My Cordova

I can't believe how quick this Cordova jacket has come together.  Here's all the deets on my preparation.

Usually I would sew a size 8 Sewaholic, but I decided to go with the finished measurement of the garment rather than the body measurement and have sewn up a size 6, although I could have gotten away with sewing up a size 4 - maybe next time :-)

I'm really liking the effect of reversing the fabric on the side panels and peplum.   Hopefully the next photo will show clearly the difference.  It's really hard to tell whether it's a deep deep dark blue or black, so I have gone with dark blue and added a blue lining and zip.  I think it looks great with jeans.

I would definitely make another Cordova.  The back pleat is a great feature and will make the jacket comfy to wear.  Next time I would think about adding another half inch to the lining to allow for a little bit more ease vertically.

I would also add another inch to the length of the sleeve.  Although it looks okay it only has a half inch hem and I would prefer at least a one inch hem.  My sleeve lining isn't attached to the sleeve fabric because it isn't long enough.  I am debating whether I add 1.5 inches to the sleeve lining and then attach it to the sleeve fabric.  I might wear it a couple of times before I decide.

Gee these photos make my bottom half look smaller than the top, but I think that is the idea of the jacket.  I am most definitely bigger on the bottom than the top according to the measure tape!

Gee, should really have done my hair before taking photos!

Oops you can see that I've been sitting down!

Final thoughts:  would definitely make again with a few adjustments; I'm still undecided on the double peplum; the construction techniques make it a dream to sew; Love Sewaholic :-)

Yay for completing my first project for Indie Pattern Month .... next!

Cordova Jacket on the table

As I mentioned in my last post I am constructing my first Cordova Jacket for Indie Pattern month.

I went along to the Fabric-a-brac in April and acquired this lovely reversible fabric, 2.5 metres for just $25!  I immediately thought jacket when I saw it and the Cordova was ideal, where I could use both sides of the fabric in the jacket.

I wanted the jacket to be quite close fitting so have chosen to construct a size 6 which has a finished bust of 36, whereas I would usually make a size 8 based on body measurements.  I double checked that this would work and made a quick muslin - perfect!  Sorry no pictures of that, I was too quick to pull it all part and get started.

I'm pleased to say that I'm no longer a tissue paper murderer!  I now trace all my patterns onto calico, sew up the muslin and then pull it apart and use it as the actual pattern from which I cut my fashion fabric.  For this pattern I've stitched all the seam lines to provide stability of the pieces and cut along the 5/8 seam allowance edge.  I only do this after I've made the muslin so I can make any adjustments to the pattern first.

Here I've cut out all my pieces in the fashion fabric.  The peplum, front side and back side will be the reverse of the fabric.  You can slightly see the effect in the pic below.

I decided to make version B of the pattern as I don't want to draw too much attention to my hips.  I might change my mind after I've finished this one, but for now the jury is out on the double peplum.

Sewing Indie in June

This month I am joining The Curious Kiwi and Macskakat for Indie Pattern Month.

It just so happens that my next project was going to be the Cordova Jacket by Sewaholic - good timing girls :-)

I had purchased a piece of fabric at the Fabric-a-brac which I thought would be ideal for the Cordova - more on that later.

My stash of indie patterns current contains quite a few from Sewaholic - Tasia's style just appeals to me although I am a rectangular body shape rather than a pear.  A small reduction to the hips and I'm done which is proving easier than having to adjust the waist and hips out-ward when sewing one of the big 4.

Recently I have added others to my list (more parcels in the mail - fun)
Tiramisu Dress by Cake Patterns
Rooibos by Colette Patterns
April Pant by Stylearc
Go Anywhere Dress by Sewn Square One

I also purchased Newcastle Cardigan PDF download from Thread Theory, which I thought would be fun to sew for either my husband or son.

I'm not going to get all these patterns sewn up this month but I'm looking forward to each and every one of them.

A Good Wardrobe hosts an extensive list of Indie Patternmakers which is like my own little index to sewing fabulousness!  Thanks Lizz.

For now back to my the sewing machine to progress my Cordova.  I'm posting progress on Instagram (http://instagram.com/sandra_stitch) if you want to follow along.