FINISHED JACKET & DRESS MUSLIN

I've been so focused on the dress challenge that I neglected to post my finished Butterick 5333 jacket.  It took me a while because of course I added features that were not included in the pattern.  There is still a matching pair of pants yet to be finished; however, bear in mind there is still that little matter of my sewing rule to contend with - that being - finish all projects started.  So the pants will get finished, but for now I have to move on with my dress.

On with the dress.  After two evenings of working on my muslin, I must say that although not perfect, it is a pretty good fit.  If you'll remember I added one inch down the center front to ensure I'd have plenty of room for buttoning up without gaping - this means I added a total of two inches to the center front of the dress.  It worked, but I think I'd be more comfortable adding another 1/4" totaling a 1/2" increase.  

 It's just a wee bit large at the underarm seam, which will not be hard to alter at all.

I'll make these two small alterations to the pattern tonight and go ahead and cut my fashion fabric.  I'm not sure, but I think I can see myself finishing this dress before the weekend is over...

LAST WEEK'S RE-CAP/THIS WEEK'S HAPPENINGS ...

Last Week

• What do you do when your week just does not go as planned?

Roll with the punches!  And that's just what I did.  I had so very many sewing plans for last week, but none materialized.  I worked three nights and by the time I arrived home at night - all sewing inspiration had taken flight.

THIS WEEK

• Guess what y'all...tweet, tweet.  Had to get with the program, keep up with my Grands, and stay in tune with social networking technology.  How's that for a laugh!

•  I am currently working on my first jacket of the season, and all is going pretty well (except) yesterday I sleep/serged one of the sleeves.  Kick myself - of course I did!  Rats, I knew I should have taken that nap!  But, it is what it is, and I must sew on.  Luckily, the cut was only a little under an inch, it's located slightly on underside of the sleeve, and my thread matches so closely that I was able to zigzag the repair.  No one will notice - I'll swear if it wasn't for the little things that happen that "only we know about" all our projects would be perfect - wouldn't they?

 I knew after making this jacket last summer that Butterick 5333 would become a TNT jacket pattern. 

 

The great thing about using this pattern now is it has already been fitted.  I even saved my muslin complete with fitting notations written right on it.   Cut and go projects - PRICELESS!
Here's a picture of my progress so far.

CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE OR WHEN FABRIC WAS PURCHASED.  BUT IT IS A TAUPE TWILL THAT I FOUND IN THE CLOSET STASH IN TWO SEPARATE PIECES - JUST ENOUGH FOR A JACKET AND MATCHING PANTS.

ADDED DOUBLE TOP-STITCHED, LINED FAUX POCKET FLAP.

 

SERGER BO-BO! - PRE-PRESSING.  MAYBE PRESSING WILL FLATTEN IT OUT MORE?

 I'll be lining the jacket this time rather than hong-kong finishing all of the princess seams.  I also added a back stay, and front shoulder support (per my tailoring books) to give the fabric a little more umph.   This jacket will be paired with matching pants from my TNT pants pattern that's been working out pretty good for me.

• STAY TUNED FOR AN UPCOMING NEW SEWING CHALLENGE...I'm so excited about it!  You won't want to miss this one.
• Hope all sews well for you all this week...