A Sort-Of Jacket

This project and my last project will be great when it cools a little.  Right now we are having record highs in the mid 70s in California.

I ordered some blizzard-fleece from Joann's at a bargain price.  I thought I would wait to use it, but decided I had a pattern and the time, so no time like the present.

Butterick 5773 is called a jacket, but it is more like a sweater with a zipper.  Can I call it a Swacket?  It is supposed to be very-easy.  Mine took some thought to match up the plaid. Also, I thought flaps on the chest pockets, hand-pockets, and a finished fly-facing would make a better finished product.  I also did my usual lengthening of two inches to the body and the arms.

I like how thick and luxurious this fleece is.  I made some pajamas from other Joann's fleece and the fleece was not this thick.  So this blizzard fleece is the choice for outerwear.  It doesn't ravel, but I serged the seams for a RTW look.

To match up the plaid, I used almost all three yards for a two yard project.

Max supervising the cutting

I like the way it turned out.  It actually was nice to have in the early morning.

I made lined pockets to put my hands in.

View from back.

I folded the zipper-facing and stitched. Then I tacked it in the pocket stitching to the front.  The pattern didn't mention how to finish it, so I did it my way.

I am glad I made this Swacket.  I am sure to use it a a lot.

Thanks for stopping.

Shirt Mania

I have been a sewing maniac lately.  Shirts flying out of my sewing machine as fast as my fingers can move.  Also, I have been putting some of my machines on Pinterest

I am not sure if it is because the weather has been cold, I have new machines to test, I have nice fabric to use, new patterns, or maybe a combination of all?

Anyway, I purchased some flannel fabric from Joann's at 60% off, plus a 20% off coupon, plus a buy $10 get $5 off coupon.   I used my buttons from Wawak ($2.95 for a gross).  This shirt was very reasonable to make.

I used my new favorite pattern,  Simplicity 1544. I used the size 36, and I lengthened the sleeves two inches.  I also made a rolled-hem, this gives the shirt a more RTW look.  The only gripe I have with this pattern is the length of the collar stand.  This is my second shirt with this pattern and I have had to make the collar stand longer than the pattern makes.

This is a luxuriously-soft flannel. The kind that feels like you have had it for years.  I haven't made a shirt with such a prominent plaid, so matching the pattern was quite a struggle. Even with help from several books on pattern placement for plaids.   The back and yoke line up.  The front to yoke does not.  But still looks good. I used three yards for a two yard pattern, to line things up.

I used my Brother SE270D to make this shirt.   I used my White SewMaster and butonholer for the buttonholes.

I overedged the seams and sewed them down for a flat-fell look.

Brother 523 HomeLock

Brother SE270D

White SewMaster 611

Max helping me get warm.

Maybe my shirt making mania is over.  I am not sure what my next project is.

Thanks for stopping.