Black and White Ensemble

 

I have three items to review today, starting with this white jacket. I've had this in my "to do" pile since I endeavored to sew up a capsule wardrobe for my Spring/Summer 2012 project. This was the last item left. I kept putting it off because I am lazy! I was dreading having to cut all the little pieces of fabric, lining, and interfacing. Well I finally bit the bullet and conquered it and I am very happy with the end result.

 

McCalls 5525 (OOP)

 

I had a difficult time deciding which view to make. I wanted a simple white jacket with the double breasted styling. I ended up going with view C, pictured in bottom right corner, but without all of the trench coat features. I kept the sleeve band.

 

 

 

I cut a size smaller than recommended by my measurements as usual in the Big 4. This was perfect- I got a nice, form fitting silhouette.

 

 

I used a white cotton twill for the shell and polyester lining. I splurged on the buttons. I really loved this vintage inspired leaf print button. I thought it would look great against the white jacket. Also, this was the first time I put shoulder pads in a jacket! I usually avoid them having grown up in the 80's and 90's when shoulder pads resembled something you would see on a football field. After reading up on the subject of shoulder pads, I decided to give them a try. I really like the subtle shape and structure they provide to the jacket.

 

 

 

Though there are many steps to the construction, I didn't run into any steps that I had a particularly hard time with. I love it! It's a nice medium weight jacket that I can wear throughout the year.

 

"I wonder if the neighbor will notice that I'm standing in her front yard taking pictures by her roses?"

Next up are the blouse and pants. After delivering my daughter, I needed some drawstring slacks that were more forgiving while I work on losing the maternity weight. I was drawn to this pattern for that reason. I also loved the blouse pattern. It is loose and floaty. I love the feminine features of the bodice and sleeve gathering.

 

Vogue 1367

 

 

 I am loving the blouse! I used this fabulous black and white print crepe de chine from my stash. I had purchased it from Gorgeous Fabrics. Looks like it is sold out now. The fabric sewed up like a dream. It wears like silk though. I think I'll be making at least one more blouse from this pattern. It sewed up quickly and easily.

 

 

 

I'm on the fence with the pants. They have some great styling features including topstitching, a mock fly zipper, and a shaped hem. I used a stretch RPL that I found at Joann fabrics in their suiting section. I went with the size the pattern recommended but they aren't as loose fitting as I had hoped- at least on my body. But they are a nice style if you want a semi-fitted, ankle length pant.  

 

 

I am currently hammering out some holiday gift sewing but will be back to selfish sewing soon!  

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

 

~Jenny