Vintage style sewing! Simplicity 8460

I was so drawn to this pattern--the style, shape, and probably also the color of the dresses on the front.  That pretty coral-ish red is one of my favorites.  

How cute, right?  Well maybe if you are a size 2 like the model!  

Here is my version:  

I used this pretty boluce-type fabric from my stash.  It was originally purchased from Fabric Mart.  Pink is fresh and screams spring to me.  However, we still have way below average temps and snow on the ground.  Did I mention it is April 5???  Hence the indoor photos!

With this super simple style, I decided to line the dress and use couture methods to finish it off.  I used a floral silk from my stash (and incidentally left over from a pink wool coat) to line the dress.  

I added the lining by sewing all of it in by hand.  It was relatively painless and so therapeutic!  Whoever says sewing isn't therapy has no idea what they are talking about.  Am I right?

This photo is of the inside neckline.  When you sew a lining in by hand you can make a little lip with the main fabric and have it slightly roll to the inside so none of the lining shows at all.  

Here is the zipper edge.  I used an invisible zipper but I believe the pattern calls for a lapped zip.  I enjoy invisible ones because well, they are invisible when you insert them correctly.  

Even with a heavier fabric you can still insert an invisible zipper.  

Seeing this silk I used for the lining just makes me smile.  Silk feels amazing when you have it next to your skin.  

I like how the back neckline is on this dress.  To fit this dress, I sewed the side seams and then pin fit it to me in the dart areas.  I like this technique so much.  I didn't make mine as fitted as the models as I am not a size 2 and I want to be more comfortable.  

Here is the cute little jacket that is part of the pattern.  This is the first cropped type jacket I've made.  I didn't have enough of the pink to have it match so I used this mid-weight denim.  The buttons are covered in pink garment leather.  

Oh yes, I did manage to have enough of the silk to line this.  The jacket does call for a lining, unlike the dress.  

I certainly had fun creating this dress and jacket.  

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

The Lorie jacket by StyleArc

Have you seen this pattern?


It's called the Lorie jacket and it is from StyleArc.  Look at those design lines!  How awesome are they?  When I decided to create this jacket, I searched all over the web and found only 2 or so reviews, both of which were very favorable.  So, I went for it!

Here is the description from the StyleArc site:  Simple zip front jacket pattern with a designer look. The interesting back design lines along with shaped hem bands gives this jacket a great shape. Use your design skills to create a unique look by your selection of braids/trims. This jacket is fully lined. But can be sewn unlined if preferred.

I made this jacket pretty much as designed but I did leave off the zip.  I love the zip, but with my fabric choice and the gold bias trim, it was plenty busy.  

I love the overall style--it is pretty boxy but not sloppy looking.  The front and back yokes are perfect for using a contrast trim, self-trim, or piping.  I used self-fringe.  I love making fringe.  It is fast, fun, and adds such a neat little extra to your garment.  

Look how nice my shoulders and armscye turned out!  I am very pleased with how that part of my jacket turned out!  I made a 1/2" sloped shoulder adjustment by taking the shoulder seam in starting about midway from the neckline to the shoulder.  I added 1/4" shoulder pads but the garment called for 1/2" pads.  I remember wearing HUGE shoulder pads back in the 90's and while at times I will make a jacket or coat with 1/2" pads, I try to have minimal sized ones as they seem to be plenty!  Just enough to fill out the shoulder area without making you feel like a linebacker.  

What else did I do?  I made my usual 1/2" swayback adjustment and that is it!!!  

Let's talk about the plaid matching!  I am so very proud of how well I matched up the plaid.  This is an uneven plaid meaning that when you fold back a corner to a 45 degree angle, you can tell if the plaid is balanced or even or not.  Mine was not, so I took the very tedious step of cutting out each piece of the pattern one-by-one.  Tedious, but well worth the effort when I see the final result!  

I even included the back side panels in the plaid matching and see if you can see those seam lines.  

As I stated before, I left off the zipper.  I also didn't include the fringe on the sleeve hems or the jacket hem.  But I did include it at the neckline, front and back yokes and also the center front.  Check out the center front, I even matched the fringe plaid as well!!!  The gold is a bold choice, but with a gold thread running through the weave, I thought that the purchased gold trim would be a fun accent. What do you think?

As with almost every StyleArc pattern I've used the drafting is exceptional.  The instructions assume that you've made quite a few garments and know what you are doing.  I highly recommend reading the construction notes, main garment construction, and lining instructions BEFORE you start sewing this. Trust me, it will all make sense once you do!  A few things are left out completely as to how you tack down the hem facings on the sleeve and garment lower edge.  I hand hemmed those edges and then decided to hand hem the lower edge and sleeve lining as well.  I like hand sewing, especially on garments where I've taken my time to construct.  It sort of seams like icing a cake--the final finishing touch! 

I really love this jacket.  The fabric was purchased from Fabric Mart and is a boluce suiting. It sewed beautifully, pressed easily with a pressing cloth, and I think is very fun!

Thanks for reading!!!
Sue