Learning to sew: Shocking. I'm actually pleased with my jacket . . . October 5, 2012 10:44 11 Comments
So far, at any rate. At the moment, I'm wrestling with bound buttonholes. I'm using the same technique my teacher taught for the welt pockets, but it seems much more difficult to do in such a small space. Practice, I hear, makes perfect. We'll see. Right now, I'd be reasonably happy with three bound buttonholes that looked close to perfect.
I'm reasonably happy with the fit. Am I being too easy on myself? What do you think?
That's silk organza you see on the collar. I underlined the jacket with it. I'll be using silk batiste for the lining. It's done — except for bagging it.
Leslie, my teacher, uses the flat insertion method for one-piece sleeves. It was easy. Quite. Any opinions on that technique? Pros? Cons?
As I look at the picture above, I'm not happy with the shoulder-pad placement. Leslie felt it was best to extend the edge beyond the sleeve to make a sleeve head. I thought it looked fine in class. Now, not so much . . . .
Anyway, I await your ideas, your critiques, your praise. Bring them on.
Comments
Lauren on May 20, 2015 12:34
I think it’s looking pretty freakin amazing so far! Can’t wait to see the whole finished piece with the silk lining & bound button holes :)
Oh, and just for the record… bound button holes ARE fiddly. I always mess mine up, yet I have no problems with welt pockets. I think it is due to the tiny size, you have to be super super precise, like down to the stitch count.
K-Line on May 20, 2015 12:34
Very good work and quite a complex project for a newbie! I do think that the shoulders are too wide for your petite frame but WHO CARES! It’s an awesome effort and the next time you will narrow them down a little. Sewing is not about perfection, it’s about moving towards perfection.
Vireya on May 20, 2015 12:34
It’s looking great! I love that colour. You are doing a great job on it. Looking forward to seeing the completed article!
Robin on May 20, 2015 12:34
I am so happy for you – what a lot of progress in your sewing career! kudos to you!!
Debbie on May 20, 2015 12:34
I think it looks fabulous!
Personally I’d move the shoulder pads in just a bit. In that last photo they look to be far enough out that they’re making the sleeve collapse in on itself.
Irene on May 20, 2015 12:34
Looking good! I do agree with the comment above – I, too, would move the shoulder pads in a bit. You asked about the flat insertion method for sleeves – definitely the easier method, but for jackets I prefer to insert sleeves once the side seams are sewn. Gives a better shape to the sleeve head. Keep on sewing – you’re making amazing progress!
Faye Lewis on May 20, 2015 12:34
Great jacket. A nice classic piece.
Cassie Hoh on May 20, 2015 12:34
Love it! I’m a new sewer. I’ve made a doggy coat and little zipper bags. Love the color.
Velosewer on May 20, 2015 12:34
The fit and colour of this jacket really rocks.
Denise on May 20, 2015 12:34
I switched the shoulder pads and all I have to do now is finish bagging the lining. Love the color and fit. Thank you all for your help and comments. You were right!
Dianne Kalil on May 20, 2015 12:34
beautiful jacket! I’d move in the shoulder pads for sure. Also as you are petite, I would check out “petiting” the torso length of garments. Generally most women, regardless of size, have a shorter ratio from shoulder to waist than the patterns provide. Draw a horizontal line through the armhole all the way across the front and back and top of sleeve pattern piece. make sure are straight with the grain. I draw mine at top of grainline arrow. measure about 1/2" above and draw 2nd line; fold across one line and pull it up to meet the other. It pulls up your bust line and gives a better fit. Learned from Pamela at pamelaspatterns.com. (instructions included in her patterns). Try it out on a tee shirt pattern first before you use it on another garment. you can adjust the fold amount, if needed, once you see your results. Keep on sewing!