The print you see is the batik that I had planned for my Marcy Tilton dress. You know which one. It has the hi-low sort of banded hem and her usual odd cut. I literally just never had the time to pull it together and at this point I don't think I ever well. If you have read here long you know my philosophy of "Just Cut It". I am going to use that batik for the lining of the bodice of the jacket. The sleeves will be something silky. They may be that perfectly flat version of the same taffeta that I found in a totally unrelated area of the store. It was kismet. Yes, the lining cost three times the clearance taff but it works beautifully and you can't take it with you, either.
After pulling it all together it was time to do a little research on my pattern on Pattern Review. Lo and Behold, there was Margy and her spectacular version. While I pined over her vest, I never realized it was the pattern I would be using for my jacket, Simplicity 2153. I do think she planted some sort of "wrinkle" thought in my subconscious, however. It seemed like just the perfect fabric. Now I know why. Most of the jackets and vests on PR looked quite good and give me good ideas how to proceed with my own, minus a small bit of much needed advice. I have sewn "wrinkled" fabric that I have made myself and which had been fused to interfacing to hold the wrinkles. The fabric you see above has been washed and dried on warm and it came out beautifully, no ironing obviously. But I have no plans to fuse this fabric to anything. I like the looseness of the wrinkles and they are clearly permanent. Has anyone sewn with this wrinkly poly fabric? Any hints? I would love to know before I start cutting. I have straightened the grain, laid it on the cutting table, and it is "relaxed". I will have to think a bit before proceeding.
I also have to think about that lining. There is no lining to the pattern but nearly everyone on PR lined theirs. Other than one person saying she eliminated the facings and did an edge to edge lining there was no further insight. I would prefer facings and a bagged lining but have to think out that whole business first. I also thought of lining almost as sort of an underlining and having the facings on top. Hmm..... Any thoughts?
This jacket requires cording for the pockets and waistline. While I haven't settled on that yet, I have found my zip and some Pandora style beads to hang at the end of the cords.
So I am raring to go and this will be perfect for this time of year. We often have hot days into November but very cool nights and mornings. This would be the perfect jacket for that weather. It feels so good to get back to my sewing...............Bunny
This jacket is going to be stunning, Bunny. Glad your mojo is returning!
ReplyDeleteUsing the lining as underling sounds great and easy to tack facings down by hand. You could even attach narrow piping to the edge of the facing for a little drama to reveal as you take the jacket off...prepare for compliments! The facings could be cut wide and deep narrow pockets used in them to keep things safe. I have not used that fabric in things but I have used pre-wrinkled poly chiffon in those sheer jackets I keep making for my one client and when I steam seams...the fabric relaxes and flattens out. Lord knows what happens when it is washed...does it go back to wrinkled? I'd try a little scrap and see in advance. I like your idea of a study lining/underling and let the fabric be the star and not fused to anything. Great beads for the ends of the ties....I'm excited for you!
ReplyDeleteThose are great ideas, Jo. Thanks so much. This has already been washed on warm and tumble dried and it came out exactly as you see it, not an unplanned wrinkle anywhere, just the ones it came with. I'm excited too. I think I will make a quick muslin, however, as many on PR said it was a bit boxy. Boxy and short aren't a good combo.
DeleteOh yea....She's Baaaaccckkk!! LOL
ReplyDeleteYummy-luscious fabrics to play with & I adore those beads you found to go on the ends of the ties! Very cool. :-)
They are the inexpensive Pandora knockoffs that are showing up in all the craft stores. I needed something with a big center hole to get the cord through. Glad you like it, Rett.
DeleteWhat a lovely project this will be. Love the addition of the pandora beads.
ReplyDeleteI always love when you start a project!
ReplyDeleteThat's half the battle, isn't it?
DeleteI love love those fabrics! This is going to be stunning. I also bought that pattern, because of Margy. Eventually I want to make a vest like hers.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't wait to see your jacket! Thank you for the kind words about my vest. I used the same type of stretch taffeta for my lining...I essentially made two vests, then sewed them together at front, bottom and armholes using a strip of the stretch taffeta...it made a very nice binding. I, too, paid more for the taffeta lining than the crinkled stuff! The first vest I made has been all over the world and held up very well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for those hints on your gorgeous vests. Would love it if my jacket made it around the world!
DeleteOh, my - how interesting - I just recently pulled out the exact same pattern and wrinkly fabric!! to make a jacket, just as soon as I can get to it. It was supposed to have happened in the spring, but somehow other projects got in the way. I'm now hoping that your sewing will serve as inspiration to get me going on this jacket - a few other projects need to come first, but then...
ReplyDeleteLove your idea about the Pandora style beads for the cord ends. Slapping my forehead as in "why didn't I think of that"! Looking forward to seeing your jacket!
ReplyDeletelook forward to seeing this Bunny - love the bead idea
ReplyDeleteI love reading about what you, Margy and Shams are creating. The three of you are so clever, creative and absolutely amazingly inspirational. I wish I lived in your neck of the woods as I would pester you all for sewing classes. Perhaps just as well that I live on the other side of the world :)
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