By Popular Demand Jacket Sew Along: Week Two

Carole

Tonight I spent some time finishing pinning and cutting out my jacket. The cutting went slower than I thought it would. I think my scissors are dull. It felt like I was fighting the Apple Green Linen every step of the way.

I brought the pattern instructions downstairs with me to read as I watch TV. I had planned on lining the jacket, but I'm not sure how that is going to work with the back yoke piece. Hmmmm, have to think about that and study how the collar, back yoke and body back all go together.

Clearly, I also need to get my scissors sharpened!

Carole · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:26 pm Post subject:

I was unhappy with my patch pockets when I first tried to shape them. The fabric was spongy and hard to press and I didn't like the shape of the curve I was getting from the pocket template and/or my stitching. I talked to Barb about them today and she suggested I hand baste the curves. I guess I was trying to avoid handwork, but I tried the hand stitching tonight and I'm much happier with the result. The directions have you shape the pocket by stitching a 5/8ths inch line and pressing under the stitching along the sides and bottom. Instead of pressing I just basted the seam allowance under. This was a much better choice for me, although it forced me to slow down - something I usually don't like to do.

Lois · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:29 am Post subject:

Way to Go Carole! Curves can be tricky. Hand basting sounded like the best action plan. Good luck with your jacket.

Carole · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 8:54 pm Post subject:

I'm still not happy with my patch pockets. I'm having a hard time getting them even with hand basting the curves. Tomorrow I think I'll take out some of the top stitching I'm unhappy with. I had an idea of running basting lines with contrasting thread along the weave lines of the linen so that my folding under and top stitching is more consistent and even. That sounds like a lot of work - but the pockets are such a big design element of this jacket that it seems important to get them really right.

I had a little bit of fun tonight, after being dissatisfied with my pocket work, stitching the center back seam and attaching the back yoke.