The coming of fall has allowed me to make a foray into the world of muted colors and warmers patterns. During several recent excursions to the fabric store, I noticed a dark green fabric embroidered with a pattern of leaves and flowers. When it finally was reduced to 60% off, I snatched it up. I chose a pattern that I was rather skeptical about (based on the outlandish jackets featured on the front of the pattern!): McCall's 5477, but which I decided to give a try. I am glad to say that my initial hesitation proved quite unfounded.
Amazingly, I made only one change to the pattern: the sleeves, which are represented as being long-sleeved, were nowhere near long enough! I lengthened them, but they still were too short. Hence, I added a ruffle around the bottom edge of the sleeve. They are still not as long as normal jacket sleeves, but I like having my shirt cuffs show.
The Council of Elrond Skirt
I have recently taken to naming my projects after the dominant impression I had while they were in progress. In the case of my new wrap skirt, my sister and I were listening to the rather lengthy chapter concerning the Council of Elrond on the audio CD of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Hence, this skirt has been dubbed "The Council of Elrond" skirt. I think the embroidered leaf design on linen works well with this name! I obtained the tutorial on the Internet, but unfortunately it's no longer available. I purchased the fabric on clearance, and the entire skirt cost only $7.50 (plus tax!). I added buttons for the closure rather than making ties.
And now, pictures of the completed projects:
This pattern was quite unique -- and quite complicated! The fact that I had never made a jacket before didn't help matters, but I didn't encounter any real problems. It was certainly time consuming, though! The side panels are cut on the bias, which I found unusual. My favorite design aspect was the gathering on the front and back of the jacket.
This pattern is now a permanent fixture in my stash.
THat is a breath-taking outfit Shannon! I adore it! THe name fits it very well! Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures!! I was thinking about using that pattern one of these days, I'm glad you told about the sleeves, because that's like my number one pet-peeve, to have my jacket sleeves shorter than my shirtsleeves (not that it looks bad, I think it's actually really cute, but I just can't stand the way it feels, LOL!) :D
ReplyDelete~Elissa
Very pretty indeed! I love the ruffles on the jacket sleeves. The whole outfit looks like something out of a fashion feature in "Victoria" magazine. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the outfit!! Just beautiful ! It does look like a Victoria magazine inspired outfit. Where did you find the skirt fabric--and for such a fantastic price.
ReplyDeleteTraci
Thank you! I can't imagine any better compliment than having an outfit that looks like something in Victoria magazine!
ReplyDeleteTraci, I got the fabric at JoAnn's on clearance. It was originally $15 per yard, but the 50% off sale on all clearance fabric reduced it to only $2.50 per yard! Needless to say, now I check the clearance table every time I go in.
Yours in Christ,
Shannon
Oh I just love your outfit! Thanks for sharing those pictures. It makes me want to make one just like it!
ReplyDelete