Pulling from the stash

You'd think with the holidays approaching, I'd be making gifts. Not so. I'm selfishly making things for self! With the physician imposed weight loss, I'm finding that things just don't fit like they did a few months ago, and it's time to update some things in the wardrobe.

Not only the weight loss, but also the problem of dividing sewing into "I need to make this" and "this has to be done yesterday" keeps me from getting as much personal sewing done as I'd like. However, the sports sewing is done for another season, so I can be selfish:)

First on the docket were a couple of jackets. I've had Simplicity 4375 in the stash forever. The pattern is now out of print, but the jacket is one of those styles that will be around for at least a few more years. I've had a piece of burnt orange lightweight faux suede in the stash for awhile, and thought the pattern would work well in this fabric. I also had a great piece of corduroy with terrific silly-string-like yarns applied all over the fabric. This was destined to be the first of the two jackets.

I made the standard alterations, and found that I needed to lengthen the sleeves a half inch. The muslin looked good, so I made the first jacket from the corduroy, with the zipper front as the pattern indicated.

Looking at the pattern envelope was deceptive; I thought the jacket would hit me at the high hip area. It's almost at my waistline. Granted, I have a long back waist measurement, but this is really short! Version number two, the suede, will be at least three inches longer to have the proportion that is envisioned by the pattern envelope.

So I now have a jacket that is a bit short for my taste, but otherwise, I love it. It has just that spirit of fun that I like in clothing, without being over the top. The suede version is about 75 percent done, and it looks like it will be one of those staple wardrobe pieces. Photos to follow in a day or so when the suede jacket is finished.

Next up will be things to go with the two jackets. Those black pants that are seven years old.....well, it's time to retire them:)