Don't ask me just how it happened, I wish I knew.
I can't believe that it's happened, and yet it's true.
Friends, those immortal words of -- Do you know? -- describe exactly how I feel about this Simplicity 8823 muslin-turned-favorite-project-of-2013 (so far). And Michael likes it too. So much so, in fact, that he wants it. Do I give it to him? That, my friends, will be up to you.
Of course, given that we live in the same apartment, there's no reason why we couldn't share it. But that would hardly be worth blogging about, would it?
Before we begin our little face-off, let me show you my finishing touches:
1) Buttons. These six-for-a-buck plastic buttons were purchased at the bookstore near FIT last summer, originally for my linen blazer. They ended up looking too light against the navy blue linen, but they look perfect with this gray cotton twill.
2) Buttonholes. I used my vintage Singer buttonholer's keyhole templates, not that you'd ever know it. It's difficult to get the fabric out of the little hole area so that the keyhole shape really reads. If anyone has any advice about this, please share.
If I were making this again, I'd put the holes just a little closer to the edge than where the pattern has you put them. No biggie but good to know for next time.
3) I added cuffs. These give the sleeves a little more heft and a more finished look. They're not part of the original pattern.
If I'd known this would be more than a muslin, I'd have matched my serger thread, but it doesn't offend me as-is
We decided against epaulets -- too safari jackety for this safari jacket. And no more pocket flaps. And no belt (ruled out from the get-go).
OK, here's more of Michael in the jacket. He wasn't much in the modeling mood I'm afraid, so he's not quite as sparkly as usual.
Why the flash went off suddenly, I don't know, but it does make the fabric shine nicely.
Now here's me. I mean, here I am:
It does fit Michael a little better, I'll grant, but I'll say no more since I don't want to influence your votes. Who knows, maybe you think you'd wear it better than either of us.
In closing, readers, I am very happy to have put the extra energy into this muslin to make it a wearable garment. Whoever wins will get a lot of use out of it, I'm sure.
Happy Friday, everybody!
(Don't forget to vote!)
The sleeves look a little short on Michael, so I would say it should be yours!
ReplyDeleteI could adjust the cuff width but believe it or not, he likes it that way.
DeleteThe sleeves are a perfect fit for MIchael! I think the longer sleeves on Peter look sloppy (sorry). This is a light jacket, not a big heavy coat. It should be fore fitted, not baggy.
DeleteSeems a bit big in the shoulders for both of you, but I mean, if you both love it couldn't you have shared custody?
ReplyDeleteI would say give it to Michael. If it is a muslin, that means there is a fabulous final garment envisioned; and that one, of course, would be yours. Then you would each have your own sassy safari jacket and everyone will be happy!
ReplyDeleteYou, you, you. (Maybe you could make a simillar jacket for Michael)
ReplyDeleteHi Peter - This is my favorite Jacket that you made this week! I feel that the sleeves are a little too short on Michael. And I see that Suzanne noticed the same thing - I think the jacket is yours! And its a really nice length on you. Well done!
ReplyDeleteRegarding the keyhole buttonholes - are you using a chisel set to cut the buttonholes? They also have eyelet chisels that can be used for the round part of the keyhole - as long as you have the right size. To me - there is nothing better than a chiseled button hole - they are so sharp!
I have loved seeing your muslins this week!
Cindi
Looks better on you. Sorry Michael. The sleeves are a better length on you, a hare too short on him. Maybe you should make Michael his own!
ReplyDeleteThe shoulders and sleeves fit you better. Sorry Michael.
ReplyDeleteJapanese paper punch/screw punch for those keyhole buttonholes. They have interchangeable tips
ReplyDeleteI also think it fits you better. The sleeves are too short for Michael but if he still wants to wear it you could be gracious and share it anyway.
ReplyDeleteI have to say... I think I like it better on Michael. I feel like such a traitor to you and your blog! lol
ReplyDeleteIt looks too short on Michael, so you should keep it.
ReplyDeleteAs others said above - the sleeves look a little too short on Michael. I also think the whole jacket is a smidge to short for him. You'll have to keep this one, and make him one of his own.
ReplyDeleteMichael.
ReplyDeleteI think you should keep it; the sleeves are too short for Michael and the color isn't doing much him, but you look nice in it.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog - I've only just started sewing, and your shirt posts have been so helpful!
Give it to Michael... As for the buttonholes... Clover put out an eyelet punch and a buttonhole cutter (looks like a mini chisel)...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely MIchael. I think his arms are just a little longer so the jacket fits him better. If you make another for yourself, you should shorten the arms by an inch or so.
ReplyDeleteIt fits better across the chest and through the waist on Michael than you. YET, on Michael it seems the shoulder seams have rolled a bit forward even as the collar has moved back.(??) The fit of the shoulders and collar look much better on you. I'd vote you keep it and pull it in a bit at the waist, and make a new one for Michael with the shoulder seams back a bit and the collar more fitted around the neck and a bit closer on the back.
ReplyDeleteMichael looks as if he LOVES the jacket. Share until you can make one for yourself.
