Hello hello! I'm rounding out the year with a bright new cozy jacket! This one has been on my inspiration board for quite some time, and it wasn't until all the fabrics came together that I finally got the chance to make it.
Pattern: Kwik Sew #3764
Fabric: 1 yd Italian Black Wool Stretch Twill and 1 yd wool ponte remnant
The red fabric is a beautiful thick wool ponte that Crossroads Fabrics had inherited from an estate sale. I think it's vintage. The amount used here is the remnants from one of my favorite sweaters that I made up a few years ago. The black wool is a luscious Italian stretch twill that I got in collaboration with Britex. The two fabrics were meant to be together and fulfilled my long-held fantasy of making something similar to this fun jacket.
For the pattern, I used Kwik Sew #3764, which was a real pleasure to sew with. While the jacket looks complicated with its collar, zippered pockets, and topstitched seams, it really came together quite easily. I read so many blog posts about how people "are scared to sew with Big 4 patterns," but I think they provide really great instructions with pattern pieces that fit nicely together. Especially when you're working with a Kwik Sew or Simplicity beginner pattern, they really are designed to be easy to sew with!
This pattern is for an unlined jacket, so I surged and topstitched all interior seams. For the center back stitch, I applied a Hong Kong seam binding in a matching red bias tape. It's a fun detail and gives it a really professional look. I have always liked unlined patterns because I thought they were quicker to sew up, but now I'm reminded of how much work it takes to make a jacket look neat and finished on the inside. It is probably much quicker to just throw a lining in and not worry about how messy your unfinished seams look!
The only change I made to the pattern was to take it in at the side seams and sleeves. Just before hemming the jacket I popped it on and decided that it was a bit too boxy. Both my fabrics had a bit of stretch in them and were much better suited for a more fitted motorcycle jacket look. So I pinned out a curve at the waist and took in about 2 inches from the sleeves to make the jacket more fitted. It was a pain to undo the serged and topstitched seams, but well worth it in the end. I also shaved 3/4" of an inch off the shoulder, and probably could have done a bit more as it still has a bit of an unintentional dropped shoulder look. A shoulder pad or sleeve head may look nice, too, if I ever sew this one up again.
The jacket is definitely a bold choice, but I really love it. It is comfy thanks to the stretch and quite warm thanks to the wool fabrics. And it's nice to have something bright to pull on this time of year. To end, here's a pic of me with Beatrix in her Christmas sweater.
Hope everyone is staying warm and cozy this season!
Pattern: Kwik Sew #3764
Fabric: 1 yd Italian Black Wool Stretch Twill and 1 yd wool ponte remnant
The red fabric is a beautiful thick wool ponte that Crossroads Fabrics had inherited from an estate sale. I think it's vintage. The amount used here is the remnants from one of my favorite sweaters that I made up a few years ago. The black wool is a luscious Italian stretch twill that I got in collaboration with Britex. The two fabrics were meant to be together and fulfilled my long-held fantasy of making something similar to this fun jacket.
For the pattern, I used Kwik Sew #3764, which was a real pleasure to sew with. While the jacket looks complicated with its collar, zippered pockets, and topstitched seams, it really came together quite easily. I read so many blog posts about how people "are scared to sew with Big 4 patterns," but I think they provide really great instructions with pattern pieces that fit nicely together. Especially when you're working with a Kwik Sew or Simplicity beginner pattern, they really are designed to be easy to sew with!
This pattern is for an unlined jacket, so I surged and topstitched all interior seams. For the center back stitch, I applied a Hong Kong seam binding in a matching red bias tape. It's a fun detail and gives it a really professional look. I have always liked unlined patterns because I thought they were quicker to sew up, but now I'm reminded of how much work it takes to make a jacket look neat and finished on the inside. It is probably much quicker to just throw a lining in and not worry about how messy your unfinished seams look!
The only change I made to the pattern was to take it in at the side seams and sleeves. Just before hemming the jacket I popped it on and decided that it was a bit too boxy. Both my fabrics had a bit of stretch in them and were much better suited for a more fitted motorcycle jacket look. So I pinned out a curve at the waist and took in about 2 inches from the sleeves to make the jacket more fitted. It was a pain to undo the serged and topstitched seams, but well worth it in the end. I also shaved 3/4" of an inch off the shoulder, and probably could have done a bit more as it still has a bit of an unintentional dropped shoulder look. A shoulder pad or sleeve head may look nice, too, if I ever sew this one up again.
The jacket is definitely a bold choice, but I really love it. It is comfy thanks to the stretch and quite warm thanks to the wool fabrics. And it's nice to have something bright to pull on this time of year. To end, here's a pic of me with Beatrix in her Christmas sweater.
Hope everyone is staying warm and cozy this season!
that is so cute, and the color blocking is perfect. as is the inside finishing. That shade of red is fantastic on you. Love it! I keep thinking of making that type of jacket but my aversion to separating zippers keeps me away, so far :)
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