Dress rain jacket with silk lining

My favorite "dress" rain jacket is now about 12 years old.  Despite its age, the lovely aqua color is still in style and fit is still so good...however, there are stains and discolorations that dry cleaning can't fix.  As sad as it is, I think it's time to pitch it.  Well, this is one of those times when I'm so, so grateful to be able to sew.  While my new version doesn't replicate that exact jacket, it's definitely a reasonable replacement.

I am a huge fan of this Burda Style pattern (B6747), especially after seeing the final product.  First off, it's actually designed for petites!  I didn't make a single petite adjustment (though the sleeves could be taken up by 1/2"...)   I sewed a straight size 10 and it fits well, with enough room for a sweater underneath.  The silhouette is obviously not fitted, but has a slight a-line shape.

The pattern has some thoughtful details, such as side seams moved forward to allow for a more ergonomic placement of the pockets, a different pattern piece for the upper and under collar (important for a good roll), and a collar "stand" that also contributes to the pleasant shape.

  

The original instructions call for a faux button over snaps.  I hadn't planned ahead for bound buttonholes, and I don't have the skills or gimp to hand finish a button hole, so I went along with the written directions.  However, I wanted to cover the male side of the snap, to make it slightly less obvious when worn open.  If you didn't see it the other day, I posted a little tutorial for covering snaps when working with thick fabric.

Horn buttons from Britex!

Yep, the green color is a bit bold.  Online it looked more "spring green" but in person it looks more "shamrock green".  Regardless, the color is definitely growing on me.  It's from Mood and listed as a water-resistant cotton canvas, intended for outdoor cushions and whatnot, but it is a great weight for this type of jacket. 

The jacket has a full lining and to up the luxury, I went with another bold choice--apricot gingham silk taffeta (also from Mood)!   I know the colors aren't a perfect match, but it was so beautiful and spring-y, I couldn't resist! 

Here are the jacket innards.  The sleeve hems are sewing on the machine (using a bag-type method) but I hand sewed the hem, with a pleat for the lining.

Action pleat in the lining! 

Overall, I am thrilled with my new jacket.  I love color, the vaguely vintage style and the lining just makes me happy.  I would be happy to make this pattern over and over again, as my jackets get worn out. Bring on the rain (but just for like, a day, please :)  

Poolside Tote by Noodlehead

I'd like to say that I needed a new bag to haul all our towels to the beach, but the truth is, I haven't been to the ocean yet this summer (insert sad face *here*).  No, this bag is the result of falling in love with this navy-gray canvas with silhouette birds (Birch Flight in Dusk).  As a participant in the Bag of the Month club (thank you Samantha!), I got to see 6 really wonderful bag patterns before general release, and Anna of Noodlehead's Poolside Tote was the perfect pattern to show off this great print.

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of pre-washing the fabric.  After washing and drying the lightweight canvas, the blue-grey was blotchy and creased.  It was heartbreaking, but I decided to go through with my plan anyway...and pretend it's a purposeful "broken in" look!

A quick trip to Hart's (15 minutes in a fabric store--a record for me!) and I selected a wheat-colored canvas for the handles and Art Gallery's Cubisme quilting cotton for the lining.  (And yes, for those who know the area, I was about a mile from the ocean at Hart's but a trip to the beach wasn't in the cards that day...)

Since the canvas was so light, I used Annie's Soft and Stable for some firmness.  I haven't worked with this product before and I quickly learned that a walking foot is essential!  Even still, I had a hard time keeping the stitches even.  I do like how the bag stands on it's own, so Soft and Stable does the job!

I had to make some judgement calls on the stitching around the top of the bag--I wanted it to blend in with the fabric (mostly since my stitches were being all wacky), so I couldn't sew over the tan straps with my blue thread.  I started and stopped at the junction and then hand-stitched the facing at those locations on the inside. 

 Metal zippers make everything look more awesome!

The bag is BIG, but designed just right so it doesn't drag on the ground while holding it by the handles (even for short me!).   Perfect for blanket, book, and lunch (and sunscreen, water bottle, etc. etc.).  

Inspiration for a trip to the beach?  We'll see... :)