ReplyDeleteYou! Looks too short on Michael - body of the jacket as well as the sleeves.
ReplyDeleteTo my eye, the back fits Michael a little better and while the sleeves are a regulation length on you, I prefer slightly shorter sleeves. So I vote Michael gets this lovely jacket and you contemplate making yourself another one. Then you could do a double modelling act as you did a while ago with ? jeans? shorts? in a floral cotton.
ReplyDeleteThe sleeves are too short for Michael, but you should give it to him anyway. This is a practice jacket, right? Just think how cool the next one will be !!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Sandi
I agree, the sleeves are a little short on Michael so he can have the next copy. You can purchase a little buttonhole chisel/wood block set; sometimes they come with an eyelet cutter.
ReplyDeleteI had to comment - per Jessica and Sandi,this was a muslin, so give it to Michael and make the final version for yourself!
ReplyDeletePeter, it just looks like it belongs on you. So, you have my vote.
ReplyDeleteSharing is caring
ReplyDeleteFor the button holes you can use an eyelet punch for a hole and then the regular method for the straight part. I like to scrape the blunt side of the seam ripper up and down the stitching to get the whiskers to burry under.
Might be worth keeping your eyes out at the fleamarket for a pippin punch. http://www.zackwhite.com/Pippin-Punch-316-x-18-hole_p_784.html The new price is crazy. Used should be a few dollars max imho.
Hands down, you wear it best. No offense to Michael.
ReplyDeleteI think you should let Michael have it. There's no better complement then someone asking to have something that you made.
ReplyDeleteI think the color looks best on you. You should make Michael one in a lovely blue, that he looks good in. And he can have it fit any way he wants.
ReplyDeleteMichael does live with your 12 sewing machines so I'm inclined to say that he should get the jacket if he wants it. However, in terms of fit and color, it looks better on you, Peter.
ReplyDeleteLonger jacket & sleeves for Michael, as well as possibly adjusting the way the shoulder seams lie.
ReplyDeleteThe sleeves look a tad too long for you Peter.
I don't get why it has to belong to just one of you exclusively. You live in the same apartment, so why can't you just share it? Whoever grabs it first in the morning gets to wear it that day!
ReplyDeleteThis looks smashing on Michael!
ReplyDeleteI agree with those that say the sleeves are a tad too short for Michael. This one looks great on you Peter. I, too, think that Michael needs a blue one.
ReplyDeleteI think you should share, but as others have commented, I think the sleeves are a touch too short on Michael. Sorry Michael!
ReplyDelete"For the button holes you can use an eyelet punch for a hole and then the regular method for the straight part."
ReplyDeleteHome Depot has a "revolving punch pliers" (in the tools dept) available for under $8 to punch very small to medium small holes in canvas and leather. I use one on canvas to good effect, no problem.
Michael. . .but just barely. The sleeves do look a touch too short, but I actually like the overall length and fit. (Also, he looks plenty sparkly.)
ReplyDeleteIt looks great on you, too. Maybe the flash photo sold me?
You, dahling! It complements your coloring and fits you to a tee. It looks a little short on Michael and he would do better with a shade that brought out his features.
ReplyDeleteyou both look ab fab in these wonderful jacket but because darling Michael has that debonair touch of lighter hair, i think the tone is more his than yours. i think you need a color a little warmer, not too much, please, but just a little warmer. i love the cuffs and your talk of buttonholers has finally started to sink in, so guess i'll have to take a look at the attachments and manual...
ReplyDelete1. Get one of those wooden eyelet/chisel buttonhole sets.
ReplyDelete2. Let Michael have the jacket. Just because.
3. Make yourself another jacket (because you're having so much fun making them!)
All problems solved :)
Let Michael have the jacket. The fit on him is pretty good except for the sleeve length and he's not bothered by that is he? Minor fit imperfections are more likely to bother you though, so if you keep it for yourself you may not even end up wearing it.
ReplyDeleteThis was a tough decision. I say keep the jacket and make Michael one of his own. It's just a touch too short for him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone about the eyelet cutter for your keyhole buttonholes. You should be able to find one relatively easily.
SHARE it looks nicer with a collared shirt underneath then a T shirt
ReplyDeleteFits better on you Peter, but if you want to give it to Michael you can still modify the cuffs, so the leight fits better to Michael.
ReplyDeleteI got lost in his arms, Irving Berlin, Annie Get Your Gun. One of my favourites! Hang the jacket on a nail by the door and both wear it when you can.
ReplyDeleteGood work, Gavin!
DeleteFor the Key Holes, I would use a Japanese screw punch - once you find the tip (they come with) that fits you just push down on the handle a couple of times and you have a perfect hole.
ReplyDeleteNot sure WHY google has me sing in and still says I"m unknown but......
Gaz
I think whoever wants it more. I prefer a jacket a bit longer like it is on you but that is personal preference. He may like the fit/length as is. You have the pattern all fitted up and this was a wearable muslin so both of you should wear it a bit and see how it feels on and what would make it the perfect jacket. Usually you have to wear something to know if you want any changes.
