Friends, I've spent most of today tweaking my latest jacket muslin, Simplicity 8823 from 1970. I think you'll agree it looks very different than it did yesterday. Hopefully better.
First -- and perhaps most dramatically -- to give the back more shape, I added an inside elastic casing. I think it makes the fullness look more intentional. If it looks a little low on me, it looks perfect on Michael, who's about 2" taller.
I also shortened the length roughly 3". I still have to hem it.
I added two large bottom pockets with matching flaps, and two top pockets without flaps. Making matching pockets and flaps is painstaking but it's not difficult once you have your technique down. They're lined with old cotton fabric I had in my stash. Recognize it?
I still have to add buttons and, like I said, hem it, which I'll do by hand. I want to clean up the inside a bit too. There's nothing wrong with exposed serged edges, imo, but bias trim would certainly look spiffier. How do you feel about epaulets?
The jacket is still quite roomy, alas. It fits more like one of those 1940's jackets men used to wear (think young Frank Sinatra) than a sleek safari coat, but that's OK; I didn't plan to go on a safari in it. Plus it started life as a mere muslin made out of fabric I care for. Anything I get out of it is icing.
OMG, here's Frank in a safari jacket.
Michael likes the jacket too so maybe we'll both pose in it when it's finished and you can vote on who wears it best.
And that, friends, is the jacket post of the day. What else do you think it needs? (Fancy shaped top flaps like Frank's?)
Happy Thursday, everybody!
Posts
Love the changes you made, esp the elasticized back. Looking sharp!
ReplyDeletewonderful! I do like the buttons on Frank's lower pockets...
ReplyDeleteI love the back adjustment with the elastic...nice touch. It's probably too late since the pockets are on, but maybe next time you can put long darts on either side in the front to make it more fitted looking? Happy for you that your muslin is wearable! Bonus!
ReplyDeleteI hear Lions and Tigers and Bears. Oh, my! It looks great. So, now that you have, what is it? 5 muslins? Have you picked a final? Lane
ReplyDeleteI love the muslin! The elasticated half-belt is inspired and the top-stitching on the pocket flaps made me SMILE.
ReplyDeleteG
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It the jacket going to be belted?
ReplyDeleteThe belt is the one detail I really don't care for.
DeleteI like the addition of the waist elastic. IIRC, there is an Anna Sui women's jacket pattern that has that detail. Really like the look of the bellows pockets on Frank Sinatra's jacket but I wonder if they'd look sloppy if you actually put stuff in them. Epaulets...hmmm. I know they go with the style but they're one aspect of the whole safari deal that I don't care for.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking good. I think shortening it was a big improvement-it was definitely too long.
ReplyDeletewow, I think it looks really great. very on trend.
ReplyDeletelooks great Peter! I'm dieing to know which version gets the Mood treatment though... ;)
ReplyDeleteI vote for epaulets. They simultaneously call attention to the strength of the shoulder and raise the shoulder a bit in a "gee shucks" look. A bit military look capable of a warm smile in lighter moments.
ReplyDeleteI think the fabric you didn't care for has worked out very well. Looks very well with your contrasting pocket linings too.
ReplyDeleteI think it's fun to use fabrics you don't care for. It's relaxing because mistakes just don't matter. I've also found that projects using fabrics that I didn't especially like have sometimes turned out better than projects where I agonised over fabric choice.
As for the epaulets, I think the jacket doesn't need them. But if you do add them, how do you think would the undersides look with your contrasting pocket flap lining?
Best jacket of the lot by a long way. I was thinking after your last post that the Safari jacket is a big winner! Glad you have persisted with it - it looks awesome. The elastic casing at the back has enhanced it no end!
ReplyDeleteI love epaulets! And I recognize that fabric...it's from the burda dress you made for an actress.
ReplyDeleteYes on the epaulets, they look really cool when you tuck gloves into them. Between Freddy, Willy and the safari jacket it's like a cross between the tv show Daktari and Mutual Of Omaha's Wild Kingdom over there. Srsly-beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteWill Michael model for us???
ReplyDeleteWow, Peter... Impressive development of your muslin. The tweaks are great. I hope you decide to make it a finished product.
ReplyDeleteYou've done a wonderful job o the construction...but, sorry...I think safari jackets are very affected...
ReplyDeleteYes absolutely to the epaulets! I like the casing addition. This is looking good. I have always loved safari jackets.How nice to get a wearable muslin out of your efforts.
ReplyDeleteI like the style and shape of Frank's upper pockets, but the flaps are a bit much.
ReplyDeleteThe elastic casing is a very nice touch.
It looks great! You definitely improved the back.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteHello Peter, great jacket!
ReplyDeleteYou're asking if something is missing, it could be the subject of an entire article!! When is a garment finished?
I'm looking forward to the buttons, maybe it will be enough. Have you been looking at YSL safari veste ?
No to the epaulets to kind of stay away from the military look. The upper pockets need flaps like the lower to balance top and bottom. Flaps that maybe not even functional - just tacked down so they don't sit up flapping!
ReplyDeleteJust my opinion as the jacket looks great