I have to admit to an obsession with making the perfect jacket lately. Since my last post I've completed an unlined Style Arc Cindy jeans jacket in a stretch woven, have another plaid and faux leather combination finished awaiting closures and am now working on the scaffolding for a traditionally tailored navy blue wool blazer.
So first lets talk about the Cindy, a slim fitted jean style jacket that lends itself to more sophistocated styling. The design lines, with extensive shaping in the centre front panels and princess seams really enhance the fit. I made a size 12 and only adjusted the sleeves - my usual widening and shortening. I also decided to sew the upper pocket flap into the front yoke seam as it didn't make sense to stitch down above the seam line and used a self yoke at the back rather than a facing. The latter alteration proved to be quite tricky and not recommended if working with difficult fabric. Mine definitely fell into this category - fraying a lot and somewhat resistent to pressing. I'll definitely make another jacket like this. I saw a fantastic version using contrasting fabrics on Pattern Review that really has me thinking. One of the other things I love about the pattern is the way it showcases great buttons. Do you like these fantastic decahedron shaped buttons by Marc Jacobs that I found in a jar at the Fabric Store in Sydney? I have made several flawed attempts at a wearing photo, but black fabric against Sydney's winter grey sky doesn't make for good photography.
Hand-sewing has always been my drug of choice, so as you might imagine, I'm addicted! Hope to show you more soon. Meanwhile, happy sewing!
