A Little Jacket....Silhouette Patterns Zoanne's Cape

Peggy Saggers recently did a webcast on her pattern, Zoanne's Cape which isn't at all a cape !?!? ??. She showed several versions  of the jacket and I was inspired to try my own since I happened to have the pattern on hand. My goal was to present it as a project for my winter Sewing Group as it is a simple pattern with only four pieces.

 Here is my version.

Peggy doesn't include facings in this pattern but I added facings (scuba knit) which I pressed toward the right side and stitched down to resemble piping. The photos don't show that very well!

I also added patch pockets and my toggle closures with leather ends are from my stash. My Janome sewed through them like butter.

The fabric is from Vogue fabrics.com and is a wonderful quality ,double knit jacquard. I wasn't as pleased with the pattern as I was with the lovely texture of this one and decided to use it as a trial garment not really caring if it ended up wearable. Well ,I've worn it a couple of times and have gotten lovely compliments including from my husband so I have changed my mind about it.

Now, about the pattern. It has a flaw, as far as I'm concerned. I know that Peggy uses one inch shoulder pads and I did add 1/2" ones ( it isn't the 80's after all!) but even so, the armscye on this one is way too low IMO. It comes out being a little uncomfortable through the chest but because my fabric is quite stretchy, I can put up with that.

For this reason ,I decided against using this jacket as a project for my group ,but I made the mistake of showing it to them anyway and they loved it. A couple of the ladies would like to try it so I'm going to fix the armscye, thus the sleeves too, make another sample, (you can imagine I have way too many clothes) , draft a pattern for each of them and let them make one .

It looks oriental don't you think?

That's all for now.I hope you found time to sew this weekend!

Layering Pieces or The Weather Out There is Frightful

We've had four feet of snow in two weeks1 Two weeks ago I made the mistake of saying "It looks more like spring than January !" and then all hell broke loose, namely five big snowstorms in 12 days! Needless to say, I'm constantly reaching for a sweater so what better items to sew than cardis?

The first is a  second version of one I made many years ago and that I've named my grandfather sweater. Here is the original which I still wear a lot

 and here is the new one

  The pattern is Simplicity  3634 now out of print but an excellent pattern to try if it's in your stash. The sleeveless top is my TNT for when I need a shell to wear under a jacket or cardi.

The fabric is a medium weight sweater rib knit bought at Fabricville a few years ago. I made the shorter length  and added pockets and buttons.

I'm wearing it with a teeshirt made using V8670  out of a cotton knit from Moods.com. Only thing to say here is I don't love this pattern. I was wanting a turtle neck but the picture on the pattern envelope is not accurate.  I checked it out on Pattern Review so I knew in advance that it was more of  a  cowl .
 so I altered the neckline a bit but I didn't get it right so added the band instead.

My next cardi is my new love in my wardrobe. I combined  the back of M6996    with  the front of
 M 6844 and  by making it one size bigger. I added length and width at the bottom like this

I added p[ockets and I made the collar/band narrower.
 Here's what I ended up with . Isn't it great?

The fabric is a sweater knit from Fabricville in oatmeal but it can pass for grey too. I love this thing and I can wear it with jeans ,a dress, or dress pants. It is very versatile and so comfy and pretty, don't you think?

I have a few other things made but they'll keep for next week.

I really hope you had time to sew this week.

About Scuba Knit and a Big Thank You

Happy Sunday to all. We are in the midst of cleaning up after a foot of snow fell yesterday and more to come tomorrow! I love Canada ! But I really do love Canada, winter and all!

I first want to thank all of you who left such lovely and helpful comments on my scuba knit dress. They were helpful because you convinced me I won't look ridiculous in this dress and also I've decided to take Vicky's, Sharon's, Sarahliz ', and Jean's suggestion to take out the black back section . I think I will be happier with it that way.

And now about SCUBA KNIT. The one I buy at Fabricville is 95% polyester /5% lycra. It has about the same weight  and drape as ponte knit but is smoother and maybe a little bit spongy. It holds its shape very well. It is perfect for yoga pants, jackets and dresses. I haven't tried it for tops although I plan to make a sweatshirt out of it soon.
Scuba knit has been compared to neoprene which is used to make scuba suits. I have a feeling it isn't as firm as neoprene but I'm not sure as I've never been anywhere near  scuba gear or neoprene.
One thing for sure. I absolutely love the stuff. If I'm going to sew with polyester it may as well be a luxurious feeling and looking polyester. Here's another look at my scuba knit dress
 
                                  

The pants in the pics below are scuba knit as well.

v


Jeanette  asked me  if I know of other bloggers who are in their 60's or there abouts. I'm not good at guessing any one's age, but I will mention a few "mature" bloggers and hope no one minds. I'm guessing these ladies are 50 and above.

Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic , Margy  of A Fool For Fabrics, Sharon of Petite and Sewing, Faye of Faye's Sewing Adventures, Linda of Seams Well, Shams of Communing With Fabrics ,Sarahliz of SarahLiz Sew Style are some that come to mind and probably enough to get you started.
I'm so happy to hear of a fellow 60 something who has rediscovered her passion for sewing. This hobby of ours becomes more and more gratifying as the years pass for me. so Happy Sewing  Jeanette.

 I'll leave you with a couple of photos of scarves I've been making to raise money for our local Food Bank. The fabric is  double sided and so beautiful and just right for infinity scarves. Each colour way has a metallic copper splatter throughout . I've made many of these, (didn't keep count)  and have sold them to friends, family , fellow retired teachers, sewing buddies, etc.  They`ve  flown out of my hands and I`ve  had to take orders. I've made over $200.00 for the food bank with this project and I only charged $8.00 for each scarf and I took out the cost of the fabric!

I wish I had a photo of someone wearing one but I don`t and I haven`t been able to keep one for myself as yet.

I have several pieces not blogged yet so check back later to tell me what you think.

Happy sewing from