A couple weeks ago I mentioned I was working on this jacket. Welp, now it’s done. 🙂

This pattern has been hanging around for a while, and when I saw the ribbon flowers fabric I knew just what to do with it.

I don’t know that I’ll ever make any of the other pieces in this pattern.  The other jacket (the purple one) is cute, but whenever I look at those slouchy pockets all I can think is that I don’t need anything adding weight around my hips.  (The model’s got no hips to speak of, so it works just fine on her.)

Here’s a closer look, I’ve overly lightened the photo so you can see some of the detail in the fabric. Also, Robin insisted I model these earrings, so here you are, Robin!

As I mention in the pattern review, this jacket works up quickly, mine would have been even quicker if I hadn’t lined it.

Happy creating!

Simplicity 2148 Pattern Review:

Pattern Description: This pattern has a variety of coordinates including two jackets, pants, a long skirt and a top. I made jacket B, which has flounces along the bottom of the jacket and the sleeves.

Pattern Sizing: I used a 16, with some adjustments.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I really like this style.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, this was a fairly easy project to put together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  The only thing I didn’t like was how the inside facing was supposed to be stitched in the ditch from the outside, leaving a raw edge on the inside.

Fabric Used: I used a stretch velvet with stitched on ribbon flowers from Joann’s. I was afraid this fabric would be difficult to work with, but a walking foot was all that was needed to make it a cinch.

I was also concerned that the decorative stitching thread left on the inside would be scratchy and would catch on things, so I lined the bodice and sleeves with a lightweight black knit.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Before I started to sew, I did a little planning to decide which sections of the pattern would have the fancy fabric and which would have just a plain black stretch velvet. Click here to see my blog post on how I did this.

Since the pattern only went up to a size 16, I did some altering to bring it up a little larger so there would be plenty of room for layering.

Instead of machine top stitching the hems I hand stitched them, thinking that machine stitching on stretchy velvet is not only difficult to get neat and even, it crushes the pile and doesn’t look as nice. Of course, it wasn’t until I was done with all that it occurred to me that I should have simply lined the flounce sections as well. It would have given them a bit more weight and saved me all the hand sewing.

I turned under the raw edge and hand sewed the facing on the inside. I did try machine stitching in the ditch from the right side per the instructions, but between all the layers and the general squidginess and stretchiness of the velvets, it couldn’t be done neatly.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I definitely want to make this jacket again in a lightweight knit, maybe in a bright color like pictured on the pattern envelope. This is a flattering style for me and I enjoy wearing it.

Conclusion: A nice addition to your wardrobe that goes together easily. My only gripe is the raw edge left on the inside of the facing.

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