So I lied: yesterday was not the last jacket muslin post. Today is. And that's no lie.
Simplicity 8823 dates from 1970. It calls itself a shirt pattern, but to me it's more of a jacket pattern. I mean, it's shown belted and worn over a shirt in Versions 1 and 2. (No pockets or belt on mine just yet but I'm not finished.) And it has way too much ease for a shirt.
On me it looks more like a short raincoat -- it's the color and cut, I think. In an ideal world it would be a bit narrower all around, but it's wearable. In fact, I'm going to keep fiddling with it because I like it, though right now it's a weird length -- too short to be an overcoat, too long to be a safari jacket.
I used a piece of stretch cotton twill I loathed the moment I got it home from the fabric store where it was collecting dust in the $2/yd pile two years ago. But you know something? Now that it's made up, I like it. I made sure not to stretch it while I was stitching but you can see how the stretchiness is a bit of an issue where the yoke meets the back. Since it stretches width-wise only, I should have cut those yokes in the same direction as the back (vertical to the selvage instead of perpendicular). Pressing should help. Live and learn.
Simplicity 8823 (and the zillion early Seventies patterns much like it) shows up on Etsy and eBay all the time and I highly recommend it. The safari jacket is very much back in style, with a variety of different details not to mention fits and colors.
So I have many options for this jacket project you're probably wishing I'd stop talking about. Especially because I won't be able to blog about the final garment until I post it over at Mood. (Them's the rules.) I'll let you know when of course.
In closing, readers, are you partial to safari jackets? I never thought I was, but I may try tweaking my Simplicity muslin into a more legitimate-looking one. That should keep me busy for a few days at least.
Have a great day, everybody!
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| Our very own "Mainely Dad" in his beautiful safari jacket. |
Love it! Start a new fashion!
ReplyDeleteI think I like your safari jacket best of all, but I am partial to this style--perhaps because I like the film "Out of Africa." (Also because there are usually a lot of pockets to put things in. Love me some pockets.)
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ReplyDeleteWILLY!!!!!!!!! He can brighten any day.
ReplyDeleteLuv this latest muslin.
Very much looking forward to your Mood blog.
Mainely Dad's effort is stunning!
I like the safari jacket look. Plus I love pockets. If you double stitch the pockets, you can put a furry handwarmer in each front pocket. They'll keep pick-pockets away. :) Truly a pocket-sized guard dog.
ReplyDeleteOkay, even though I love the pattern from yesterday, this might be my favorite muslin so far. I do wish it is was a bit more narrow all the way around, will you adjust it or go as is if this is the winner?
ReplyDeleteThis one is absolutely my fave
ReplyDeleteHa! Or the MPB Muslin Museum...
ReplyDeleteIt's a good design. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
ReplyDeleteOHHHH just love safari jackets, I remember as a kid my Mom got me a yellow safari pantsuit. I keep doing it over and over through the years - I think I'll do one this summer. You should do one too Peter, and you have a head start with your muslin. Happy sewing.
ReplyDeleteI think I like this one most of all. The silhouette elongates, and the color looks nice on you too. Mainely Dad looks great in his safari jacket as well.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited that you are working on this pattern. I have it on my short list of things to make. What size are you using
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the safari jacket - your assessment of the length is right and I'm wondering about the shoulder width for this one. Maybe you need to go a tad narrower there and slightly at the waist so it doesn't overwhelm your frame?
ReplyDeleteThe picture of you with Willy - you're channeling a serious Fred Astaire look right there. Now I may have to go find a copy of "Funny Face" to watch this weekend.
LOVE the safari jacket look, in fact I like it in all colors and even patterns. I just made one in blue twill. Not so many pockets, but the collar, belt, and overall fit are the same. Good old 70s patterns.
ReplyDeleteI think you might have a winner here.
Like a glove! :-) Love it!
ReplyDeleteI had the same hate then love experience with the crap fabric I used for my first Minoru. To be honest, I think it was the perfect fabric for it.
ReplyDeleteI love your jacket and my Dad was crazy for anything safari for most of his life.
Thanks for the memories Pete.
LOL. I almost died when I scrolled to the bottom and there I was!!! I wore the heck out of this jacket last Spring and Fall. When it warms up a bit I'll be reaching for it again. I say "go for it" and then strut that bad boy down 7th avenue.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job and it's an item that will never go out of style. It has the presence of a blazer, but it's more versatile and casual. Love it!
DeleteDitto, what Mainely Dad said! He looked great in it and I'm sure you will too!
DeleteActually, I don't wish you'd stop talking about the jackets. Why? Because it is one of the only areas of Men's fashion that has a broad spectrum of choices, and that makes it really interesting. Thank you for expounding.
ReplyDeleteI like the more when the safari jacket is used with less stiff fabric. It just looks more modern and less 70's. The Zegna model is a good example of what I am talking about.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely my favorite of all the muslins. It looks great on you, I can not wait to see how the finished garment will look!
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, I think you should cut it a tad smaller and shorter. That's how it fits in all the photos. Then it'll look great.
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