Monday, October 1, 2007

The purple wool jacket


My purple wool jacket (Vogue 8436) is finished and not a moment too soon - temps here are down in the 50s and 60s now (~12-15 C). I made the shorter View A length with the collar from View B.


Likes/dislikes
The pattern couldn't have been easier to make up. I love not having to set in sleeves!

One thing to note is that the two front pieces do not overlap in a way that is perpendicular, each side hangs at an angle. At first I didn't like that, but now I'm used to it. This piece is more for looks and not warmth...


Fabric
Fashion fabric: lightweight wool that I bought recently at the Pacific Fabric Outlet
Lining: Bemberg rayon
Interfacing: Pro-tricot fusible from Sew Exciting

Alterations/design changes
Sleeves: as you know, I was unhappy with the puffy sleeves, so I redrafted them to be basically straight. Still gathered them a bit at the cuffs.

Pockets: I added in-seam pockets (because I always like to have someplace to put my hands!). If your pattern doesn't include pockets, Burdastyle now has a great tutorial on how to do this (part 1, part 2).
Closures: This instructions tell you to apply several "coat snaps" to keep the coat closed, but I used only one on the side opposite the button.


I finished the buttonhole as a bound buttonhole. I made it a little bit "fat" for a bolder look.

I used a vintage button as the main closure - it's 1.75" (4.5 cm) wide. It's the same one that you see in my blog header. I got this button about 4 years ago when I purchased an accordian-style sewing organizer at an estate sale. This is the perfect garment to highlight this button, and it makes me happy every time I look at it!



Conclusion

I'm pretty happy with how this turned out. I love the simple design.

22 comments:

yaiAnn said...

Very cute and elegant, and like you said, not a moment too soon.

Kitty Couture said...

Absolutely beautiful!!

Tany said...

Christina, it's AWESOME!!! I like the sleeves so much better now and that vintage big button gives it that special touch! Great job!

Anonymous said...

love the color, the buttons are beautiful, its a very cute jacket

LauraLo said...

Christina, it is beautiful and it looks really great on you! I love it, it looks awfully chic and sophisticated.

Adrienne said...

Very, very cute!!!!

renee said...

You are so stylin' in this. Wow.

Stephanie said...

I love it! You did a great job. It looks fantastic on you.

flanthrower said...

Wonderful work! Love the angles.

The drop in temperatures here has caught me off guard, but it also gives me the motivation to finish up a coat I've been working on. (Just have to put in those pesky sleeves.)

loopylulu said...

This looks great on you. Very stylish!

Frau Vau said...

lovely.
the collar looks great, and i really like the look of the asymmetrical closure!

Erica Bunker said...

Beautiful jacket! I love the purple!

Anonymous said...

Looks wonderful! And couldn't agree more about needing something spiffy for the foul weather here.

Kennis said...

Love your jacket, especially that color and the vintage button. I am eyeing that same patter as well and am thinking about making it with some houndstooth wool fabric (the collarless version). After reading about your experience, I am inspired to put two inseam pockets too. Great job!

Anonymous said...

That's fabulous, I'm so impressed with what people can create. Love that color on you as well you look very glamorous.

Unknown said...

That looks beautiful!! I'm glad you opted for the shorter version, and the sleeves look great!

Unknown said...

So cute! That pattern is now on my list.

narcissaqtpie said...

Cute! I love the changes you made. Now, I need that pattern.

Cherie said...

Color - great! Style - simple with interesting details! Finished look - so very wearable! Great job, Christina. I really like asymmetrical closures for interest.

Melissa said...

What an adorable coat - you're always so stinkin' cute! And isn't the rain we're experiencing dreadful? After such a terrible summer in the Pacific NW, we're already into full on rain - I was hoping for a little nicer fall. Rats! Enjoy your new coat! :-)

dawn said...

It's beautiful, stylish, and it really suits you. You have a small, delicate, doll's face. My daughter is like that. sometimes I call her "little face."

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I think the button is what makes the jacket special! Great job on a very chic and kewl jacket.