It all started long before it actually got cold enough in Houston to need a jacket. I fell hard for a certain jacket. Of course, any fashion conscious person can attest to the need to acquire a garment we see on Pinterest or others wearing. Especially, as seamstresses, we deal with this covetousness on a daily basis. This was not the case for me, at least not this time.
This pattern reminded me of a certain jacket my mom had given me when I was in my early teen years. Except it was not reversible. Not being one for designer or purchased clothing, I was elated to receive that BRIGHT LIME GREEN shiny satin bomber jacket, monogrammed with her local union details.![]() |
Google image. |
Being that I was my own designer, I felt I was somewhat the best dressed among any of my peers anyway. Thus, I set out to make Newlook 6226 with one thing in mind, recreate the memory I had when I was young, although, an updated version, more adult or somewhat stylish and this time REVERSIBLE.
So, there you have, another match made in "sewing heaven" for me as well as another great testament to my Mom for instilling in me a desire to do my own thing..."and also, to listen to the fabric!!"
Pattern Details and Notes:
The pattern is Newlook 6226. And, if I hadn't made it clear already, the fabric is from Hancock, sometimes referred to as a STRETCH Moleskin Suede backed with satin. Basically, it's a micro-polyester that has been made to look like suede on one side and satin on the other. The dusty "suede" is a thin micro-fiber as well. I washed both in the front loader and dried them on low.
Construction Notes...the gory details:
My attempts started as a simple desire to make it using the easiest, fastest techniques possible in order to finish quickly and get back to my regular sewing.
Irene says: "Andrea, why don't you make it reversible, that shouldn't be too hard, right!" To which I responded...
"Oh, I don't suppose so, seems easy enough, the pattern only has your basic front, back, sleeves, and the bands for the waist and arms. Not counting the yoke."
Irene says: "Well, you gotta remember to get a reversible zipper also. Do you have one?"
Me... "Ahh, I should have one, I'll check later. Let's get this bugger cut out and on the machine."
Irene: "Oooh, I'm so excited!"
Me..."I don't think I need to do much fitting, besides its a bomber jacket, and should have plenty room for ease. But, just in case, I'll do a 1/2 FBA and add some length for good measure."
Irene: "Yeah, that should do, lets get it cut out, I can't wait to see it finished, the fabric is so pretty." (rubbing her hands together.)The conversation went own in that order the rest of the project. And after some time later and after many alterations....
- Lengthen the bodice 1 inch, still seems too short
- sleeves too short, "add extra 2 inches to the cuff"
- WHAT???!! now, the zipper isn't long enough..
- go back to the store for a new zipper, no color that I need in the new length, which was 18, now its 20
- not enough elastic, back to the store...(why didn't I plan better!!!) "sigh"
- months later and many alterations later, and many visits to every store in Houston!!!
I would be wrong to expect you to read this entire blog post without giving you a least a few closeups...besides, isn't that what you are here for? Well, I know you enjoy my tall tales of not planning my projects and the lessons un-learned as a result. Feast your eyes.
Do I need to say this is the inside back, or is it the outside back. You decide. All parts, including the lower band and cuffs were underlined with fusible interfacing.
Another inside/outside view of the sleeve, which was all hand stitched using a "fell stitch." I used silk thread for all the hand stitching. The front bands were first fused in place using steam-a-seam, then topstitched. The collar called for top-stitching, but I'm not sure if I will do that later. Just trying to see how I like it the way it is right now.
This is a really awesome jacket. I have worn if finally, since we got a little cold temps the last couple weeks....a freezing 45 degrees was the lowest and the highs have been running 75/77f. So, a thin jacket like this is perfect. Although, it does run horribly short from the pattern.
I just don't know, for me, the length is great because the band sits right on the hip. For you, you may want to lengthen 2-3 inches. I'm happy with the fit and function. OH!! except the side pockets, if I were you I would just do welt pockets on the front instead.Until next time...thanks for reading.