Sewing with Leather: The StyleArc Lorie jacket

I've made this pattern numerous times and since they are all a bit different, I knew I had to try this same style in a completely different fabric choice: leather!  If you are wondering, here's what the pattern looks like: 

And here are some previous makes from this pattern: 

This pattern is simply fun to make!  

I've taken some fitting classes since I made these two jackets and I put my skills to work!  I also knew the leather would have zero forgiveness so fit from the start is so important!  To simply this make a bit, as you can see I eliminated the frayed trim and the zipper.  I never, ever zip a jacket such as this and didn't want to wrestle with it to insert a zipper I'd never use.

Sorry about the indoor photos on a rustic wall project that's nearly done, but it snowed about 5 inches today and was cold, damp, and windy.  Not the best or most pleasant place to take photos!  

What I did differently based on my measurements and comparing the fit to my other two jackets was the following: 

I lengthened the bust curve by 1"

I added 1" for a broad shoulder adjustment

I added 1" to the mid back length to match the adjustment to the front bust curve area

Based on previous results with this pattern, I decreased the shape of the shoulder area of the sleeve by 1/2".  I consider myself a master at easing sleeves into the shoulder area, but with this pattern is simply isn't possible.  

It's a little tough to see, but for my facings, I used light blue denim.  You can see that in pictures below.

Leather isn't forgiving at all, so if you make a mistake, you have to live with it as needle holes are permanent.  I had a few super tiny mistakes that I won't show you! 

Now that I've tackled this jacket in leather, I have a few other leather garments I really want to make!

Not the best photo in the world, but you can see the light blue leather for the facings.  I also used a designer lining from Fabric Mart.  It was Mark Jacobs (I believe) and it is luscious!  Glad I picked up 10 yards of it!  

Thanks so much for reading!

Sue  

Bibs for me! Simplicity 8641

I have been checking out all these cute bibs everyone is making and finally decided to give the skirted version a try.  Here's the pattern I used: 

How cute is this?  I was worried that (A): I am too old to pull this off and (B): How much will I have to adjust this in the bust area to get it to fit?  

I made a ton of flat pattern measurements using Designer Joi's methods that I learned about last summer.  During the fitting process, I realized that as long as the bib portion sat where it needed to, this would fit fine.  I even made sure I had enough fabric to cut another bib section, if needed.

  

This is an easy to put together and well drafted pattern.  I made view A and found the length to be perfect!!!  Straps were easy to sew--although a note on those!  I did widen them on the portion that attaches to the bib.  They got super skinny and I found that difficult to turn.  For me it was easier to widen the strap and adjust the area on the bib where they attach.  

I really love this fabric I used.  It is a twill weave suiting from Fabric Mart.  It drapes beautifully, is so comfortable and easy to work with.  There's a bit of stretch on the cross grain so of course it doesn't bind at all when wearing.  

I did decide to line the pockets with a fun dinosaur print from my stash.  Why not?  

I recommend this pattern and now that I feel like I can pull it off, I am going to create the pants version that everyone is rocking these days!

Thanks for reading!  I love hearing your comments about what you are sewing!

Sue