I HAVE MAIL

First, I am so happy to see the sun shining and a bit of warmth in the air. I spent my entire Saturday outside just enjoying the beautiful day. When I got home and checked my mailbox I found these in the box.. These are the lastest patterns that I purchased from the last online pattern sale. I just love these patterns and can't wait to start working with them that will be either later today or tommorrow.. For now I am off to enjoy the rest of my weekend....

The Perfect Jean Jacket

McCall 5860

Thanks to everyone that commented on my cardigan sets. I really appreciate the feedback. I dont know about you but I am so sick of this weather that I just can't wait for the first sunny and warm spring day to come. In anticipation of it, I have decided to start sewing for spring. My first creation is the perfect denim jacket by Palmer/Pletsch.

I started this jacket a week after my last post and it took me a whole month to complete..I am embrassed to say that. Why? I am hard headed and still have not learned that you can't watch tv and sew at the same time.. It's very detracting and it cuts into my sewing time. Since I dont have much time during the week to sew and the weekends are the only time I get to spend with my machine I really need to use my time efficiently. My solution to this problem is to listen to some music that will entertain my mind as I sew. I hope that works..lol..

Project Info:

Misses unlined jacket, fitted with princess seams, patch pockets with flaps, collar and collar band, two piece sleeves with cuffs.

Fabric: Light weight denim in a light plum color. Purchased at my local fabric store about a year ago when they were going out of business.

Overall I am very satisfied with this pattern. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. It even provided tissue fitting information and how to make adjustments to the pattern pieces. There are also loads of sewing tips throughout the instructions as you go along.

Pattern Alterations:


*I did a 1" FBA to the front pattern piece.

*I lenghten the upper and under sleeve by 5/8".


The collar and the collar band when together without any problems. I love the collar band because it make the collar stand up nicely.



This jacket is unlined so I decided to add a lining to give the fabric body and make it easier to put on and take off. This is my first time making an attempt to put in my own lining. I usually stick with jacket patterns that are lined. So I decided to do some reading before attempting to do this. I had to pull out my downloaded copy of Connie Long - Easy Guide to Sewing Linings which was mentioned by Carolyn in the comment section of Sheilaz blog. I immediately when to Threads and downloaded a copy. Thanks Carolyn! I sewed small buttons onto the back side of the jacket buttons to make them sturdy and give a neater finish.

I used the pattern pieces to cut the body and sleeve of the lining. For the lining facing I followed the directions in the Connie Long book. It was basically very simple all I needed to do was cut the facing and make sure that it included a cutting line and seam allowance which works out to be about 1 -1/4. I stitched it all together on the wrong side and left and opening in the sleeves to pull it through. This was a lot easier then I thought.. I am happy it turned out nicely.

I highly recommend this pattern and will most likely sew it again in a dark blue denim.