Jacket Challenge #2

Here is jacket #2 made from Textile Studio's Capri Jacket pattern. I had made a jacket several years ago from sweaters I bought at a thrift store. However with the change in styles it was too boxy especially since I had lost some weight. Also the lining that I had used shrunk, even after pre-washing it. I carefully took off the lycra trim that I had used to bind the edges and then took apart the jacket at the side seams and shoulders and removed the sleeves.

I also removed the buttons and snaps to be used again. I then recut the front and back using the pattern but kept the same neckline shape from the original jacket. The lining which was a rayon batik, was not worth saving. Even though only a few years old it was already starting to show wear. I dug through my stash and found a large enough piece of black knit that I used for the lining instead.

Now for the sleeves. Because the original jacket had dropped shoulders the old sleeves were too short for the set-in sleeve on the new jacket. Going through my scraps I found that I had saved the extra pieces of sweaters that I hadn't used (probably thinking I would do something with them). I cut pieces off that had the knit ribbed edge and used that to lengthen the sleeve. I then did not have to bind that edge but I did have to attach the knit lining to the sleeve above the cuff with small hand stitches.

After sewing the shoulder and side seams of the sweatering and the lining I placed them wrong sides together and bound the edge with the lycra strip I had removed earlier. I then set in the sleeve (with its lining attached) and stitched it together. Lastly I replaced the snaps and buttons that I had removed from the first jacket. It was a challenge to remove the the lycra strips originally but it was worth the effort.

Jacket Challenge #1

For the next few weeks I am going to share with you the jackets I made for a challenge to use one pattern multiple times, changing it up every time. Thanks to Colleen for coming up with the challenge for our neighborhood ASG group.

The jacket pattern I chose was the Capri Jacket from Textile Studio. I had made it a couple of times before and loved how it fit. I found a hot pink wool in my stash. When I went to press it I found several creased ridges that would not press or steam out. I couched some yarns over the creases and added some to the sleeve also. Looked liked it was planned all along:-)

Cut out the pattern according to the directions. For seam finishes (since it is an unlined jacket) I used a technique I found in Sew News Oct/Nov 2010. I cut 1/4" bias strips and serged them on with invisible thread in the loopers and matching thread in the needle. Since the pattern called for a 3/8" seam allowance, pressed to one side, I finished the seams after each was sewn together and then pressed to one side. Used the same technique for the hem and facing edges.

Covered the shoulder pads with the same fabric and added buttons I had gotten from New Zealand.

Next up was a purse to match.

Used Trace and Create by Nancy Zieman, Monterey bag, view C. I added pockets to the inside and Create-a-strap for the purse strap. I used a narrower one than was called for in the pattern (because I didn't read the directions correctly). The lining is a turquoise cotton from my stash.

I covered cord with the print fabric and used it on the top of the outer pocket. Used the same fabric for the strip that finishes off the top of the purse on the inside.

I also embroidered a trapunto rose on the outer purse that I got from Advanced Embroidery. The only problem with the purse is that it is softer than I like. Should have used a stiffer interfacing. Over all though I loved the ease of the purse pattern and definitely need to try it again.

Where is Winter?

Winter has not made much of an appearance this year. Except for the ice one Thursday when I slid and hit the curb and damaged the car, it has been mild here. That is all supposed to end this evening though as rain, sleet and snow are expected to hit. Oh well, I have enjoyed being able to bike outside this late into the season.

This is a purse I made to go with a jacket I had made earlier. I made 6 jackets using the same base pattern as a challenge from our neighborhood ASG group. I bought the purse pattern and supplies while at the ASG National Convention in LA back in August. The handles were in my stash. I do not recommend using them with this pattern as I could not sew the top on the machine. No way were those handles allowing me to turn the purse. Had to sew it by hand, turn right side out and them I was able to topstitch by machine.

This is a close up of the embroidery I put on the purse. The last photo is of the inside and the embroidery there.

Two new girls joined Monday's class, Nicole and Hayley. They learned the basics of the machine and started sewing on fabric after finishing the paper practice sheets. Julia has just the hems on her blouse and Lauren has only the tie to finish for her robe. Anna is nearly finished with her tank top, Izzy is starting a pair of pajama pants as well as Katie. Meghan is so close to finishing her banded top.

Now off to a Growth Club meeting that lasts all day. Next week I will let you know all about it and also start sharing the 6 jackets from last year.

Welcome to 2012

John and I celebrated the new year with our friends Cheryl and Leo at Dress Up and Dance. It is a local alcohol-free dance club. They had DJs spinning tunes, some line dancing lessons and snacks to munch on. There was even a 'champagne' toast at midnight. In all it was great fun. In the morning we went for breakfast to Egg Harbor Cafe thanks to a gift certificate I had gotten from Anna, Meghan and Katie. Their strawberry-orange juice was delicious. Then later it was a run followed by watching football.

Worked all week and I finally finished the panels I had been working on. They turned out great. I would love to see a photo of them hanging. Here is a close up look at that pleats. I used the pattern of the sewn on trim to determine the spacing of the pleats.

Finished some repairs on torn pants and a name on a backpack. Now on to the alterations for an upcoming beauty pageant. Classes start back this afternoon with the girls and I start with more private lessons on Tuesday next week.

Another great Action Coach group session this morning with more 'homework' to do. Next week is a big Action Coach Growth Club program. Looking forward to even more ideas to help grow my business.

John and I planned out our race program for 2012. He got up early Saturday morning to sign up for the Cary half marathon in March. It is going to be his first one. There is a large group from TFP, where we train, that is going to be running it. I will be there to cheer them on. I plan on doing half-marathons in Nashville and in Highland Park with my first full marathon in September in Milwaukee. We are all signed up for a duathlon in Pleasant Prairie in June. Then he is going to do his first triathlon in July/August and we will finish up the year with a longer duathlon down in San Antonio in November. Going to be very busy training all year.

One last photo from our Christmas celebrations. We got together with his side of the family on Friday at our daughter's house. We have one more party coming up, Twelfth Night, at a neighbor's home and then time to buckle down and lose these last five pounds.