Bold New Lime Green Jacket with McCall 5668 - Pattern Review

Happy Monday everyone,

Today, I'm excited to talk about my bold lime green jacket!  This jacket is the first piece in my green wardrobe capsule that I'm making this summer.  I've been purchasing a variety of green textiles for a few years now.  Green is a good color for me.  So far, I've included two dresses and a top and pants set (UFO's) as part of the capsule.  More on the capsule plan in the weeks to follow.

The pattern, M5668, is one of the Sewing with Nancy patterns designed for people with limited time to sew.  I bought it because I liked the style of the jacket. Also, I selected this as the summer/fall project for one of my sewing students.  This will be the first jacket for her.  So, I wanted to make it a few times before she started on her project.  So expect to see another version of this jacket.  

The pattern is described:  Princess seamed jackets have fold-back wing collar, slits at side seams, three-quarter length lined sleeves with slits and shoulder pads. B: Self-belt with purchased buckle and optional sew-on or iron-on jewels on collar.  

Published in 2008, but it is still available.  It comes in sizes 8 to 20.  I used size 16 with modifications.

My jacket looks pretty much like the drawing on the envelope.  I wanted long sleeve. So I adjusted the length.

The instructions were easy to follow, and also included several tips on cutting, pressing, and interfacing.  The guide sheet includes step-by-step stop and go sewing tips to help sewists maximize their sewing time by breaking the process into 10, 20 and 30 minutes sewing intervals.  I think this is a great jacket pattern for beginners. 

There is a lot to like about this jacket style wise:  the collar and the dart at the roll line; the princess seams helps make fit easier; the slit at the side; and the belted waist to create a more defined waistline.  At least, these are my likes.   I don't have any real dislikes.

The fabric that I selected is from Mood.  It is described as Lime Green Stretch Cotton Crepe.  Sorry it is out of stock.  The texture of it reminds me of a stretch cotton pique.  It pressing well; but like most cottons, it does wrinkle. 

I made several changes:  pattern adjustments, style changes and construction adjustments. BTW- I didn't make a muslin this time. 

• FBA - l inch initially.  Then during construction I reduced the height of the apex.  The change was transferred to the pattern after I made the change to the jacket.  Below are the initial adjustment to the side front and the final adjustment.

• Prominent shoulder blade adjustments.  This was a very small adjustment.  I probably could have skipped it as the back of the jacket was wide enough.
• The length of the shoulder seam was too long.  I reduced the length by 1/2 inch.
  
• Swayback adjustment. Same as for other princess seam garments.
• Sleeve length.  I wanted a long sleeve jacket instead of a 3/4 sleeve.  Next time, I will taper the sleeve a bit.  The sleeves on this jacket are wide.
• No lining in the sleeve.  I decided to skip that.
• For the slits.  I didn't follow the instruction #40.  I like mitered corners.
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• I did not add any jewels to the collar.  The color of this jacket is the speaker. 
  
• Top-stitching.  I added top-stitching to the belt and the front and collar of the jacket.  It looks better with it.

• Initially, I was going to go without buttons.  I even started the photo shoot without them pinning the front to keep it closed.  But after a few photos, I decided to add three buttonholes.  Luckily, I bought some earlier.  I decided on only three buttons instead of four because the belt holds the rest of the front in place.

I know these are a lot of changes for a simple jacket pattern.  But they made it better for me.  Now, my next version, will include most of the above changes, plus a little more tweaking.  I want to taper the sleeves and add a little length to the hem of the jacket.  I may or may not line the sleeve.

This was a great basic jacket for all level sewists.  I think there are more design options to explore:  completely lining the jacket, lengthening it,  and adding pockets. 

I'm pleased with how this one turned out.  The next one will be navy. So, if you have the pattern, allow me encourage you to try it.  Style it as you like or use it as a sloper/basic jacket pattern. 

Stay tune.  More to come on my green capsule.

Parting Shot: My little third cousin, London, wearing her Cennetta made Minnie Mouse mask.