Monday, August 31, 2009

McCall's 5859 - Zebra jacket w/ red piping

Here's my new favorite jacket. It has a lot of piping on it. I usually like to do piping, but on this jacket it got a little tedious. This is a medium weight cotton bought from Hancock fabrics a few months back. The piping is the package kind.

I was worried that it would be too loud or too 80's. But by letting it be the main actor and wearing black everywhere else, I think it works. By the way, I made the skirt as well. It's from this post.

The only alteration I did was a small SBA - I think I trimmed off about 1/4" from each front side for a total of 1/2" off the bust. People always ask about fitting and I just don't usually have a tough job of it. Other then being a bit small up top and not having much of a waist, I'm pretty average.

Here's a close-up shot for you. I completely love the style of this jacket with the separate collar and lapels, front angled pockets, and curved edges of the cap sleeves.

I didn't love the sleeves it came with. They were so poofy and wide. I suppose they might look cute with a more subdued fabric, but to me they just looked clownish. These are the substitutes I cut from Butterick 5331. I had zero fabric left over after I cut this out and when the sleeves turned out so undesirable, I got a little nervous. Thankfully I had the Butterick in my stash and the sleeve height was exactly the same for both patterns. I took a chance - should have done a mock up before I cut the old ones - but they turned out fabulously so no worries anymore.

These little pockets are purely decorative. (My boys want to put their toys inside!) I didn't even see the darts until I cut it out. They are sewn first and slip-stitched to the front before the lining gets attached.

Here's the lining. I wanted to do a pop of red there but it would have shown through the white of the zebra print. I do love doing lining. Other than not being easily laundered, it really gives the insides of garments a beautiful finish.

This is the piping at the sides. It's the only place where it can't be continuous. I pondered at first about how I could change up the sewing sequence to make it be continuous. But I couldn't find a way to do it and in the end it's completely unnoticeable when worn.

Okay, people, tomorrow is the start of the fall wardrobe contest over at Patternreview.com. I am very excited to get started but a little saddened by all the great things I have for fall that will get put on the back burner. I think I will squeeze in a few non-wardrobe items here and there to keep my eyes from crossing over all the brown and teal.

37 comments:

  1. You have turned out another fantastic outfit and did a brilliant job on the piping.

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  2. This is stunning! Even though you say the piping was tedious, you did a great job and it was worth the effort because it totally makes the jacket work!

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  3. that is just so adorable on you. What a great jacket and outfit.

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  4. Wow!!! I'm waiting for your piping tips. Do you just use a regular foot or do you use a piping/cording foot?

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  5. What a perfect little jacket. I love all of the red piping.

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  6. So many great details on this fabulous jacket, I love it. It seems to have a really deep hem or hem facing - was that part of the pattern or did you change it?

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  7. Wow! Very fun and sassy, and the finishing, as always, is beautiful!

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  8. What an amazing jacket!! I love it!! I will definitely have to put something similar on my list for summer sewing! Love the piping, just adds that little extra 'something'. Fantastic job - inspirational!

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  9. WOW! WOW! WOW!!!
    That´s a fantastic outfit!!! The fabric is wonderful! I love animal prints (unfortunatly my boyfriend hates them :-))! And your work is always so exact! I just can say WOW!!! WOW!!!

    Warm regards, Vanessa

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  10. The outfit looks great! The red piping is a great addition.

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  11. Incredible jacket! Good save with the sleeves. I've never worn an animal print in my life, but I love this one! The black/white/red combo is great. I hope you love wearing it!

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  12. This jacket is a show-stopper! Great job with the piping, what a fabulous final product!

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  13. Beautiful jacket, it came out great with the basic black skirt.

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  14. Wow! I love it! The fabric is fabulous!

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  15. Beautiful jacket! Love the zebra print and the red piping.The whole outfit looks wonderful.

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  16. Love it! I love the print and you wear it really well with the rest being black. The piping is a very nice touch and of course the lining is great too! Good look on the wardrobe contest!

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  17. I absolutely LOVE it!!! I love to do piping, too, but I have never done it on clothing for myself---only children's clothing. You are making me want to do some piping for me. It is such a great trim.

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  18. Cute jacket~! I love it with the new sleeves!

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  19. You really outdid yourself! I have this one on the agenda to make next. I'm using red piping too! I have problems fitting jackets so I'll be making a muslin first.

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  20. Beautifully done! It's so fun to see all your photos.

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  21. So cute! You do such great work - I love seeing all your pictures...

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  22. I love it! The zebra print looks amazing with the red piping. Your piping always looks great. I have never done any piping, but I really want to after reading your blog!
    WOW!!!!!!!!!

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  23. Fabulous jacket! I love graphic designs and you've worked this one to perfection.

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  24. Great outfit...very striking color combination and perfect fit!! Like the new photo background too.

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  25. You can blame the change of venue on my neighbors, who happened to be outside in the backyard when we went to shoot. I don't like people looking at me while doing a photo shoot, especially when they're unaware of my sewing blog and just think I like having my picture taken for the fun of it. I do like having more background options too.

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  26. Fabulous! That jacket is awesome.

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  27. It's wonderful Amanda! Grrrrrr!

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  28. Awesome Jacket and the piping was the perfect touch.

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  29. It's really brilliant Amanda. You look cool !!

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  30. I LOVE that jacket! I think it would be great with lime green or purple piping. I'll have to go learn now to do piping now. Thanks for the inspiration. :)

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  31. This jacket is fabulous, the piping really makes it look regal!

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