And just in time too, what with the snow we had last night. Yikes. Those are baby pumpkins under the snow on the lower right. It was really windy too and the snow stuck to the door. This shot was taken just as I was leaving for work at about 7:45 am.
To go back to where I left off, here is how I sewed the buttons to the sleeve tab detail. I sewed them to the tab and the sleeve, through all layers, before I sewed the lining hem up on the sleeve. That way, I could push the needle in straight through all the layers of thick wool fabric and not catch the lining, nor worry about trying to angle the needle in vain.
Here are the sleeves, from different perspectives, all finished.
The pattern instructions called for a maximum of three buttons down on the short sleeved jackets (and only 2 down on the long sleeved version). They also called for a button to be sewed on the inside with a corresponding buttonhole on the inside of the flap. I decided to make four buttons down (making 8 to sew on for the double breasted effect) and not do the inside buttonhole. If it turns out that I need it, I will sew a large snap on the inside part of the flap.
I decided to make the four buttonholes (it is only a faux double breasted) the old fashioned way, which is to say I knew where they were going and put pins in but I free-handed the zigzag stitching to make the buttonhole. The stitching was therefore a tad wobbly (this is actually the best of a bad bunch) but now that I have worn it, you really don't notice at all.
Here I am modelling it the night before, as the snow has started to fly.
Here you can see a hint of the dotted lining - so cute!
It was a pleasure to wear and really warm too! I am so pleased that I am going to get a lot of wear out of this jacket. It turns out I can fit a shirt and suit jacket under it but not the five layers for when it is 20 below. But when it is that cold, I will want something that covers my bum anyway. What next?
The jacket looks fantastic! The snow, not so much.
ReplyDeleteI like your jacket a lot - it is beautiful in style and color. Where did you find such nice fabric? Where I live in Alaska, we've had snow for 3 weeks. I need a jacket like yours!
ReplyDeleteMary
Looks really cosy in that snow photo! Great work as usual :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful jacket, Julia. My goodness, it's early for snow - lucky us...here in Montreal we only had a bit - by morning it was gone & it was mostly slush anyhow.
ReplyDeleteMy friend's mother lives 2hrs north of Montreal and she sent pictures - Gorgeous (for January LOL)
Nice jacket! Looks good on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments everyone! Yes, the snow was a bit of a shock, and it is still THERE! It is supposed to melt by Friday but there are 3 inches of it on the lawn that don't look like they are going anywhere.
ReplyDeleteMary in Alaska, it is a boiled wool blend that I got on sale at Fabricland. I was really pleased at how nicely it sewed. But I was afraid to pre-wash it so I will have to dry clean it in the Spring.
Lovely jacket - that lining fabric is just too fun! I think that the buttons are a good match too - subtle and classy. Warm winds are blowing here on the Fundy shore of New Brunswick, but snow isn't too far off now, I should think. Great for you to be prepared early. This week I spent sewing my sons Halloween costume - deadlines, you know!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Evelyn
Wonderful jacket and I agree, the lining is very fun! What pattern is this?
ReplyDeleteWoa, that turned out so COOL! Excellent work!
ReplyDeleteIt really is lovely. I think next you should make a bunch of simple but gorgeous/practical stuff to give away as Xmas gifts, like environmentally friendly lunch bags, or tote bags or cell phone bags. Maybe handkerchiefs with a touch of embroidery? No one had handkerchiefs anymore. They're so classy. Or maybe some hats - fleece hats - and you could join Zoom in giving hats to the homeless? Or you could make a jacket that covers your bum for the winter.
ReplyDeleteOh your jacket is just lovely. Thank you for posting such detailed pictures of the construction process. I've only been sewing a few months and learn a lot from posts like that. Your jacket looks very warm. I would absolutely roast if I were to make something like that (I live in Dallas, Texas). It's going to be sunny, breezy and the highs will be in the 80's this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI've recently rediscovered sewing with wool. It's such a pleasure! Your jacket turned out beautiful and looks warm.
ReplyDeleteJulia , it is absolutely gorgeous!!I love that you post many pictures. But oh, that snow! How I dread it!
ReplyDeleteI left you a friendship award on my blog because you seem to love to sew as much as I do.
Bay-oo-tiful! :) Very trendy, too. I'm looking forward to finishing school so I can (finally) make my wool jacket- and I plan on using your blog as a guide!
ReplyDeleteWow, you guys are so complimentary! Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteCallie, the pattern is McCall's M5711 and I posted about it in September 18 and 30th.
Xup, I have made things to give away before - we'll see what I manage this year. And I made a long faux fur coat (double-lined) that covers my bum all the way down to mid-calf. I have been wearing it for maybe more than 5 years now and it is the warmest coat I own. With the proper extremities accessories, I wear it to -30C, not including the windchill.
S.P. thanks for the friendship award. Maybe "reward" is better!
Lurveee your jacket Julia.
ReplyDeleteWhy is there snow where you are, pray tell? Is it that cold already?
Heather
Thanks Heather, I know - it's crazy. I guess we can blame it on climate change. The large amount of snow was due to two fronts colliding but at least we didn't lose power like my poor friend in Quebec who was out for a whole week. (Power lines get knocked down due to trees falling on them due to heavy snow on the trees.) Two days later, we had temperatures of 12C. Today we are getting freezing rain - horrible stuff. But then for the next 3 days it is supposed to be 15C. Crazy!
ReplyDeleteQuilting is more my thing, but I love the jacket. I started sewing garments, but I just can't seem to find the fabric I used to sew clothes with. I love blogging about my sewing at basicallyquilting.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteLove your jacket. It looks great on you.You did a fantastic job.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could find buttons that I "really" like for my jacket.
We didn't get the snow here in New Brunswick, but my family in Quebec city did :) Seems like the snow is way too early this year!
Wonderful jacket! I've would love to try my hand at boiled wool.
ReplyDeleteD2Q thanks! I am wondering about starting to make, not quilts, but fabric art. I saw some recently that I really liked but haven't gone hunting through my stash to look for what I could use.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I find buttons by process of elimination, especially when the supply is limited. I choose one I like and then find another. When I compare those two I put the one I like least back, Then I find another, and continue until I have the one I like best, all the while comparing just two at a time.
Thanks Linda! You'll find it is expensive but really nice to work with. Most natural fibre fabrics are nice to work with.
nice one! U look great! I wish we have snow in my country so i can make a winter jacket for me too....
ReplyDeleteTHAT COAT IS AWESOME...just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI simply love your jacket! It looks like great fun to make and is bound to brighten up any cloudy winter day. It looks simply fabulous on you. Congratulations. nancy
ReplyDeletehttp://21centurydressmakers.blogspot.com
Thanks so much A. N. And N.!
ReplyDeleteHey! Fabulous job! I love this, I just got a pattern for a coat, but haven't found fabric I love yet, and I've decided that sewing fabric I don't love is just stupid.
ReplyDeleteThanx Melissa. You are right to stick to fabric and things you like. Why bother spending all that time on something about which you are not passionate? I keep doing that and so I know it's a mistake!
ReplyDelete