiences on all these patterns!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Robin! They’re seriously my new favorite legging. Jalie is having a surprise 20% sale today to celebrate Jeanne’s birthday. If you’re ready to pull the trigger on anything from your Jalie wishlist, use code 65YEARSYOUNG ❤ Happy sewing!
LikeLike
I love that you were able to figure out you momiform, and that Jalie was able to help you make more. Those leggings look so great and you’re making me want them – and I don’t even wear leggings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, sounds like you’re turning into a #jalieaddict! ❤ Thank you ❤
LikeLike
Lovely cardigan. I’m going to get this pattern in today’s sale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I think you’re going to love it!!!! Happy sewing!
LikeLike
I love your makes so much. Those colors are fabulous on you!!!! Seriously. So feminine and beautiful. Do you mind me asking wha size Jalie you make? I’m a CC.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! So much better for me in winter than just blacks and Grey’s, thank you!
LikeLike
And yes, I range from an x to aa I think. I love finding patterns for my curves!
LikeLike
Those leggings are perfect! And they are purple too ^_^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Marta! #purplerocks
LikeLike
OMG you look great!!! I love you in this pink!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awe thank you!!! 😘
LikeLike
As one of the sponsors of the blog tour, just wanted to say what a great job you did. The Clara leggings are so fabulous. I’ve made them many times, mainly from Polartec Power Stretch. Your version is lovely. Congratulations from the girls at Discovery Trekking Outfitters performance fabrics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so kind of you to say and I bet they’re absolute perfection in that fabric! Happy sewing ♥️
LikeLike
I love your “mom uniform”!! Great sews!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Heather!!! ♥️
LikeLike
My mom uniform is the same, and I’m pretty sure I need that cardigan pattern!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh man Jennie, it’s so fun and their size range rocks, totally get your money’s worth!
LikeLike
I love all of your Jalie projects! You look amazing wearing them !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I’m officially an addict!
LikeLike
Oh my gosh, I had no idea the Claras could help prevent camel toe! You’ve just given me another reason to this pattern. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and am glad you Konmarie’d your wardrobe. Isn’t it great to only keep things that bring you joy?!
LikeLiked by 1 person