Worst lead-in for a post ever: I honestly don't have much to say today. It's a dreary Monday, the fitting end to a long weekend full of figuring out what felt right, but mostly feeling wrong, and wronged.
Speaking of wrong: when I looked back on 2016 for the ubiquitous wrap-up, I was a little shocked at the number: 16. A garment a month. That number is ridiculously off. (ETA: Yes, it is. Because 16 does not equal a garment a month. 16 is visually similar to the year 2016. And now you know how math works in my head.) Not included, and not blogged, are the attempts at creating staples, staples which would keep my attention and not bore me to tears. AND AS YOU WELL KNOW, THERE IS NO CRYING IN SEWING.
This little diddy, made in 2016, walks that fine line, but it was not made for me. It was one of the few Christmas gifts I actually got a jump on; completed well enough in advance that I was able to take these photos on election day. Although my mood was positively ebullient after standing in line for two hours with my fellow New Yorkers, the shots came out strangely harsh, and very moody.
Apparently, my camera comes with prediction mode.
I have definitely figured out one thing that feels right, having nothing to do with saving the world, having everything to do with saving my sanity: create what I desire. And I desire the abnormal. We're not living in normal times, eh? Let's dress appropriately! I have no time for staples! My new abnormal involves beautiful armor that reflects whatever my heart desires. Ensembles for Saturn.
It has certainly helped in keeping me sane. I strongly believe that if we take care of ourselves, we can take care of others. And no matter where we stand, we need to take care of each other.
Sewing deets:
Koos jacket, Vogue patterns 1493
Materials: Denim from Chic Fabrics, Tapestry from Century 21 (not linking, because they are bossy. Go buy things from Chic Fabrics.)
Changes: I skipped all of the embellishments--if you do this, have a good look at the pattern pieces, it makes the layout MUCH simpler. I cut a size XS after reading Sarah's review on the enormous amount of ease in this. (Have a look at her crazy creative Instagram, by the way!) The hemline is not as drafted, I curved it up at the side seams.
Tips: Mark ALLLLLL of your notches on this one! I managed to sew the sleeves to the cuffs the wrong way the first time around. Notches are your friend. Impatient people skip notches. (Ask me how I know.)
Marcy ,I just LOVE your version of this! I love the fact that you have used the tapestry for the body and the Plain for the sleeves which gives it such a different look to mine.Thanks for the kind mention of my Instagram- I am inspired by fellow creatives like you.
ReplyDeleteAs am I, creative lady! I love seeing what you come up with!
DeleteI LOVE this. I am mad jealous someone is going to own it. I love the fabric combo. The sleeves are epic. Love.
ReplyDeleteFortunately she likes it :))
DeleteThat is a fabulous jacket, I love those sleeves too. Your use of color and pattern is exquisite as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie!
DeleteLove it, Marcy! Great fabric combo. I made this pattern too, and lengthened it to mid-calf. Photos of mine here, plus lots of detail photos of the original Koos jacket for anyone wanting to make this pattern: https://www.pinterest.com/mccallpatternco/detail-photos-vogue-patterns/ —Meg
ReplyDeleteNow I want to make it again, in a silk... beautifully done!
DeleteImpatient people skip notches. (Ask me how I know.)
ReplyDeleteNo truer statement was ever written cause I'm forever skipping the notches! This is cute when are you making one for yourself?
HAHAHA!!!! Those little notches are so helpful, aren't they? WHY do we skip them?!
DeleteI think I need something with a little Mexican flavor for mine, like that Project Sewn stripey dress. Matter of fact, I'm tempted to harvest the skirt and make something new. STOP ME.
Fabulous job! I'm not usually a fan of the Koos designs but this makes me rethink that stance. (See, you can change minds on the interwebs!)
ReplyDeleteAnd there may not be crying in sewing, but there's definitely drinking.
Well, ALWAYS drinking!
DeleteThose sleeves got me! I admire Koos, but am not really into the embellishing as much.
Gorgeous as always. And I find the "beautiful armor" ringing so true, color, texture, and outrageous hair make me feel like the woman I am inside, and life is too short to keep it in.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said!
DeleteWHOA...this is a beaut! I have this pattern but have never quite got to the 'must seew it now' phase. Seeing your fabulous kimono sans embellishments makes me eager to give it a go!!! THIS...this is how I kinda, sorta envisioned mine! Thanks bunches!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks also for the dialogue on sewing what makes us feel good. I am trying to edit, edit, edit my closet...but I LOVE sewing the fun stuff. I've kind of stalled in my sewing process trying to sort it out, but you've simplified things in a beautiful way. If it makes me feel good to be sewing it...then I WILL SEW IT! xo
Sue, I have your purse post saved and NEED to copy you!!! So I thank you in return :))
DeleteGorgeous
ReplyDelete!
Thank you, Faye 😘
DeleteOh my goodness. THIS. IS. AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteMy 17 year old just saw you sporting this incredible jacket, and said "I want to make one too!" and "WHO IS THAT FABULOUS WOMAN?!!".
You have a new fan:)
Do you have an affiliate link for the pattern, or a place you purchased it?
Thanks!
~Michelle
haha, I love that! I hope she gets bit by the sewing bug :)
DeleteI picked it up at Joanns-- but mccalls often runs a sale on their site!
Oooo! I'm totally with you on the "sew abnormal" movement. It is a movement, isn't it? Let's make it a movement.
ReplyDeleteYES.
DeleteWow, this is lovely , the fabrics look amazing together, so true about notches, ignore them at your peril !
ReplyDeletethanks emma! i mean, how did i look at this pattern and think i could skip notches?!
DeleteWonderful jacket. Extremely entertaining and inspiring blog, as well.
ReplyDeletethank you so much, Barbara.
DeleteBeautiful! Such a great outfit. I cleaned out my wardrobe last weekend and decided that I needed some more basic tees for layering and that I really SHOULD make them. But I WANT to make a beautiful party dress and really as sewing is my hobby for fun times the WANT should always win out I think. Who needs staples when you wear the unusual as well as you?!
ReplyDelete