September Is Almost Over! Sewing Reflection

It's hard to believe that September is almost over!  This week I started seriously thinking about fall and winter sewing projects.  There is always so much I want to make and do.  It's overwhelming.  There isn't enough time in a day to accomplish as much as I'd like to.

I'm happy to report that I finished at least 2/3 of the summer projects on my list including a swimsuit (UFO) for my daughter.  Right now, I have three more summer projects to complete.  I'll work on finishing them over the course of the next several days.  I've ready finished two fall garments.  Reviews on those will be posted this weekend.  They are part of the Style Maker Fabric Fall Tour.

So over the next several days review to post are:

• Simplicity Dress S1314
• Butterick Jacket B6329
• Butterick and McCall Swimsuit BP291 & M7578 for DD (UFO)
• McCall Pants  M7726 (made in June)
• McCall Shirt M7753 (made in July)
• McCall Top M7687
• Vogue Dress V1352
• McCall Dress M6116 

Meanwhile, I'm continuing to work on my top ten projects to make this fall.  One will be McCall Jacket M6440, view D.

First Project of the Year! - McCall 5527

This is one of two jackets that I cut out before the holidays. I was able to finish both of them on Saturday afternoon. I wore this one to church on Sunday with a skirt I made (2 years old) from another McCall's pattern. Here's my review.

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, lined jacket has front and back darts, single button closure and sleeve and collar variations.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 6 - 20. I made a 14 with modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. The jacket on the model appears to be a couple inches longer than my version. Could be that she is petite.

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes. Nothing difficult about them. I competely constructed the collar/lapel before attaching it to the shell. Then I attached the lining/facing. This is the process that I usually follow when making jackets/coats for a similar style.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the design of the this jacket. The wide collar and lapel are what sold me. No dislikes.

Fabric Used: Wool Blend (loose basket weave pattern)purchased from JoAnn's Fabrics about two years ago.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made several alterations:

FBA - A picture is worth a thousand words. So here are the photos of the FBA.


Front Lining and Front Facing


Jacket Front


Checking the modifications of the three front pattern pieces.


Making the FBA on this type a one piece front pattern was alittle tricky for me. I added bust darts instead of trying to rotate the add length at the side seam to the verticle dart below the bust line.




Broad Shoulder and Sway Back Adjustments

The drawing shows the collar resting about an inch beyond the top of the shoulder seam. I didn't think to increase the width of the lapel and collar to maintain the design.




On the Hanger

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to, but I have soooo many jacket patterns that I want to try. So not now; maybe later.

Conclusion: Cute little jacket that was easy to make and can be worn over dresses or other coordinating separates.