Monday, December 22, 2008

A Bit of Winter Sewing


Finding myself in desperate need of jackets, I decided to make one using some lovely black corduroy that I purchased last year. The corduroy doesn't have a wale, so it has the look and feel of velvet combined with the stretch and easy sewing of corduroy.



I'm absolutely terrified of jackets because I'm not comfortable with that kind of tailored sewing -- I don't mind fitted garments, but I'm not fond of fitted outerwear! Fortunately, the jacket turned out well enough to wear (and in time for a friend's graduation, too!), although I (of course) know all the little mistakes or "not-quite-perfect" places.





I used McCall's 5194 as a base for the jacket, but I made a few changes. I combined the pattern with another jacket pattern so that I could have a shawl collar, which I usually prefer to notched collars. I also wanted a bit more of a Victorian feel, so I added a gathered peplum. That took quite a bit of doing...and redoing...and more redoing! First it was not gathered enough, then it was too gathered! But the Lord blessed me by keeping me from frustration long enough to finish it. I liked the idea of a bound edge, so I used a black satin all the way 'round the jacket, as well as a band at the waist. And I couldn't resist a tab-and-button detail in the back!



Black clothes are so wretched to photograph! I've converted these photos to
black and white so you can (hopefully) see the details a little more clearly)

I absolutely love this fabric! It was a dream to sew, and I didn't even have to replace my basting stitches while tinkering with the peplum! And this jacket has already come in handy again for our church Christmas program (I always joke that my "musician's wardrobe" could be mistaken for a Goth wardrobe because of all the black!). Plus, I was able to do some stash-busting, which is always a good thing!





I can't believe Christmas is coming up this week! We're finishing our decorations (at last!), and I'm starting to feel prepared for a pleasant and relaxed Christmas holiday! And the icicles on our neighbor's trees this morning also helped boost my spirits -- even if they were just caused by the sprinkler!

19 comments:

  1. Oh my! That is gorgeous! I looooove the back. As usual, I am amazed by your skills, Shannon!

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  2. Love the jacket Shannon! And I can't see any obvious mistakes...just beautiful!

    If I don't come by before...Have a splendid and Merry Christmas!

    Lots of love,
    Sommer

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  3. I love it, Shannon. It's perfect for Christmas-time. Do you have any idea what you'll wear with it?

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  4. Shannon,
    How beautiful!! Your jacket looks perfectly lovely and old-fashioned. I am inspired once again! :)

    Merry Christmas!

    Blessings,
    Alyssa

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  5. It's beautiful, Shannon, great job!

    Merry Christmas!

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  6. Oh dear me! I want one myself! Gorgeous job as always -- LOVE the changes you made and that lovely, velvet-y black!

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  7. The jacket is beautiful! You are the only person I read who would completely rework a pattern, then say that you know where all the little mistakes are. I bet it looks great on you, too!

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  8. The most beautiful jacket I've seen yet! You are ever so skilled!

    Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

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  9. Can you make me one?? =) It is beautiful, Shannon! Very nice work!

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  10. Oh Shannon, it's so classic and stylish! I absolutely adore that black corduroy with the shiny ribbon. And I love the tab-and-button detail on the back! You need to take pictures of you wearing it for us sometime. :)

    Thank you so much for sharing! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

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  11. Beautiful!!! What a lovely jacket, you did a great job! I love the fabric. :)

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  12. The jacket looks beautiful. Well done. I hope you will post pictures of you wearing it!
    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  13. I LOVE IT!!!!! It is soooooooooooo beautiful!!!! That fabric is gorgeous and a really pretty color!

    Auberne’ Ancalimon @-`---

    (P.S. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!)

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  14. Oh, it's gorgeous Shannon! I want one. :-)I love how you bound it in the black satin. Lovely!

    ~Katelyn (from the S&S forum)

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  15. Thank you for all of your kind words! :-) I've gotten to wear it twice so far, and I love it! Maybe I'll wear it during the next WIFD so I can get "action" shots.

    Janna, the jacket pairs really well with my "30's" houndstooth skirt, and I also have a grey plaid wool skirt that matches nicely.

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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  16. It is absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure it would look lovely in a fashion feature in Victoria magazine!

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