After a flurry of finished projects, and some tidying up of my “fix-it” pile, I’m ready to get going with my leaf print jacket. Maybe. I had these two sketches in my sketchbook, either would work for the jacket, but neither was 100% right.
Jacket idea no. 1
As you can see I have copious notes!
Jacket Idea no2 (with alterations)
Ok, so what I’m really thinking of is a bit of peplum detail, but not a wavy, fluffy one. I like structure, so I like the pleats in version 2. I also am definitely having the neckline detail in version 1.
So here’s a version with the bits I like together:
“Final” design
Sleeve… I’m hankering after the Crater Sleeve from Pattern Magic 1. But full length, or 3/4 with a turn-back cuff?
Crater Sleeve from Pattern Magic 1
I really love that sleeve, and I think with the neckline from the first design it will look fabulous! I just need to decide on the length… Also, I need to decide if the style lines actually work on my body, rather than the skinny-minny croquis from my sketch book. So I put together these:
Autumn Leaf Jacket design sketches
So what do we think?? Here’s another picture of the fabric.
Leaf print for jacket
And here I thought the pattern was ready, and I could cut out this weekend! Now I’m not so sure. :s
Wow, what an amazing week it has been at the Olympics! Everyone is doing well, and I have to say I am blown away by the dedication and commitment of these athletes! Best personality of the games so far has to be Bert le Clos, father of South African Chad le Clos who had the US Olympic swimming legend, Michael Phelps on the back foot. Not much sewing has been done, I must be honest, and the fabric piles are not going quietly. I dug these two pieces out of the cupboard over the weekend, and they are my next task.
A sturdy cotton/linen blend with leaf print
This stuff is quite cool. I got it in Derby in May, intending to make cushions or something, but I just couldn’t cut it up into little squares. I’ve sort of decided to make a jacket with it for the Autumn. I’m picturing a hip-length jacket with jetted pockets and maybe a pleat detail at the back. One thing that is definitely going to happen is the crater sleeve from Pattern Magic 1! I have been waiting a while to do that sleeve, and I’m feeling it for this fabric. I will get cracking on some sketches first, to get a better feel for what I have in my mind. I also think I might use a sidebody this time, to see how different the fit is.
Leaf print – perfect for Autumn!
The other fabric is this gorgeous Liberty tana lawn. One of my students had some from Fred Winter in Stratford on Avon a couple of months ago and taunted me with a picture of it on twitter. Did I have the commitment to resist? Did I, like hell! The first opportunity I got I was off to Freds for my own little bit. They only had 2m left, so naturally I got the lot!
Big “blousey” flowers, love it!
Now, I didn’t think this was really me, until I brought it home. I love it! Carolyn made a blouse from several patterns that has turned out pretty great, I love her collar and the roll-up sleeve with tab. I tend to roll my long sleeve shirts, even in the winter, or wear 3/4 length. Problem with 3/4 length is that they end up under your armpit when you put on jumpers and jackets! I won’t be making this as billowy as Carolyn’s, I’d prefer it to be a bit more fitted.
So that’s the fabric sorted, now to make the patterns! Watch this space, but don’t hold your breath too long, we still have another week of amazing sport to watch! Maybe if sewing was included, I might get more done!!!
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 