Over a month ago I showed this jacket in a nearly finished state. Took me two weeks to finish it for real and took another two weeks to get pictures. The fabric doesn’t behave very well in pictures but I’m happy with the spring vibe it has. Having worn one of my self drafted jackets today and seeing these pictures now I can see that this jacket is too wide in the shoulder area and could have been a little better fitting in general. Sometimes I just don’t want to do all the drafting, but for jackets I really should take the trouble of drafting or make a muslin. This time it was the collar part that I was unsure of and wanted to start and use a pattern. I’ll wear this, it’s just a little moaning amongst sewing friends that it could have been better.
The upper part of the back is too wide as well, the lower part is fitting well.
For those who have the pattern and might want to sew it: the pattern pieces and instructions for this were a little strange in my opinion. There’s a separate facing for the inside that extends further than the part that’s on the outside. It makes for a more difficult way of construction as also the lining then has a more difficult corner. I didn’t see the need to construct it like this and thought it would be enough if I just cut the outerpart as a facing too. Worked very well and was so much easier in sewing it together. I used the other front pattern pieces for the lining as well, and only used the separate back pattern piece.
The pattern has a sleeve with a vent and buttons/buttonholes. I omitted those.
One caution on the collar: if you sew on autopilot, you can very easily sew the collar the wrong way! That’s what I did in any case. I did sew the two collar parts together as if it was a lapel collar and closed and trimmed the wrong side. I was lucky to have enough fabric to cut it again.
I’ve lengthened the body and sleeves significantly. 5 cm in the body, 3 cm in the sleeves (I like longer sleeves anyhow).
This pattern is out of print, but very current I think. I’ve seen this style of collar/neckline a lot in patterns recently.
Beautiful. I really like the buckle fasteners adds a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteBecca
This jacket is so lovely! Hopefully as time goes by you will forget the "imperfections" and just enjoy wearing the jacket.
ReplyDeleteLovely jacket. No one but us will know it is not the most perfect fit. Sometimes you just have to get it done.
ReplyDeletePerfect spring jacket! It's funny how we get fussier the more we sew. I was wearing a knit tunic last night and bemoaning to myself that the neckline and shoulders were too wide when two people came up and complimented me on it. Thanks for the tip about the facings and lining. I have a coat pattern that did this and it annoyed the heck out of me. Bravo to you for finding an easier and just as effective method.
ReplyDeleteDitto the above. Love the collar/neckline. You did a beautiful tailoring job from where I stand – looks to be a perfect Spring jacket.
ReplyDeletelooks really nice, I like that collar shape.
ReplyDeleteIt really is beautiful - sometimes we just need to make a pattern up and wear it before making all the alterations to it. So will you make it again?
ReplyDeleteEven if you think the fit is not perfect, the jacket looks pretty good and shows impeccable craftsmanship. I like its lines and also think the fabric is perfect for this style. Well done, Sigrid!
ReplyDeleteI really like it and do have this pattern and have considered sewing it! But I am leery with the issues you pointed out about everything fitting together.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket is just beautiful though.
Perfect with jeans and I would assume it dresses up nicely by changing out the bottoms. Or over a dress. It's lovely and versatile.
ReplyDeleteOnly you sewing friends will notice the fit however put that aside as it is a lovely looking jacket and I hope you do get some wear out of it.
ReplyDelete