Ninety percent of the jacket is done. I have to either stitch down the pockets or find some buttons that will work with all this color. I used sleeve heads but no shoulder pads to help the sleeves not collapse. I put in three hook and eyes along the CF to hold the jacket closed. I think a zipper would have been a better choice.
The bottom hem is a bit wonky. I'm not sure what to do there. I did not add a chain to the bottom but that might really help it hang better.
It looks extremely cropped but isn't really. My natural waist is at the bottom pocket line. However, these are my low-ish rise Jalie jeans and make my torso look very loooong. Hmmm, the jury is still out on the jacket. Do you know, readers, that I don't wear any of the jackets I have made? I feel like I would like jackets if I could ever get one to fit. I have never worn this one, this one, or this one. I thought that my couture jacket class would help out with fitting issues but I got so bogged down in the construction aspect, that I didn't do much fitting. Or maybe it's just that I'm just not a jacket kind of gal. I don't know. I just know I have several jackets that I have spent a lot of time on, that I never wear. Not even one time. The most I have worn them is to take pictures for you guys. I guess we'll see if it is the same with this one. I think it would look much better with pants that are at the waist. I'll finish up with buttons and then take a few more pictures for my final review.
The jacket itself is beautiful. The fabric is interesting, the work is nicely done. But I agree with you that it probably isnt' styled best with the long knit shirt and low rise pants.
ReplyDeleteYour jackets are nice. Do you have jackets that you've purchased RTW that you do wear? What do you wear in lieu of jackets - sweaters, fleece?
Before spending more time making tailored jackets maybe it would be a good idea to determine if you are or aren't a jacket kinda girl.
Cause it really is a shame not to wear those gorgeous garments.
I love it. I love it with jeans and a long shirt and some boots. The fabric is great. Maybe a chain will anchor it. Please wear it. It looks chic.
ReplyDeleteI made a dress last summer that I will never wear. Sometimes the construction is more fun than the final product. I agree,our time is worth more than that. I have decided not to waste time on a creation that will gather dust. Takes some honest soul searching to abide! So far,so good!
I am not a jacket girl; never have been, and have finally realised it, after years of jackets "for work" sitting in my closet...go figure!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks younger with a long shirt underneath. I think it would work with skinny jeans (with milder pocket decoration)and tall boots. Or perhaps open over a knit dress? I suppose it would also work with a high-waist pencil skirt...
ReplyDeleteAnd I like that the upper pockets aren't as contrast-y as those found on many Chanel and Chanel knock-off jackets, so I would tack them down rather than add buttons.
Maybe your jacket thing is that you need to make an outfit to work with the jacket? otherwise they are a bit random and then they don't go with anything else.
Your jacket is really pretty - I love the trim with the fabric. I looked at the previous jackets you made. I can't believe you have done all that work and not worn them!! I just LOVE that green one with the beautiful buttons! All of them are great!
ReplyDeleteI am guessing you just aren't a jacket gal. I don't like blouses. I never have. I have tried to like them, but I just don't. I think they are uncomfortable. I do like jackets over knit shirts. Evidently you just aren't a jacket gal!! (I think living in Alaska would make anyone like jackets, but that isn't the case with you!!)
I love it!! The trim is fabulous. The colors really pop. I hope you find a way to wear it that you love. I had the same wonky hem that you do, but the chain evened it out for me.
ReplyDeleteI think a chain would help. I have never been a jacket person but do wear the jackets I have made (particularly my more tailored one). Maybe you just need to try it with different combinations until you find what is comfortable for you.
ReplyDeleteThink you hit the perfect middle between a formal jacket and a cardigan, just like Chanel did. Love the colors, and I agree with previous commentors that a slightly higher waistline for a bottom piece might be all that's needed.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job, and DH did a double take thinking we used the same fabric! All of your jackets look fantastic on you, but if you're not comfortable wearing them, then put your energy elsewhere. I'd love to see your jaacket over a black knit dress...