ReplyDeleteIf you have the feeling, that Michael wants it, give it to him as a present, ceremonially.
ReplyDeleteYou can´t resist him anyway...
Jens
Hmmm, it looks great on you both. But I'd say that since, in the past, you've occasionally commented on Michael's questionable fashion decisions, that perhaps encouraging his excellent ones is the way to go. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt all comes down to the small of the back (as it always does). This one goes to Michael (with the sleeves lengthened a smidge, please).
ReplyDeleteMake yourself one with the proper elastic and buttonhole placements. You're amazingly high waisted - work it!
This one should go to Michael:) having said that this jacket is a classic and looks great on both of you, so maybe you should consider making 2 new ones for each of you, taupe for yourself and something greyish/bluish to suite Michaels beautiful eyes. With back and sleeve alterations and maybe even fun lining included? Heck you've made so many muslins, why not make 2 more awesome jackets you guys will love to wear?
ReplyDeleteI think it should be yours. The color isn't right on Michael, sorry Michael :(
ReplyDeleteThe color doesn't look good on Michael, or maybe the photo is really bad :)
ReplyDeleteThe back looks better on Michael, the elastic hits at a better spot for him. The front and sleeves look much better on you.
I definitely think that overall the jacket looks better on you!
I think it looks better on YOU, Peter! The shoulder seams appear to fall too far forward on Michael's shoulders, for some reason; if you make him one you might want to allow for that, and push them back a tad! I agree the sleeves look a little long on you, but are just right on Michael (sleeves should just touch the table when you put your hand down flat on it.), unless you habitually wear bracelets, of course!
ReplyDeleteI think I would have put a touch of shoulder padding in, myself; not enough to scream "Padded!!" but enough to keep the shoulder line seams jaunty and square. Me, I have the squarest of shoulders, so much so that when I ordered a custom-made sloper the company actually fiddled with the angle of the shoulder seams because the sloper looked so "weird" with the perfectly level seamlines!. I told her "Noooo, leave it! That's the way they ARE!'
Ah go on let Michael have it, he looks great in it. You could make another one in a deeper shade , I think that would suit your skin tone more. But hey whada I know, I'm no seamstress.
ReplyDeleteJean x
Baby it's yours....
ReplyDeleteI won't weigh in on who wears it better. I just have to say that whoever wears it should accessorize with an ascot and a martini.
ReplyDeleteClearly it should be shared. And how great you can! Handsome models that you are -- but why not make another in a warmer khaki tone. And then let's have a comparison vote.
ReplyDeleteMichael looks so happy wearing the jacket that he really should call it his own.
ReplyDeleteI'd say give Michael the muslin, and you get one in a better fabric!
ReplyDeleteI vote for michael. But you could always go with the rule - first up best dressed.
ReplyDeleteI showed the pictures to my 12-year old son and asked him who should get the jacket. Lars wants you to know that he is "completely unbiased." His verdict? "Michael should get the undershirt because he deserves to have a consolation prize, but Peter should get the jacket because the jacket makes it look like he has swag." I think this means it looks better on you -- in which case, this momma concurs. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt fits Michael a bit better, but I'd like it on him in a stronger color. The grey is too close to his hair color. Time to make a second jacket!
ReplyDeleteThanks for blogging about your work. You have inspired me to make something for the kids.
ReplyDelete@whackeddaddy
Oooo that's tough! I think it technically fits Michael a bit better through the shoulders, although as pointed out above, they do pull a bit oddly compared to how they sit on you. From the back he fills it out just that little bit better. I can't believe I'm passing judgement of someone thousands of km away though! I'd give it to Michael and make yourself another one with slightly narrower shoulders,then he can't steal yours but you can still wear his which seems like a pretty good outcome. Just don't wear them at the same time ;)
ReplyDeleteI read your post last night and today the answer came to me in my new tailoring book! You can use one of those hole punchers that ones uses for making holes in belts. I guess you do need to find one that has the right hole size but other than that it should do the trick! what do you think?
ReplyDeleteLove the jacket and I think you wear it better!
Sorry he wins this one.
ReplyDeleteI vote for you ! the fit is more relaxed, the shoulder slope better and the sleeve length perfect on you. And I would prefer a deeper colour on Michael.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing !
Ève
May be I misses something. But they both look God Awful! And you know it's really awful when two men with relatively proportional body proportion - almost model like - wearing the coat and ust show some tensions on the wrong places.
ReplyDeleteGeez, what's with "Anonymous" from 7:49 p.m. Bad grammar, and insulting your perfectly fine jacket. Pooh to you, Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI think the sleeves & shoulders are a better fit on you. The back waistband is a better fit on Michael, but that's such a small thing. Are the shoulders a little square on the both of you? Do mens jackets ever use shoulder pads? I'm interested to see if a thin one would get rid of the small drag lines at the shoulder.
I vote that you get it! Of course, after this spring you'll know who has worn it the most, and then the ownership will be clear.