![](https://amynicolestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/thayer-grainline.jpg)
I have so many feelings about this make. The process was long and drawn out. I wasn’t really pumped about making it because it was more of a necessity than a fun sparkly desire. But you guys… I am so STINKING PROUD of this jacket!
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I needed a new jacket to wear to work. For those that don’t know, my husband and I own a barbecue restaurant. Needless to say, it gets messy there (I mean just look at those overalls!) I very rarely wear anything I’ve made to work because it just gets worn down and splattered allover with meat juice and other mystery substances. But I needed a “work jacket”. Between the restaurant and our new farm house I knew I needed a jacket that wasn’t necessarily for looks but was tough and could keep me warm and take some wear and tear. I thought about just buying something because it seemed like a lot of work to put into something that is just going to get beat up. But I had the perfect fabric in my stash and somewhat of a vision.
![](https://amynicolestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/thayer-jacket-front-1024x683.jpg)
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There were a couple of other patterns that crossed my mind but Grainline Studio teased this pattern back in the spring of 2019 and I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. The Thayer Jacket pattern is the perfect work wear inspired look with just a touch of feminism in it’s barely there swingy shape. I waited and waited and it came out just in time last fall. My local sewing friend and I worked on ours together during our Tuesday sewing nights.
![](https://amynicolestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Thayer-jacket-grainline-1024x905.jpg)
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I had this railroad stripe denim ticking in my stash that my husband and I found at an estate sale. It was perfect for this make. I decided to play around with the direction of the stripes and I love the way it came out.
The lining is refashioned from a vintage heavy flannel mens shirt (also from an estate sale). Can you believe I was wearing the shirt as my winter work jacket before I made this! I didn’t quite have enough of the shirt for the sleeve lining so I used some super soft twill that was leftover from these Chi Town Chinos. That fabric actually worked out better for sleeve lining because it’s a lot slicker and has less friction. I played with some fun details by keeping the original shirt pocket of the vintage shirt which now operates as an inside pocket.
![](https://amynicolestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/thayer-lining-pocket-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://amynicolestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/thayer-removable-lining-1024x856.jpg)
Now for the fun part… the lining is REMOVABLE!!! I knew I needed this jacket to be warm, but I also lacked a lightweight work jacket (especially since I chopped up that flannel shirt to make the lining!) So I decided to make the lining removable.
I plan on making a full tutorial about this (coming soon!) But basically I used the lining pieces to draft a separate facing that I stitched up in denim. Then I ordered a super long zipper, and attached it to both the facing and lining so when its not quite so frigid out I can just unzip the lining and have a lighter jacket!
The lining is layered with quilt batting and backed with cotton muslin for extra warmth. A last minute decision that I definitely do not regret because its been freezing here lately!
![](https://amynicolestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/thayer-jacket-open.jpg)
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The plaid on the collar was an accidental decision. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do plaid or solid denim, decided on the solid denim with the plaid for the under collar, then sewed the collar on upside down. :-p (You probably aren’t shocked to hear thats not the first time I’ve done that!) I caught the mistake before closing everything up, but then tried it on first before unpicking and decided I loved it. Plus when I pop my collar to keep the wind away it’s nice and soft against my neck.
![](https://amynicolestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/thayer-front-close-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://amynicolestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/grainline-studio-thayer.jpg)
The pattern fit me perfectly right out of the packet. I made a size 0 with zero changes whatsoever. And in true Grainline Studio fashion the instructions were super clear and easy to follow. They now have a sewalong for this pattern as well!
The only thing I changed was switching the buttons to snaps. I didn’t see myself bothering to close the jacket very much and I was too lazy to do all those button holes. 😉
See this jacket in action with even more details in this video:
In the end I was SO SO HAPPY and proud of myself and the way I executed this make. I absolutely couldn’t believe how well it turned out.
Have you ever been reluctant to make something only to end up loving it?
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