Capri Jacket Sew Along: Week Five

Carole · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:42 pm Post subject: Capri Jacket Sew Along: Week Five

My jacket is done. I just finished putting in the buttonholes and sewing on the buttons. The Luxor fabric is just stunning. I felt very feminine when I tried it on, all finished. Tomorrow I will post a picture.

Buttonholes are always difficult for me. I don't like the way my machine sews them 'automatically'. So I always mark the distance and sew them manually. I made half a dozen practice ones before I felt confident to make them in my jacket. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. There were only three, so it wasn't such a big deal, but still nerve wracking.

We've started another sew along project on the Salon for Louise Cuttings', By Popular Demand Jacket. But that doesn't mean that the Capri Jacket Sew Along is over. I've still got two or three more that I'm working on, and I'd love to hear how everyone else is coming along.

Thank you, Barb, for encouraging me to make a white jacket. I feel so elegant! I know I will be making more white jackets in the future.

During the By Popular Demand Jacket Sew Along, I'm going to tackle another sewing/fashion phobia. This is the summer for sewing outside the box!

Lois · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 10:30 am Post subject:

Congrats Carole! Can't wait to see your jacket. I'm happy you love the white.

Barb · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 5:55 pm Post subject: Muslin Progress

Carole's jacket is stunning! She brought it to SB yesterday and we all drooled over the luxurious look! We each had a turn at trying it on which helped with the final vision. Carole is moving on to her next project, but will be right here with those of us who are just getting going on this one!

On the other hand, I am still at the muslin stage. I brought it in and Carole helped me evaluate it. I was all set to add darts and tweak the fit considerably. In fact, I had a dart in one side, not in the other just for testing purposes. Carole convinced me to omit the dart and ignore the slight MAPS. Her vision of this jacket is that it should be drapey and not fitted to perfection.
It was great to get her input because my background is tailoring and structured garments. I was trying to make the pattern into something it isn't.
So I went at my muslin today with a new vision. I want it to be more of a top than a jacket. I re-cut the neckline which was too big in my first attempt and set in the sleeves to check the armseye and the sleeve circumference. I added an inch to the length of the jacket. I'm happy with the neckline and the shoulder line. Now I'm eager to get going on my linen fabric which I have washed four times so far. Maybe this coming weekend Rolling Eyes

Carole · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 9:36 pm Post subject:

It's so cold and rainy here in Mass. that I had the opportunity to wear my new jacket tonight. I felt so good in it.

This afternoon I spent some time cutting out another Capri Jacket out of the Pueblo fabric. I also cut out a tank top, same fabric. I plan on wearing them together, sort of like a sweater set.

I made one change from my other two Capri's. I decided to square off the lower front corners, rather than leave them curved. I'll see how it goes. I figured I could always add a curve back, but I can't square them if I cut a curve! It felt like a lot just to do the cutting out so I didn't get any sewing done.

Taking my Luxor jacket into SB on Tuesday was fun. It was nice to see how good it looked on other people. It is such a versatile pattern and the Luxor fabric looked awesome on Judy and Barb.

By the time my husband was ready to take a picture of me in my jacket tonight, it was rainy, so we couldn't take one outside, where the lighting is the best. Hopefully I'll get one posted soon.

Carole · Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 6:49 pm Post subject:

This afternoon I got in a little sewing time. I was able to sew shoulder and side seams of the Capri Jacket in the Pueblo. I sewed in the facings and set in the sleeves. I also sewed the shoulders and sides of the tank. It always amazes me how much prep time there is before I actually get to sit down and sew. I spent a lot of time pinning and relatively little time sewing.

The jacket is going to be nice. It will also look nice with the Pueblo skirt I made in May. Actually I think the tank looks really nice with the skirt for a hot day - sort of like a dress.

I haven't even cut out the lining yet, I'm not sure whether it is even prewashed or not.

NancyT · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Arizona

I finally got back to my sewing room, and I can't wait to cut into my fabric. I'm doing the jacket in Penny Candy, and I was delighted with the colors! It's not something that I would ordinarily choose, so it will be fun making a bright, cheerful version. I've decided not to line the jacket because I know I would never wear it with lining in our climate. I also decided to cut the jacket out with the weave pattern going lengthwise, rather than horizontally. (I think you all know why!!!). I'm also making the longer version, as I'm very tall, and tops that stop short make me look bad.
I'll try to keep you updated as I progress.

NancyT · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Arizona

Unbelievably, I'm done with my jacket!! Very Happy

I found I had some free time today, so I just jumped in. I ended up doing 3/4 length sleeves, and I had some really cute buttons in hot pink that go perfectly with the jacket. I was a little concerned with the length (I didn't have anyone around to give their opinion), but went ahead with it. Now I love the jacket. It will be perfect over a cami, and I plan to make a pair of white capri pants to go with my "Capri" jacket. A great outfit for my upcoming vacation to San Diego in August.
As soon as I can, I'll get my hubby to take a photo and I'll post it.
Thanks for the inspiration!

Carole · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:20 pm Post subject:

Hi Nancy. It's amazing that you're done!! That must have been a fun day today. I can hardly wait to see the picture. Of course we want to hear about your capri's too, when you make them! I was so happy to hear that you had your fabric and were joining in earlier today.

I spent tonight hemming the sleeves and center back of my Pueblo jacket. It's so hot and sticky here tonight, sewing with the jacket on my lap was not too much fun, but I wanted to get something done while watching the Tour de France.

Lois · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:44 am Post subject:

Nancy - Thanks for the update. I think Penny Candy is a wonderful fabric for this pattern. What size did you make? How do the shoulders look on you? Are they extended or sit on your frame? I need to get going on my muslin, however I did find time to get my pattern pieces out and organized. So I hope to get to the muslin this week. I've got an idea on a design change for the back. I've also planned to do 3/4 length sleeves.

I'm looking forward to your photo.