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!