The parka project has commenced.
A few changes since my last post:
I've switched fabrics once again. Instead of the plaid I showed you Sunday, the outside of the parka will be this water-repellant, coated cadet blue cotton:
I decided against the plaid because, after looking online at a lot of photos of raglan-sleeve plaid garments, I realized I wasn't crazy about how they look -- too busy. Also, I didn't have enough fabric for all the plaid matching the garment would require. I switched my inside fabric too, to this gray cotton, also somewhat water repellant as you can see below.
If I love how the jacket turns out, I can make it again in heavier fabrics down the line. This version is going to be quite lightweight.
Yesterday I bought most of my notions and cut my outer fabric. The notions are mainly from Daytona Trim and Sil Thread.
Today I started on the lower pockets. These are actually double pockets: flap pockets (with velcro closures) on the outside, and "handwarmer" pockets with a "curved hand entry area" underneath.
I still have to attach the pockets to the jacket fronts and stitch the bottom velcro pieces on. These flap pockets are likely going to remain closed most of the time, so I'm not too concerned about velcro-related mishaps.
I'll likely add the top vertical zipper pockets before I attach these lower pockets, in case I mess up the zipper pockets and need to cut new fronts. Hopefully that won't happen.
A lot of work to do in the days ahead.
Finally, my self-healing mat of many years seems to have received a mortal wound. I think I backed a chair onto it and sat down on the chair. I recommend not doing that.
And that's it. Have a great day, everybody!
You sew so beautifully :) Those pockets look awesome.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing more of this make. Comes to mind that the mat was silvered or perhaps staked...
ReplyDeleteYou have really given that mat a workout. The large gash is accompanied by an awful lot of other scars.
ReplyDeleteYour work is so neat, something which I aspire too! The jacket will look great I'm sure. Rachel ☺
ReplyDeleteSorry, "aspire to". I can never get that right! ��
DeleteWhat's that rectangle on the back of the parka on the pattern drawing?
ReplyDeleteIt's a pocket -- sort of like an inner knapsack.
DeleteIt's a "game pocket," somewhere to stash the small birds, rabbits, or squirrels that you've bagged while out shooting. Or small packets of things you've bagged while grocery shopping. Or snacks. Wearer's choice!
DeleteWouldn't that create a big lump in your back, though?
DeleteI'm assuming that you're leaving that pocket out? Unless you're planning on squirrel hunting in Central. LOL!
DeleteI can't decide whether I want to include it or not. I doubt it would get much use but I like the challenge!
DeleteIf your out hiking it would be a good place for a water bottle.
DeleteIt only leaves a big lump if you've shot more than 1-2 birds. They sort of lie in the hollow of your back, so not as lumpish as you might think. My dad pulled all but one quail out of a game pocket in his favorite jacket, which left-over dead thing made itself known in a few weeks. I think he managed to save the jacket. Decades later, I still have nightmares about what he pulled out (with a gloved hand) from the bottom of that pocket ... we ate most everything he shot, but that put us all off of quail pie for a long time.
DeleteLooking good so far Peter. I'm excited about following along, especially since as I plan on making my DH a jacket for Christmas. Glad to see your mojo is back!
ReplyDeleteMy original mat died a similar death when my son placed a knee on the mat, which was on a rug, while cutting out a pattern. Same type of gash. Same battered surface.
ReplyDeleteThis is gonna be one heck of a project. I'm looking forward to learning a lot as you work though it.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I have pocket envy. And I really like that zipper.
ReplyDeleteYou are so tidy and diligent, it's very impressive.
ReplyDeleteBoy, this looks good. The color combo looks great. Good things are coming.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to see the finished product.
ReplyDeleteI was going to do one, dkny style, with bright waterproof fabric for the shell and polar tech/fleece lining. The jacket has to be able to handle bad weather for dog walking.
Is there another FIT class in your future? Loved your posts about the last one.
ReplyDeleteMaybe in the spring, Lana.
DeletePeter, wanted to ask, are you using your kenmore sewing machine for this project or another sewing machine?
ReplyDeleteI think you mentioned that you primarily use your kenmore 1410 sewing machine for everything.
Actually, for my outside fabric I'm using my Singer 15-91 -- I needed stronger piercing power for multiple layers of my very tightly woven, coated blue cotton. I'm using my Kenmore for my gray lining, which is softer.
DeleteIts strange how a 15-91 which typical come with a 0.5 Amp motor has better punching power then the Kenmore with a 1.2 amp motor.
DeleteI have zipper envy. My local shops (I use that term advisedly) only carry horrid quality zippers. Ordering online is hard, because nowhere seems to have all the items I need, and multiple shipping costs to Australia - oy!
ReplyDelete