Girls in the Garden - 12 Years Old

Yes, today, Girls in the Garden is 12 years old!!!

Simplicity 4281

This pattern is a bit older (and discontinued) , but it was the perfect pattern for a striped twill so here is goes again. The first time I made this jacket was in August 2006 and it was for me.  You can check out the review here and the blog post here, I need to mention, I still love, love this jacket, here is a picture

The piping, button loops, sleeve openings and I need to wear it more!   You know those things you make, put in you closet and sometimes don’t wear often.  Then you pull it out and think, why?  Why haven’t I worn this?  It might not be stylish right now but I think it is classic.  What do you think?

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Okay, now onto the newest jacket, once again this garment is for my soon-to-be bride.  The fabric is from Fabric Mart, a purchase sometime ago, with the purpose of a jacket.  Just one of those things I have not gotten to but now cross it off the list
I made View A (khaki version) of Simplicity 4281 omitting the extra right pocket flap


I added a bit to the center back, after my last interview with Sarah Veblen and I asked her about this fitting issue with my daughter.  Erin says this has helped with the tightness in her upper back and shoulders, more than anything better ease of movement.
I used a lining that was cream with a bit of stretch, as the twill had a bit of lycra in it.
The back has two darts on each side of center back and I made this dart one inch longer at the top.  When Erin tried on the garment, it had too much fabric between the dart and the middle of the armsyce.  This adjustment seemed to help with that fullness. 
The jacket turned out cute and I I think she will wear this lots, especially with the stripes trend right now







My machine needs to go in for some maintenance, maybe the week of the wedding.  This is the first time I have note been pleased with my buttonholes.

On another note, for this post Live Writer and it is so amazing and easy to use.

My New Jacket

Finally, after a month-long sewing slump, I have something made. It has taken me a couple of weeks to complete but today I can say it is done. I used Simplicity 4281 and fabric from a coop.

Before I show the pictures I have to tell a story first. My dd#2 was watching "Save the Last Dance" and I did some dancing just to get a reaction. It worked, I was told, "Mom, don't ever do that again!" I went to my sewing room to get my flea market dress form and take it outside for pictures. Those of you that have seen my indoor pictures know the color isn't the best, not my camera but the basement sewing room. My daughter sees the dressform and inquires what are you doing? I reply, "this is my dance partner" Have you seen horrified teenager face, I did today and it was too funny. Double reaction, shocked and is my mom crazy?!?

Well, here is my jacket and I am just thrilled. I added piping to the collar and front. I thought it needed the pop of color

to define the collar from the jacket. I also like the cuffs. I made this view by default, limited amount of fabric. I saw this jacket made up at Talbot's and checked on-line, it retails for $178. This is why I love to sew. Also, a plus when the sewn garments turns out nicely and fits. I am happiest with the lining, something I tend to struggle with. I did pull out my Nancy Erickson's Jacket book, to help with the lining and the sleeve caps.

I have more pictures and information on my Review