Out-of-Season Sewing

As far as I'm concerned, the only downside to sewing out of season is pictures. 

 I, for one, am perfectly fine catch-stitching warm layers while sitting in sweet, air-conditioned loveliness.  I'm fine steaming wool hems safe in my basement while tornado sirens whine outside.  I'm even fine ditching sewing projects to go swim or ride bikes, or road-trip for a couple weeks, because Lord knows, I'm not in a rush to finish.

But venturing outside in the hot, muggy, Missouri July in long layers is not something I'd rush to volunteer for.

Even the camera fogged up after two pictures outside.  True story.

Pattern: Butterick 6169

Fabric:  Theory High Risk Red wool coating,  acrylic lining from inherited stash

Notions: Atom red 18" separating zipper, medium weight weft interfacing, 1/4" shoulder pads and sleeve heads, each trimmed to thin a little more.

This was not my first rodeo with this pattern; the first version was in chambray, which I loved in theory, but in reality just felt a little limp.  So when I saw this sweet, soft wool online, I knew they would work well together.  

Again, I used the sewalong to add sleeve heads and bag the lining.

And you know, not being in a hurry, I went full force.  I block fused all the pieces, and when the shell was complete, catch-stitched all the seam allowances to the interfacing. That's a lot of seams.  

The lining is this funky stuff I inherited from my grandmother's stash.  I'd originally passed it up when we first started going through everything, but my mom spotted it and set it aside. It's a little creepy/charming, but it grows on you.   There were about 4 yards of it, and while originally I'd planned to use it with some green wool I have, I kind of like it here.  I don't know where it came from, but it's not without its faults--there were a couple misprints where the red wasn't aligned right, and double printed on one stripe and completely missed further down. Perhaps it was a factory second?  

Can you see the line of double printing?  Both misprints are in the sleeves.

When Kansas City had a garment district, you could go down to the factories and buy overstock yardage, remnants and trims, and I know that was something she liked to do.  This has kind of a nubbly texture, but is light-weight, like rayon, and holds a press nicely. I did do a burn test just for fun, and it melted, making a hard, black, irregular bead.  Some burn charts further classify acrylics, but I think we can just agree it's synthetic and call it a day, right?

In any case, I'm saving this coat for another day.  My youngest is looking forward to sweatpants and hot cocoa, and we'll just park this over there for awhile.  Maybe I'll work on a scarf to go with it.

Moto 7, Gate 5

Pattern: Butterick 6169, Lisette moto jacket

Fabric: chambray from Fabric Recycles, cotton shirting for body lining, and rayon for sleeves

Notions: 18" separating zip, also from Fabric Recycles, and homemade shoulder pads

First worn: to BMX racing on Friday night.

What can I say? It got chilly after the sun went down.

Construction-wise, I made a size 14, and followed the sewalong here.  

I did not make any alterations, and the sleeves were an absolutely perfect length and width.

In the photos, it looks rather roomy unzipped, but I have to say it feels like it fits right.

In a fabric with more structure/less drape, it may not look as drapey.

Also, the fit is perfect when it is zipped, and isn't that the goal? 

Please note that all wrinkles are due to the jacket being balled up on my passenger seat most of the weekend.

But, you know, a good press and a hang in the closet, and all will be fine.

As versatile as I thought the chambray would be, I have to admit it looked vaguely...office-y.

So I added a plaid lining.

And a bright blue zipper.

And that's that!  I'm pleased with the way this turned out, and the directions are clear and concise.

Also, I should note that the pockets are teeny-tiny, but since all I'll use them for is a place to shove my car keys, I think they're fine.  

(If it's a problem, I can't imagine it would be too hard to add an interior pocket.)

And finally, after thinking things through, here's what I came up with for Me-Made-May:

I, Joanne, of www.bluebirdssinging.blogspot.com, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '15.  I endeavor to wear 1 me-made garment each day for the duration of May '15.  Additionally, I vow to revive 4 garments this month that would be worn more if there wasn't something slightly off with them.

Also, I'm giving myself permission not to photograph my daily outfits. 

Unless they're awesome, of course.