Saturday, May 8, 2010

FO: Simplicity 3538 Jacket

I decided to make my mom a jacket for Christmas and finally completed it about a month ago... oops! She knew about the jacket because I had brought it over for a fitting. I completed the jacket while I was in town and she was at work... leaving it in her bedroom while I came back home (in a different city). She called me later to say thank you and also to point out all my mistakes. My mom is a professional tailor and seamstress mind you... I knew I wasn't going to get away with anything. :)

Pattern: Simplicity 3538
Fabric: Off-white suiting and printed charmeuse from Joann with white cotton underlining.

S3538 Take I

S3538 Take I

I really like the versatility of this pattern. I do want to make this for myself with ruffles like many others did based on the JCrew Fiona jacket.

Some modifications and/or tips:
  1. I needed to underline the off-white suiting because the lining was visible from the outside.
  2. Don't line the jacket based on the pattern instructions! After reading many reviews, I should've bagged the lining as many suggested. However, since it was my first lining I thought I should proceed with the pattern instructions. This was no good... I had a hard time with the sleeves and did NOT like how it turned out on the inside.
  3. The sleeves are a little too skinny for my mom's (and my) arms, but we both have full arms.
If you do the lining their way this is what the sleeves look like before the bias tape...

S3538 Take I

I did reduce the seam allowance because the arms were a little tight and trimmed it evenly down, which made finishing with bias tape every difficult. I had to hand stitch the bias tape down, which I didn't mind, but it just looked homemade.  (The poly charmeuse unravels like crazy!)

I also don't like how the sleeve vents turned out... there's all fabric bunching going there.

S3538 Take I

I also finished the buttonholes a little too small.  The buttons do fit but it's not easy... oops!  The procrastinator that I am didn't have time to fix it.  :P  Sorry, mommy... I love you!  My first lined jacket complete!  I will definitely give this pattern another go, but just with some mods.

22 comments:

KID, MD said...

Congrats on your first lined jacket!! It looks great!

meli88a said...

Wow! Go you, with your first lined jacket. :) It looks so summery and I love your lining. That's so frustrating about the vents. That happened to me too a few months ago, even with properly trimming the corners around the seams. It was because the sleeve lining was a little too long. You might want to see what happens if you pull on the lining sleeve cap a little bit, if it straightens out the vent then you'll know what the problem is...

Anonymous said...

This is so lovely for your first jacket! Ok, except for the wonky sleeve, it looks RTW. It's really nice.

Myra said...

Beautiful jacket despite your mishaps that can be easily corrected with a little more experience under your belt. Great job!!

Eugenia said...

Great job on your first lined jacket. It is so beautiful - I love your fabric/lining combination. Your Mom must be very pleased with this gorgeous jacekt.

Opal said...

Good try on your first attempt.. Now that you have experienced it. I know that second time around will be better.

Michelle said...

Great job on your first lined jacket...I love the lining you chose! I am sure you will work out all the kinks on your next one!

Antoinette said...

Lucky mom! I bet she loves it -- very pretty!

Anonymous said...
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SuBoo said...

Angela, it looks fantastic!! It makes me want to try the pattern out but I think I'm a bit too scared to try making a jacket yet... maybe next year :)

Adrienne said...

Love your first lined jacket!

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is so cute! Very Jackie O. As for the sleeve vents, is this something that could be fixed with some careful clipping of the seam allowances?

Eliana said...

This jacket is fantastic!!!Great gift for your mom, Angela!!! I'm sure she's very proud of you!

Adelaide B said...

Hey Angela, you won the Design-It Yourself Clothes give away on my blog! Please stop by and give me your email so I can send it to you.

Angela said...

Thanks, everyone! You guys are so encouraging! This has definitely been a learning experience!

@meli88a - I think you're right... the lining may be a little too long. I did trim the seams and still no avail. I'll have to play with the lining next time.

@SuBoo - I was also intimidated, but it's not bad at all! You should totally give it a try! :)

@selfishseamstress - I did trim and clip the seam allowance... but I'm sure I didn't do a good job. I'll try it again next time along with meli88a's tip. Thanks!

@Adelaide B - Thanks so much!!

Monique said...

This jacket is way cute! How lucky are you that your mom is a seamstress. I would be soaking it all up! I would also be intimidated to sew anything for her. LOL! I'm sure she appreciated it just cause it's from you. ;)

Chie - Vivat Veritas said...

this jacket is adorable! i love how you lined it with leopard pattern fabric.. so cute!

Sheila said...

You did good for your first jacket and believe the second time around will be breeze.

Audrey said...

Lindo, beautiful.
Parabéns,
Audrey Brasil

Trudy said...
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Trudy said...

Thanks so much for the compliment on our family picture on my art blog.

I love the jacket. It looks great.

Angela said...

Thanks, ladies!

@vivatveritas - The leopard print reminds me one of your dresses you made! :)