ReplyDeleteFour terrific jackets and no place to go?! They all look great with jeans, so even if that's all you wear....maybe you just need a little getting used to? Toss one on next time you go get groceries! I'm curious, do you wear your GCSA coat?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! okay, you've inspired me to finish MY Chanel...it's been waiting to be finished for over a year, possibly two, yikes!
ReplyDeleteThe chain will really help with the "wonkiness". I think the jacket looks good and fits you well. I think the jackets you linked to fit you very well and surprised that you don't wear them.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the jacket.
Most jackets aren't comfortable! That's why I don't wear them often. I love this one, though. I hope you do wear it. I like it with the long shirt and jeans. It would also be gorgeous over a simple dress or with a skirt.
ReplyDeleteThe jacket is very nice! Love the colors!!! I agree with your comment...maybe a zipper or you could try adding a few more hook n' eyes so the jacket doesn't gap as much along the CF.
ReplyDeleteFor a while there I tried to make myself fit into jackets. I had a friend who wore them all the time and always looked amazing. Then I read The Triumph of Individual Style and discovered why jackets and I were a bad combo. Now I make the jacket fit on me using softer fabrics like sweatshirt fleece and knits. They are more sweater like and get worn a lot. Might work for you - Myrna
ReplyDeleteYour jacket would look amazing with a pair of flowy, high waisted pants. Maybe a black wool crepe?
ReplyDeleteI love it with the jeans and shirt. Personally, I like to throw on a fancy jacket over the casual outfit. The shorter sleeve and jacket length looks nice on you.
ReplyDeleteoh yea...those are the "look at my butt" jeans...nice pocket embroidery!
ReplyDeleteJacket looks good...I do think the hem needs to be weighted. If you don't have buttons, SLH still has them at $.25/card.
Happy hunting buttons!!
And yes...wear the jackets - all of them - you look fabulous in them and you have worked too hard to just let them sit in the closet!!!
Hmm. I live in Toronto, and there are precisely 3 months in a year where I could wear a jacket, and not be either cold or hot. Other times, I need layers, and/or a winter coat. And Alaska is similar, I think - so maybe that's why? It just isn't really practical for where you live?
ReplyDeleteIn any case, I think all your jackets are pretty wonderful...
Love the jacket~! Great colors! I hope you decide to wear it!
ReplyDeleterather than the hem weights, you might want to use fabric covered drapery chain. Get enough to reach from one side seam to the other, remove a few beads from each end, use a safety pin to feed it through the hem and attach to each side seam. Hint is from Threads #82.
ReplyDeleteMartha Ann
This looks great, Dawn. You did a beautiful job on your jacket. I used to make and wear a lot of jackets for work but they were always on and off depending on the mood of the heating system. They do polish off a look, so stick with the effort. This looks great on you and I agree with all the great suggestions you have been given.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the hooks either, hopefully you can think of something else? But I'm appalled that you aren't wearing any of your jackets! Something is wrong there.
ReplyDeleteI think I see similarities is that most are fairly dressy, fitted and cropped. You don't sound like you need dressy much (the moose and everything..), fitted is probably fine but not too practical when you spend half the year layering like crazy, and cropped would require a serious change in pants wardrobe. So maybe you should try a looser longer 'boyfriend' jacket next time and see whether that fits your -life- better??
The jacket looks lovely. I'm sorry to hear that you usually don't wear the ones you make. :( I agree with some of the other ladies, maybe just play around with styling until you find a combination you're happy with?
ReplyDeleteDawn, your jackets are just as beautiful as all of your other sewing projects. But it is understandable to figure out what your style and comfort is. I was explaining to sewing friends last night about loving Louise Cutting's fabulous techniques, amazing fabrics but the pattern garments just don't feel like me when I wear them....even if I get compliments. Still, I do love the fabric in this jacket and how nicely you used the trim. And as Tim G. would say, I know you can "make it work."
ReplyDelete