Made It Monday: Simplicity 2728

Sound the alarms. I started, finished, and am wearing a garment. It ain't perfect (um, two button holes for one button because I put the first button hole on the wrong side - who does that?) but it'll do.

In an effort to provide images of what things look like on the body, I braved 40 degree temps and utter embarrassment. You're welcome.

This shot was captured at 7:04am and I surely entertained my neighbors as I ran back and forth between camera and brick wall. No need to tell me I shouldn't quit my day job to become a model; I've got miles to go on striking a pose.

Outfit consists of some sort of weathered black jean-ish trousers from TJMaxx, white tank from Old Navy, gray ballet kitten heels, pearls (standard), and Simplicity 2728. I kinda dig this "study in neutrals" I've got going on. Sure, it's casual as compared to my normal work wardrobe but I like the feeling of warmer weather that it suggests.



Now to the question and answer session.

Pattern Description and Sizing:

Project Runway jacket with sleeve and collar variations. Regular sizing schedule and I made a 10. I normally make either 8s or 10s in Simplicity so I'd say the measurements were accurate and there's not too much ease to mess things up. I made absolutely no alterations to the fit.

Fabric Used:

A linen chambray from Hancock. It's a good neutral color and the thread named "nutmeg" is a perfect match, so it runs on the warm/pink side of browns.
The lining is a lilac poly found in my stash. I love using up stuff that has been sitting on the shelves.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it?

Generally, yes. The envelope doesn't show the particular combination I chose (bow collar, 3/4 sleeves with no extra adornment, pleated pockets, no back buttons) but you get the gist.

Were the instructions easy to follow? What did you particularly like/dislike about the pattern?

Uber easy. In fact, they're probably unnecessary. Though totally unusual for me, I actually liked constructing this jacket more than wearing the finished product. The pattern is very well drafted and the pieces come together in a very logical fashion. I also really liked the continuous facing on the inside of the jacket. The result is a neat and tidy marriage between lining and fashion fabric, crisp inside corners and all.

If I had to pick one thing I don't like about the jacket it would be the proportions of the collar. I can't quite explain it but now that I'm wearing the jacket, the bow feels a little off. Like it's too small, starts too high, ends too short, I don't know. It just seems a bit out of whack.

Pattern alterations:

Since this pattern package comes with so many "designer additions," as the PR series calls them, I can proudly say I restrained myself and made this little item straight off the paper. Oh, but I did tack down the outside edge of the bow to keep things in place and that was not suggested anywhere in the pattern.

Would you sew it again? Recommend to others?

Pleased with the overall fit and in love with the construction process, I will likely sew this up again with a different collar and sleeve style. There's something subtly feminine about this jacket so it's a nice addition to the otherwise suit-heavy work wardrobe. It's a perfect jacket for those looking to make something a little more interesting than most of the stuff that's in the "easy" category.

Conclusion?

I give it a 4/5. It's wearable, washable, and most importantly, a finished item. The hardest part of getting back into anything is starting up, right?