Sadly only my Aussie readers will get the joke about Julia our much maligned Prime Minister, Julia Gillard who has a perchant for while jackets with deep necklines.The white jacket Butterick 5619 is my latest from my long spring/summer sewing list to be completed. I made it for the Jewish New Year as it is a Rosh Hashanah custom to wear white garments. The color white symbolizes purity and renewal and on Rosh Hashanah, we wish to make a fresh start and renew ourselves for the new year.
The jacket is unlined and I've used Hong Kong seam bindings and French seams on the sleelves. The jacket is a great fit, but I'm not sure the flying saucer neckline is for me. The lapels are so big that a gust of wind fly the tip of the lapel into my red lipstick. I'll use the pattern again, but will change it to a more conventional neckline.
The fabric for my jacket came from the Tessuti's roll sale. I shared a $10 roll with another buyer - there was just over 4 meters on the roll. Not the greatest quality as it has a lot of spandex in the weave, but great for testing ideas.
I've completed a new silk chiffon blouse Butterick 5561. I struggled with this garment as the pieces didn't seem to fit together in the way they were intended. I found the pleat in the bottom of the sleeve made the sleeves tight and puffy, so I removed it and re-cut to achieve a straight (straightish?) line. Overall, not a winner, but pretty and wearable, especially under a jacket.
Next up - I had a cutting binge recently. I cut my jacket, two Vogue knit dresses and two t-shirts. I also have an unfinished faux suede leopard print trench jacket perilously close to finishing. I made great progress, then the weather warmed up and I lost motivation to complete. Now it is a little cooler the sewing room poltergiest has stolen the upper sleeve piece. I have searched everywhere. I have contacted the company I bought the fabric from. They have none left!! My solution - I think - will be to cut the upper sleeve from an old black sweater and add a matching sweater trim somewhere else on the garment.
I am also very happy to announce that I was lucky enough to win Becky at Sew and So's fantastically generous gift voucher give away. Becky makes lovely garments and is a great refashioner.
Finally, to my fellow Jewish sewers (are there any out there?) Le Shana Tova and to the rest of my friends happy sewing. May this year be a sweet one.
