Sunday, March 4, 2012

Vintage Cashmere Jacket: Done!







McCalls 9377, (c)1953 Fabric: 1.75 yd cashmere from Haberman Fabrics (58" wide) Lining: China Silk, 1 yd (58" wide), Fashion Fabrics Club Interfacing: Fashion Sewing Supply, Pro-Weft Lightweight fusible, charcoal black Buttons: Three 1" buttons, La Mode, Joann's


Modifications were more plentiful than originally expected! 1. Sizing: I opened up the back darts completely, and let out about half of the front dart to give myself enough room in the waist. I wish I had added an inch or two in length also, but am still very happy with the final product!


2. Lining: I cut the china silk to about 1.5" below the waistline, knowing that the facing pieces would attach above and hide the raw edges. I put the cashmere layer and lining layer wrong sides together, and treated it as a single unit from that point on.


3. Modernization: I rounded the center front hem line out and added faux pocket flaps to match the look of more current blazers. I used the Vogue 8679 for the shaping and the flaps.


4. Finishing touches: I serged the facing edges instead of applying binding, to finish the edge and prevent fraying. I used stitched keyhole buttonholes instead of bound buttonholes to reduce bulk.


In conclusion, this garment was the most involved vintage pattern I've worked with. While it wasn't "perfect for me" right out of the envelope, I made it exactly what I wanted, and am really happy with the final product. Being a wardrobe staple, I'm sure it will get lots of use.



19 comments:

Rebecca said...

This turned out gorgeously! It looks like something that could be a wardrobe staple for years to come. I bet that cashmere feels fabulous! :]

JanaL said...

You're jacket looks very nice. The hard work has paid off, and I'm sure you'll get lots of enjoyment out of wearing it now.

Lori said...

Gorgeous jacket, it turned out so nice and you will really enjoy wearing this jacket.

sdBev said...

Oh this is really elegant.

Pam Erny said...

Your jacket is fabulous! ...and more evidence that Pro-Weft Supreme Fusible Interfacing really *can* be used on fine fabrics like cashmere!

Bunny said...

Wow! I love it and it looks fabulous on you. You will get miles of wear out of this one. I like your updates and they make it very wearable and on trend. Looks great with the jeans!

Summerset said...

Gorgeous and nice job in making it exactly what you wanted!

Carrie said...

Your jacket looks wonderful and beautifully tailored!

Mariela Alethia said...

Beautiful jacket

gwensews said...

Beautiful jacket. Always in style. Enjoy wearing this pretty thing.

sewingkm said...

Really lovely jacket that fits you so well and will gets lots of wear!

Linda L said...

Great looking jacket!

Gail said...

You should be very proud of this garment. The fit and finish are perfect and it is a great classic piece that you will wear forever and in lots of different ways.

AllisonC said...

Beautiful work - you can't go wrong with a black blazer in your wardrobe, I'm sure you will get a lot of use out of this and make all that hard work worth it.

Laurie said...

Turned out very nice. Looks lovely.

Laurie said...

Very lovely jacket...great job!

Sigrid said...

Beautiful, enjoy wearing it.

RedHeadShannon said...

That is adorable Kristine! I might need to copy you.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

How did I miss commenting on this amazing jacket! You really hit this out of the park because it is stunning!