Just In Time For Spring - Kelly Anorak Jacket - Part II

 

Good morning everyone,

It's a beautiful day in the Chicago area.  The sun is shining, the grass is green and lush with the temperatures in the 50's.  It's a great day.  Yesterday was pretty much the same as today, just a little warmer.  

Today I want to give you the deets on my new Kelly Anorak jacket.  It took about five sessions averaging five and half hours.  This was a new pattern to me.  But I've seen several dozen makes on Instagram and other social media outlets.  I think it's a jacket worth making.  

Yesterday I did my little photo shoot in a little park not too far from my home.  Sorry I forgot the name of it.  Anyway, we were able to get a few good shots of me wearing my first Kelly Anorak jacket.

Here is the description straight from their website:  Style meets function with the Kelly Anorak; a classic shape with a modern cut, this simple coat is the perfect choice for transitional weather.

Lightweight and unlined, it features a two-piece cuffed sleeve, optional drawstring waist, gusseted flap pocket and a zipper placket with snap buttons.  View A will keep you warm and dry with a roomy three-piece hood, while View B features a classic stand-up collar.

Kelly is just right made up in light to medium-weight woven fabric such as twill, gabardine, and linen, and will make the ultimate rain coat when sewn with a waterproof fabric like ripstop or Goretex.

I purchased the online PDF version, which comes in sizing 0 to 20.  I used size 16 and made the unlined version.

My jacket does look like the photographs and the drawings.  In looking at my photos I did notice that my sleeves have more wearing/style ease in them.  It could be because of the sizing.  Note: the sleeve cap also has quite a bit of ease in it. 

Closet Core did an excellent job of providing information on the construction of the jacket.  A few years ago, they hosted a sew-a-long and posted multiple blogs on how to best construct the jacket.  The pattern instructions were very good too. 

There is so much to like about the jacket.  My likes are:

• The style of it.  I've wanted an anorak fashioned jacket for a while,  But hesitated on making it, thinking it was too labor intensive for a basic jacket.  Since making my first one, I think it is a great sewing projects. 
• The construction is loaded with different sewing techniques to practice.  Top-stitching, flat fell seams, installing a zipper, installing snaps and grommets.
• The hood.  It is great for keeping my hands free if it rains while I'm out shopping.
• The length of the jacket.  Perfect for getting in and out of the car multiple times while running errands.
• The pockets.  Love them: the style and construction.

There is one dislike for my first jacket.  And that is, I didn't do a FBA.  I should have.  There is enough room across the front of my jacket.  But in the bust area, there isn't enough length to keep the drawstring completely parallel to the floor.  That's a minor flaw that I can easily correct.  Closet Core has a tutorial on how to make a FBA without a dart.  

 

The fabric that I used is a Stretch Cotton Twill that I purchased from Mood fabrics a few years ago.  This fabric is no longer available.  But they have a huge selection of twills in stock if you are interested.   

Along with the pattern I purchased the Kelly Anorak Hardware Kit. I loved having the kit.  It made tackling the snap and grommet installation easy.  No extra trips to the store to find the right size or style.  Also, there is a tutorial to help with installing them.  I didn't use the zipper or the drawstring due to the color of my jacket.  I'll just save it for another project down the road.

The only thing that I altered was the length of the sleeves. Now, they fall about an inch past my wrist bone.  So they are a little on the long side.  But that's okay.

I like to make my own bias tape.  For this jacket I used a remnant from this skirt.  Here is my tutorial on how to make it. 

I enjoyed making this jacket.  I'm so glad that Rhonda and I decided to go ahead with our mini sew-a-long.  It encouraged me to get it done in time for the spring/winter/summer weather in Chicago. Lol

I will make the jacket again.  At least once more for myself.  I want a jacket with a quilted lining, and I'll do the FBA next time.  My DD loved my jacket.  So I have to make one for her too. ;-)  This is a great sewing project for other sewists.  Especially if your are wanting to try some of the sewing techniques mentioned above.  You'll have a great looking jacket.  One to be proud of ;-)

Parting Shot:  My silly out take.  We always try to have a little fun during the photo shoot. 

 

Happiness in the Sewing Studio!

C

Rewind - First Project of 2021 - Leggings Simplicity S1280

 

Simplicity S1280 Leggings, S8423 Turban,  and Naughty Bobbin Presto Popover top 

I almost forgot to post my first project made in 2021.  These leggings were easy.  But I did need to tweak the pattern a bit to make actual leggings.  This is the same pattern I used for the Christmas knit pajama pants.  These pants fit more like a pair of knit pull on pant.  So, I had to taper the legs on the in and outer seams to make them leggings.

My preference is the Papercut Ohhlala leggings, but for this fabric I need a one or two piece pattern to do the fabric justice.

Pattern

The fabric is a plaid jersey knit that I purchase from Mood Fabrics a few years ago.  I finally got around to making the leggings.  

I pretty much follow the pattern instructions with the exceptions of my changes to taper and lengthen the leg.  Super easy and simple.

This was a short post.  Stay tune for more on my sewing adventures.

Happy Sewing!

C

My First Cashmerette Appleton Dress

Wheee!

After that ten plus hour blouse, I needed something quick and easy.  The Cashmerette Appleton Dress fit the bill.  I used her sizing chart and my t-shirt dress sloper to help identify my size.  This process significantly reduced the amount of time that I would spend on fit adjustments.

One of the beauties of Cashmerette's patterns is that they include multiple cup sizes beyond D, which is great for a lot of people.  So for this dress I used size 16 with cup size E/F.  This was spot on for me.  The only other pattern alterations and changes made were lengthen the dress by 3 inches, lengthen the sleeve by 2 inches, lengthen the ties, and added just a little width across the back.    I didn't make a swayback adjustment because the dress ties around the waist.  

 

I can have a dozen of these dresses in my closet.  ;-)

 

The Appleton Dress is described as the classic wrap dress designed to play up your curves with a crossover front, a built-in waist tie, and a deep v-neck.  Designed by and for curvy women.

It is available in sizes 12 to 28 with cup sizes C/D, E/F, and G/H. 

My dress looks like the illustrations on the pattern cover.  And I am very pleased with how it turned out.

The instructions were good.  Easy to follow.  I really like that the construction for the ties, neck, and front bands. It creates a neat, clean finish.

There is so much to like about this dress; no dislikes for me.

Likes:

• Easy to sew classic wrap dress.
• Multiple cup size for easy fitting.
• Shoulder length is perfect.
• Stylish and classic
• Great wardrobe staple.

 

My fabric choice was perfect for this wrap dress.  It is a ITY jersey knit from Gorgeous Fabrics: Bold Scale Paisley ITY jersey

It sews up beautifully.  Before cutting it out, I tossed the fabric into the washer, then into the dryer.  Just a great yardage of fabrics that washes well too.  It has a soft hand and is great against the skin. 

I've already cut my second dress out.  So you can expect to see this wrap dress over and over again on my blog.  I highly recommend it to others.  But I think a large percentage of the online sewing community has already try it. 

 This is a great classic wrap dress.  A must have staple for every well dressed lady.  

Happy Sewing!

C