June 27, 2015

INTENSE YET A WHOLE LOT OF FUN...

...
I had some intense moments while participating in Michelle of ThatBlackChic's Blazer Sew-a-Long this week.  It was not for the faint of heart by any means.  When I first heard mention of the sewalong I already had the Simplicity pattern in stash.  Fell in love with it hot off the press and really wanted to make it.   But... had it not been for the sewalong, maybe I would have never gotten around to it.

Mmmmm, so what do I have to say about this week long event?
  • I learned some interesting techniques, really I did.  I had never really used bias tape successfully to trim a project.  Really was bit intimidated by it.  How to sew it on securely, and how to neatly apply the ends, and how to MITER those corners.  After this project I feel like I'm a bias trim pro!
  • LOVE the way the collar is attached to the jacket.  Effortless after applying the bias trim.
  • I can't ever remember making coat/jacket with a sleeve vent.  This was the part that I really feared.  I now have that fully under my belt.
  • I've worked with several projects that involved a two piece sleeve before.  I have to admit setting the sleeves in this jacket did test my patience.
  • Michelle is an EXCELLENT instructor.  I'm looking forward to her next sew-a-long!
Of course I thought I had to add some couture/tailoring techniques to the project:  (in hindsight wish I hadn't - they just take too much time and effort.  But for some reason I just can't make my self stop doing these things). 
  • Used hongkong seam finishes everywhere including the shoulder and sleeve seams.
  • Stabilized the shoulder seams.
  • Added a back hem vent.









I am very pleased with my finished project.





Thanks to all that cheered me on and listened to me bellyache during this jacket making process.  I know you  cringe  every time I announce "I'm about to make a jacket."  You are my friends, my support team don't run and hid - continue to hang in there with me - there will be other jackets!!!!

31 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness Faye it turned out really, really nice! I bet you can't wait to wear it! I can't wait to see it on you! No need to worry, we'll always be here for you!

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    1. Thank you Myra. This was a real adventure!

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  2. I bought the pattern because of you, knowing full well I would not be able to participate in the sew-a-long this past week. I was excited about watching the progress of you and the sew-a-long leader, though.

    Yours turned out really well, so pat yourself on the back! Now, I have to find the fabric for my project....I wish I could find the fabric Michelle used...ah, well....It would go at the bottom of a ever-growing pile. Keep inspiring me! (smile)

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    1. Thank you so much! I think Michelle is going to leave those videos up. They sure were a tremendous help to me.

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  3. yea you did it! & it is beautiful!

    Helen

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  4. It's beautiful! Are you going to make any pieces to go with it?

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    1. Thank you Carolyn. I was strongly considering making matching pants; however a friend suggested pairing it with navy pants instead, and I tend to agree. So I guess navy it is.

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  5. Beautiful Jacket. I especially like the hongkong seam finishes.

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  6. Ms. Faye....I bet it was a labor of love, but so worth it. Very classic jacket and you deserve a pat on the back well done!

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  7. Thank you Diane! I'd like to make another one of these in a wild color while the construction process is still fresh in my mind.

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  8. Your work was well worth it. That is a good looking jacket! LOVE IT!!!

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  9. You did an awesome job... well done.

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  10. Awsome I want the same

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    1. Thank you Marie. I want another one too, but there are so many other things I want to make.

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  11. Awsome I want the same

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  12. Well done Faye!!! I really love the bias tape trim detail and your choice of fabric for this project. Well worth the effort! Looking forward to seeing how you style it!

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  13. A week well spent and the result is fabulous! Navy blue pant is an excellent choice too. Looking forward to seeing the whole ensemble on you.

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    1. Thank you so much and thanks for being one of my supportive cheerleaders!

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  14. Oh Wow Faye ! What a great result! Your jacket is lovely. And sleeve vents too. I haven\t tackled those in a long time . I usually talk myself out of them. Now I imagine you'll want to make something easier!!

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    1. Thank you Diana! Yes, I need an easy palette cleanser right about now.

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  15. Oh Wow Faye ! What a great result! Your jacket is lovely. And sleeve vents too. I haven\t tackled those in a long time . I usually talk myself out of them. Now I imagine you'll want to make something easier!!

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  16. Your jacket is fabulous. Bravo to you for challenging yourself!

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  17. Well done! Very nice.

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  18. Way to go Faye! I might have to add this one to the to-buy list.

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  19. It turned out fabulous! Wow! You really out did yourself on this one. Maybe I'll do the next sew-a-long with you.

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  20. Anonymous7/15/2015

    theseclothing patterns are adorable!! I have fabric and I think was waiting for a pattern like this to come along.

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  21. Anonymous8/05/2015

    I love both dresses. My favourite style and fabric so far. Gorgeous! Makes me want to make one exactly like yours from these patterns for sewing.

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