Saturday, June 2, 2012

Cynthia Rowley 2443 - Blue Jacket

Simplicity (Cynthia Rowley) 2443



This jacket was the result of some good ol' fashion jacket/coat envy. Yes, the green-eyed monster of winter dressing reared it's ugly head. It is around this time every year that my fellow Southern Hemisphere-arians start to share all the wonderful winter clothes they've been sewing - coats, jackets, capes, leggings, winter skirts and scarves. It is around this time every year that my '365 days of summer' wardrobe starts to feel a bit monotonous and I crave a bit of variety. 

When I saw Audrey from SewTawdry make this jacket a few weeks ago, I had a lightbulb moment. Hey, I could sew a warm weather winter jacket! Even though I'd see a few versions of this jacket that I really liked, such as Robyn's from Sew Love Red, it hadn't occurred to me that this could be the winter wear I was searching for.  This jacket would make me feel like I was dressing for another season too. Believe it or not, but this jacket would be waaaaaaaaayyyyyy too warm to wear here during summer.


I made up the jacket with some lovely quality linen I had in my stash. I purchased it from The Fabric Store while in Sydney last year and have really been unsure how to best use it. I think it was perfect for this project. The ribbon was from my local craftstore. I was extremely lucky to score such a close colour match. I originally went in there to buy buttons, thinking there was no way I was going to find a match. So very very lucky! The ribbon I found was much too wide though, so I have folded it in half and sewn it together lengthways.

I did make a few modications to this pattern on my toile. I found that the original design was quite boxy so added darts to give it more shape. I added two darts at each side of the CB from the bottom. I also shaped the seam through the CB. I also added a dart to each side of the CB from the neckline. Obviously, I had to alter the shape of the hemband to allow for these changes. 

 

The other major change I made was to fully line the jacket. I have lined it with a Japanese cotton lawn at the front and back and silk habotai at the sleeves. Initially I was going to make an unlined jacket, so had already cut out the facings. I simply added the rest of the lining to the facings. This should have been a simple task, except for the fact that I only remembered to add one SA and not two. Major setback! It took hours to rectify this problem. Due to fabric restrictions, I had to add a strip of fabric between the seam of the original facing (trimmed and clipped!) and the lining. It all looks fine now, but I was not a happy lady that night!


And now to a few detail shots....

1. The sleeve and placket. Not the neatest job in the world I'll admit. I actually found this step of the process quite tricky. The D-rings were pinched from a pair of my son's trousers. 

2. The side view


3. Wearing the jacket open.

4. Close up of the jacket worn open.

I wore this outfit out this morning to breakfast, followed by a movie. It's paired with my silk racerback tank and Jag jeans. 

After a day's wear, I can confidently say that I'm really happy with this jacket. I can definitely see myself making more. I can imagine so many variations. I must say it was fun to sew all the bling - pockets galore, tabs, ribbons, button loops and sleeve tie ends. I don't think I'll add ALL the bling on my next one, but it's fun to have at least one version of the original design.

15 comments:

  1. Love it Bernice! That jacket has been in my queue for a while too - but as you know, at the moment I'm busy with those winter capes, leggings and winter skirts! Your jacket looks wonderful - and as my brother and SIL keep telling me, it does occasionally get cool(ish) in Cairns!

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  2. I've been circling this pattern like a shark and your review has really given me insight into the parts that had me nervous- beautiful jacket! Now I really must have one.

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  3. I love your version of this pattern! The blue is so pretty and flattering on you, too! This has been sitting in my stash for a couple of years now, and I am developing jacket envy from you!

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  4. You absolutely should be confident with this jacket - it's gorgeous! I especially love the colour - looks awesome with your tank (love that floral print) and to boot it suits you too. Noice :)

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  5. You are really rocking that jacket. The colour and style are great on you.

    I hear you one the warm winter climate front. My knee length wool coats are too hot for our winter - I'd love to make something really European and chic but I'd boil.

    I have found a hip length jacket in wool to be the best for this climate - some warmth for chilly days but not too much length so I don't overheat.

    I come from the south of the South Island and you could certainly wear a decent coat there - which is why I find winter wear up here so wimpy.

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  6. I think Audrey sparked a bit of jacket envy in other parts of the planet too. Now you've done the same with this fantastic teal blue version. I can't tell you how long I've had this pattern and I've always hesitated making it up. You and Audrey have dispelled thought about it being too young for me.

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  7. Welcome to the club! It's a great jacket - love the way you've fitted it with the darts, the colour is great on you and I really like the ribbons too (OK so there's nothing I don't like!).

    Thanks for the mention :)

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  8. What a fun addition to your wardrobe! That colour is gorgeous on you. I think all the "bling" is what makes this a great jacket.

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  9. I love it! The turquoise suits you so well. And I love the shaping you did - it looks much nicer.

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  10. Gorgeous colour - perfect for the jacket and you. Great pattern choice for a winter feel in a warm winter climate.

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  11. Love, LOVE, love!! I've been thinking about making this in one of those coated metallic looking linens from Tessuti...

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  12. Gorgeous! love the color and the pattern!

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  13. Wow, that is so gorgeous. You look terrific in it. I love all the bling, and the lining is so pretty. People in Tasmania in wool coats can just be jealous.

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  14. It's very pretty! Nice work on all those details. Phew!

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  15. What a beautiful color. I love seeing a version of this pattern made up with all the bells and whistles. I am seriously thinking of making this jacket too. Thanks for the inspiration!

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