Thursday, December 18, 2008

Operation: New Years Blazer

Thanks for all of your feedback about my biker jacket! Even though it took me a couple of months(!) to finish, it was actually a fairly easy pattern and I view the project as testimony to the fact that fabric often "makes" a garment. So please, take this as permission to buy that fabric you've had your eye on - and use it!

I've got my Marfy dress muslin done, though lately my thoughts has been focused on New Years Eve attire. Practically last minute planning, as is usual for me. But really, who knows what they want to wear more than 2 weeks ahead of time?!

I guess I'm feeling a little bumptious about my success with the biker jacket, because now I've got blazers on my mind. Many of us girls want to go sleeveless or strapless on New Years Eve, but if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, it is cold this time of year. I have a down coat that I love, but I'd like to have a temporary transition between the big puffy coat and the bare shoulders. Enter... the fitted blazer! Exhibit A:

Blazers act as a chic companion to cocktail dresses. And they're handy when you're at a restaurant that's being stingy with the heat.

I'm perusing my BWOF back issues for an appropriate blazer pattern, and these are the features I'm looking for:
1. 3/4 sleeves
2. open neckline
3. length that hits at the hip or higher

A few of my inspiration pictures:

Oh, have I mentioned that I've never done a notched collar or a shawl collar before? And I'm not taking any extra time off work between now and New Years? And that I'd love to make the dress too?

There may be a desperate last minute trip to H&M in my future, but in the meantime, cross your fingers for me.

15 comments:

AllisonC said...

You can do it! A shawl collar is much easier than a notched collar - I have no doubt you are more than capable of doing either, but if your time is short then maybe easier is better!.

Johanna Lu said...

I love the tuxedo and dress combo and I second Allison's suggestion on doing a shawl collar, I find it much easier too, and just as, if not more, stylish.

senaSews said...

Hi Christina!

I'm sure you can make it in time! I wish you look for this project (even though you really don't need luck because of your superb skills)! SenaSews

Sigrid said...

Good luck with this. You can do it. Agree with Allison that it might be a time saver to do a shawl collar instead of a notched collar.

cidell said...

Do it. Do it. Do it.

Anonymous said...

Go for it! But as my sewing tutor always said - If you are in a hurry SLOW DOWN! Its good advice and something I always try tro follow. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

You are so talented that I have no doubt you can do the blazer and the collar very well. I love your blog and you inspire me to be a better seamstress.

Anonymous said...

i noticed project runway simplicity patterns had a lot of jacket patterns!

Meg said...

Well, yes, you can definitely do it, being the sewista you are. But this is a crazy time of year and you still have to work. So I say don't feel like a failure if you say maybe next time to this jacket and go get something from H&M.

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

I say make the jacket so you get exactly what you want and buy the dress - less pressure and you will enjoy the sewing journey more!!!

I'm not that huge a fan of notched collars but love shawl collars and they are very easy to make...I know you can do this!!!

Dawn said...

There's a great one in September? October? It's 3/4 sleeves with shawl collar. It's cram color but it's cute. When I get home I'll have to look and figure out which month for you.

Anonymous said...

good luck!

C. Dishmont said...

Very very smart choice... even if it doesn't make to new years you'll have a blazer you can wear all year long! Plus the cropped blazers are insanely versitile!

*joining Cidell's chant* Do it. Do it. Do it!

Kristy Chan said...

I second everyone else here - shawl collars are much quicker and easier to sew than notched collars. Check out jacket 115 in BWOF 12/07, it's a shawl collar, that sits above the hips, is nipped in at the waist and has some quirky details. I've made it twice and it comes together so quickly

Vicki said...

Even in the southern hemisphere a jacket is a good thing to have. Restaurants can be too generous with the air con! Good luck on getting it done.