Monday, December 28, 2009

On the Riveria

I love my Hot Patterns Riveria Jacket.  It's casual and easy to wear, comfortable.


The review is here.

The pattern calls for a stable knit, but I used a gray striped, loosely woven wool, which I bought for 50 cents at one of my sewing clubs.  Because the jacket is boxy and not closely fitted, using a woven fabric worked out just fine.  The wool did require a lining.  I had this printed lining in my stash that I got off the grab table at another sewing guild.

The buttons were in my stash as well, so this jacket was basically a freebie. 

I did make a few changes to the pattern.  I added hem allowances and ommited the hem facings.  Because I didn't want to disrupt the stripe, I cut the back on the fold, instead of in two pieces as the pattern dictates.  The sleeves are two-pieced, but again, I made  them in one piece, so the stripe wouldn't be interrupted.  I added cuffs to the sleeves and ommited the sleeve facings.

I used a traditional tailored collar/lapel technique instead of going by the instructions.  It's not that "an old dog cannot learn new tricks" but I liked my old way better!  I will make this jacket again, probably in the spring.

I whacked and stacked 7 T-shirts, and sewed 3 of them.


The one in the center is brick red, and I will wear it under the Riveria jacket.

There are 4 Ts waiting to be sewn, as I have a few minutes.  That's something I can sew when I don't have to think.  I can make them in my sleep.  But, my next real project is this jacket,  that I want to make out of black/white houndstooth wool.
                                                         

I'll make the hip-length version, and although it's supposed to be an unlined jacket, I am going to line it in red.  A pattern, after all, is just a "suggestion".

Happy New Year to everyone.  May 2010 be your best sewing year ever!

32 Talk to me:

Myra said...

Love that jacket and I had considered buying the McCalls pattern when it came out. I want to see how yours comes out.

KID, MD said...

Looks great! That color is fabulous on you. I love all things houndstooth, so I can't wait to see the next jacket!!

Birgitte said...

Very chic and the color with your hair is fab. Also like the jacket on the retro linoleum :)) Your room is just how mine was... until my DD hijacked it. Now I'm in her "green" room, but it's super big so I can't complain (too much).

a little sewing said...

Your jacket looks great and I like the cuffs on the sleeves. I love the phrase "whack and stack". I ought to give that a try. Seems efficient. Very nice work!

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

I really like the green jacket and the lining is perfect for the fabric. Great job on the Tees. The black and white with red lining will be a real eye catcher. I need to gear up and get back into sewing, you inspire me.

Unknown said...

1. Love the new jacket, and I will be buying it with my birthday money!
2. You will love the McCall's pattern, Palmer and Pletsch are the absolute best!
3. You're making me really, really jealous that I'm stuck at work and can't go to those meetings with you!!!

Linda T said...

Fantastic jacket and you look super wearing it. Pretty and comfy--that's a plus!

JoanneM said...

Love this jacket. It is classic with a contemporary cut. It really looks great on you!

HeathersSphere said...

Wow, Gwen that is a showstopper of a jacket and am so glad that you completed it! Lovely details and that is one cool lining. It's hard to believe how much paid for the fabric. Enjoy wearing your new jacket!

Trudy said...

Wow! You've gotten a lot done! I love your jacket. It's gorgeous. And what cool blue nail polish. Aren't you stylin'.

Ann Made Studio said...

Very nice jacket. It does look comfortable and I like the style. I keep saying it but I really need to try these Hot Pattrens out. I like all I see :)

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I love that - a pattern is just a suggestion! :) A woman after my own heart!

I'm so loving your fabric and lining choice for this jacket ~ it's just awesome!

Nancy K said...

The jacket looks great! I love mine too. I wear it a lot.

wendy said...

the rivieria jacket looks fabulous! oooh. :) That cut looks great as a woven tailored jacket. I've still got my copy of the pattern traced out & sitting in a big pile on my bookshelf.... I need to motivate myself to get going on it, since it looks so nice when it's done!

Fran said...

Gwen, the jacket is great. I like the cuffs you added -- nice detail, especially nice effect with the horizontal stripe. Love the nail polish as well!

Shannon said...

That is one fabulous looking "freebie" jacket!

Debbie Cook said...

Looks great Gwen!

Michelle said...

Love the jacket! And the lining is great, I love a great lining! Fantastic work!

kanishk said...

! That color is fabulous on you.

Work from home India

julia said...

Your jacket is great and so are the tees. I can't wait to see your longer version of the jacket!! Hope you have a great 2010!

Rose said...

Of course you love your new Riveria Jacket. It looks great!! Happy New Year!

Susan said...

What great projects! I really like your jacket lining. This is something I want to start paying more attention to, now for my projects.

Anonymous said...

What a cute jacket. I love the collar!

kbenco said...

You look terrific in your jacket.

Sharon Sews said...

First, I just gotta say how much I love your hair. It's fabulous. And so is that jacket. I shy away from HP as I've never had any success, so I'm always happy to see what others have successfully created.

Lori said...

Great jacket and what a bargain on the fabric.

Tany said...

What a fabulous job on the jacket, well done!!

Happy New Year!

Cennetta said...

Great jacket, Ms. Gwen. I love the whacking and stacking project. Hmmm..., I need to have a few of those.

Anonymous said...

I love the jacket. Look forward to the houndstooth as well. Happy new year friend. Jan Brandt

Linda T said...

Love that jacket!! and the red T will look great with it!

Happy New Year to you!

Vernon Fashion Studio

Audrey said...

What a lovely version of the Riviera Jacket pattern! I haven't tried any of the Hot Patterns patterns yet, but garments like your really make me think I need to do that. Love the lining fabric!

Nishant said...

I love all things houndstooth, so I can't wait to see the next jacket!!

Work from home India

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