Saturday, June 25, 2011

Grey and pink - part 3

Finally  - the jacket.  It's Kwik Sew 3334 with a few changes.
Sorry - photographed after a day's wear.
The fabric is a silk tweed, or at least that's what I'm calling it, though perhaps there is a "proper" name for this rather coarse, loose weave.  Oddly enough, I kept thinking of this as being cotton, but once the steam from the iron hit it, I could tell by the smell - it's silk, all right.  According to the pattern, this is an unlined jacket.  Well, it would be rather difficult getting it on and off without a lining, so I changed that aspect.  Left off the back facing and made the back lining piece come right up to the collar/neckline seam.  Added little pockets in the front seams.  (That's to keep myself from saying "What idiot didn't put pockets in this jacket?!")  Added piping in the collar, at the front and at the sleeve edges, which necessitated sleeve hem facings.

As for fit - I raised the armholes by about 3/4 inch, and narrowed the sleeves at the armhole, as well as removing part of the "bust bump" on the side front piece.  I did not interface every piece, as instructed at the fabric store with these types of loose weave fabrics, because I wanted a very soft jacket, with the feel of a cardigan.  I did fuse strips of knit interfacing at strategic seams to keep things from stretching out with wear.  As for those buttonholes - probably wasn't worth all the angst.

I thought that bound buttonholes made from the cotton print that I had used for the piping would look cute.  First there was the problem of the super-ravelly fabric.  Too many layers and I ended up with a substantial lump at the buttonhole.  (Don't like lumps.)  Blue bound buttonholes smack in the middle of the pink looked like eyesores, especially with the pink buttons.  I finally decided that the only way to go was machine made buttonholes, but then there were more samples to be made.  (Do I manage to drag things out or what!)  Final decision - corded buttonholes.  These should wear well, not that I will wear this buttoned all too often, I think.  Now - all together...

That's me, exhausted, after an all-day seminar with my head spinning.  If I hadn't snapped this picture yesterday, who knows when I'd be wearing all the components together again.  I thought that with the advent of warmer weather I would be able to photograph outside, which seems to give better results, but it's forever raining on and off.  It's either indoor pictures, or none at all.
Must say - after a whole day of sitting - the pleated pants are oh so comfortable!

17 comments:

  1. Love your jacket! It totally makes the outfit. And very interesting fabric whatever it's called.

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  2. Oh, you look lovely in that elegant exhaustion-truly you do. I love the jacket so much and the entire outfit is special. May I put a picture of the jacket on Pinterest? So others may enjoy? It will link back to your blog.

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  3. What a soft, beautful jacket, perfect for the Burda magazine pose. Beautiful piping and great call on the butonhole decision.

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  4. It's so soft and lovely. I like the wide open neckline and the bracelet length sleeves. It's all together very feminine and flattering.

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  5. Ah - you look elegant even exhausted with your head spinning! Lovely jacket, really like the collar.

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  6. It is a beautiful jacket. The print piping adds a unique touch. You may have been mentally tired, but you look so cool, coordinated, and chic.

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  7. Thanks Irene, I pinned it. here is the link:
    http://pinterest.com/pin/49329394/

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  8. Irene, It's fabulous! I love the piping detail. Lovely jacket.

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  9. What a beautiful jacket! Love the contrasting piping. Nice work!

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  10. Such a feminine elegant outfit. The jacket is gorgeous and I really like the collar and sleeve length. All are beautifully sewn!

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  11. What a beautiful jacket and love the piping and although very tired totally love the pose.

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  12. Oh, it's gorgeous Irene! And you look so elegant in your pose, even if you are exhausted!
    All quite quite stunning. I just love the neckline on that jacket, and your pockets are inspired. I think I would have agonised about patch pockets, but these are infintely superior and look like they were meant to be. Thank you so much for you inspirational sewing!!

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  13. Oh, my God! This beautiful jacket is the icing on the cake! Love all the details, piping, collar, fabric, everything! You look like a lady of film time, desmallada on the couch, Sublime!

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  14. What a stunning jacket! The piping is so delicate and gives the jacket the perfect finish. Love the pose!

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  15. A superb jacket! Just beautiful. Your whole outfit looks great.

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  16. Lovely jacket. The muted, pastel colors are perfect and elegant. The piping gives the jacket a great accent.

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