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!