Oct 24, 2014

The Vinyl Frontier



I admit it: sometimes the blog title comes first and then I write the post to match it.  I think you'll agree, "The Vinyl Frontier" beats first runner-up, "The Vinyl Solution." 

I have not made a whole lot of progress on my vinyl python print jacket.  I'm finding the fabric really fiddly to work with and not much fun.  I spent way to much time yesterday trying to make decent-looking front patch pockets.  But they never looked quite right and seemed to take away from the print, so  I ditched them.







Instead, I'm opting for two diagonal zippered pockets.  I'm hoping I don't regret it since I'll have to cut through the vinyl.  I bought these zippers today at Sil Thread.



I also bought a reversible zipper.  It's not two-way -- they didn't have any two-way reversible zippers but I'm assuming such things exist.





If nothing else, I'm learning a lot about zippers and zipper pulls!

The sleeves are attached.  Since vinyl doesn't ease, I had to cut the armhole a little deeper to fit the slightly larger sleeve cap.   Here's the armsyce seam, not yet pressed (you can press this vinyl with a presscloth).





Here's how things look so far.  The fit is fine; the sleeves will need to be shortened roughly 2" and I may take 1" off the length before adding the knit waistband.  I wouldn't want the jacket much longer than it appears here.









For the rib knit trim, I'm using pattern pieces from a 1970's Simplicity men's jacket pattern, 9924.  I haven't stitched the rib knit on yet though.





And that's it.  I don't think I'll be able to finish this over the weekend, but hopefully sometime next week.  And then I think I'll put vinyl behind me of a long, long while.

Have a great day, everybody!

Oh, before I forget: Karolyn Kiisel, author of Draping, The Complete Course, will be giving a presentation at the Fashion Institute of Technology bookstore on Tuesday, November 4th @ 6 pm, and it's open to the public (227 West 27th St.).  I plan to attend and I hope you will too, if you're local and have an interest.  (She'll be demonstrating actual draping techniques.)

17 comments:

  1. Love how your jacket is turning out. It looks nice with the black rib. I have that draping book. It's great. Have fun at the talk. I am sure it will be fab.

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  2. Looking good. And as Fernando (Billy Cystal) said on SNL,
    "Eets better to look good than to feel good." Will that jacket breathe ?

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  3. Wildly envious of your proximity to FIT, never mind everything you sew, everywhere you go, and the guys you live with.

    Eager to read about Karolyn Kiisel's presentation.

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  4. It looks cool even with out the ribbing, simple, classy. Too bad you are going to ribbing on it when it looks so good now.

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  5. I like the kind of "subversive Chanel Jacket" vibe I'm getting from the jacket pre-ribbing. If the ribbing doesn't work, just throw some braid on it.

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    1. I agree, instead of ribbing, just put a collar, cuffs and a waistband, and your done, simple style and with a black silk shirt and cool pants, you would be looking groovy.

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  6. Wow!! All of a sudden I'm receiving your emails again!! WooHoo! I love the jacket and sympathize with your vinyl distress. I made a vinyl cover for an outdoor divan and it was a nightmare!!!

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  7. Thanks for sharing your struggles with vinyl. I will be sure to avoid it myself (unless I'm making something that's just all straight lines…)

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  8. I am so very impressed with how this has come together. Vinyl is such a b@#$# to work with in upholstery and handbag situations and that's not even trying to fit anything around a curve. Damn, man! Excellent work!

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  9. You're doing great! Working with vinyl and leather can be hard to work with if you don't sew with a walking foot sewing machine.

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  10. I am enjoying watching the vinyl countdown, but have to admit I don't enjoy wearing vinyl.

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  11. I just bought an old Threads magazine issue no 70, May 1997 that has an excellent article on a reversible bomber jacket-might be interesting for you. Love your blog. Dianne W in NH

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  12. That looks awesome! I'm making a camera case from black marine grade vinyl. I have the pieces cut out .I bought a package of black bias tape maxi piping to go around the outside of the seams.

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  13. Red Heads. Two Words: Prince Harry

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  14. Love how your jacket is turning out. It looks nice with the black rib. I have that draping book. It's great. Have fun at the talk. I am sure it will be fab.

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