HI! And Simplicity 2898

Hi! I'm still here! And I've got a sewing project to share....

A couple months back I took a class on Craftsy called Sew Better, Sew Faster. The class was excellent, and I decided to use some to the techniques I learned about on a project that I have been planning forever- Simplicity 2898 (available here on Etsy in a 32 for $7).

When I first found this pattern in a pile I purchased for my Etsy shop, I knew it was destined to be a "hold-back." You've gotta keep some of the things you love for yourself, right? I wanted to use it to make a modern denim jacket with retro details, so altered the pattern to a cropped length, I lengthened the sleeves, and I added bands at the hems of the jacket and sleeves.

For my fabric, I tried out a method I saw while browsing bleach techniques online. I used a medium weight denim and a lace curtain fabric, both thrifted, and simply placed the lace on top of the denim (in the driveway) and misted over them with bleach.

 Here are the results:

From there, I cut the pattern paying attention to where the lace had turned out best, although perhaps not enough attention to how the pattern would line up at center front. I also ended up with some larger bleach drips/spots that I left as hallmarks of the process.

I wanted to do some top stitching, as I have not done much in the past, and it gives a denim jacket a modern look. After I tested a few samples with different colors from pink to black, I appealed to my husband for his opinion on the best combo. He instead suggested the gold hue often associated with the top stitching on denim, and I really liked how it looked when I tested it. It turned out great on the jacket- it stands out while still being somewhat understated. I mean, who wants to do all of that top stitching and have it be invisible? And who knew husbands could give such handy sewing reccomendations?

Top stitching. Button markings courtesy of my Chalkoner. Best marking tool EVER.

In fitting, I found that this jacket, despite being a 34" bust, would be significantly roomier than the silhouette I had envisioned. I ended up taking the side seams and sleeve seams in about 3" on each side. I tapered the sleeve seam reduction from the underarm to the elbow.

Fitting "action shot."

A couple other little notes- I used cotton muslin to interface the collar and cuffs as well as the facings used to finish the inside of the jacket. I bound the armscyes for a somewhat tidy finish after my serger tried to eat them. I used my Singer buttonholer to stitch the buttonholes after several samples, as the denim thread proved difficult to work with for this purpose. I also used vintage bakelite buttons I salvaged from a thrifted jumble of buttons blogged about here.

Overall, I love the finished version, and it has been getting a lot of wear in this chilly weather! So now, for too many pics of the finished jacket....

My favorite photobomber!

Now I'm on to a blouse. Thank you, ladies of my region for constantly donating silk yardage to the thrift shops. And thank you ladies of the thrift shops for marking stained poly curtain lace far too high and gorgeous blue crinkle silk far too low.

 How is your fall sewing coming along?