Simple Start to Simplicity 2313

A few of you got a giggle that it would be a pin shortage that got me inspired to sew rather than dawdle, cut out patterns or spend hours on my blog reader or Pinterest.  Well, the inspiration for this next jacket came from two reviews and bloggers.  I had already purchased Simplicity 2313...how could I not when I'm sure it was only $.99?  But these two beautiful and dramatically different versions were all it took for me to follow suit.  I wanted a new jacket pattern or two to round out my 2011 JAM plan and Simplicity 2313 seems perfect....casual but some feminine details.

Bunny's wool jersey version    Lori's cotton twill version

Before I left Baltimore my dear sewing friend Michele tweaked my muslin for me and I cut out the jacket and fused interfacing to the facings.   Here are the pattern alterations I had to do to make this one work for my body.

Yes, here's how much extra width I needed

Taking in back princess seams and pulling up for swayback and erect posture

Removing too much hip curve and doing front abdomen adjustment instead

The lower front of this zippered jacket needed a full abdomen alteration.  Michele cut up the front section, avoiding that cut side section pocket area, and pinned the extra width I needed, about 1 1/2 inches per side.  

On my pattern I made the same slash with a tiny side hinge to keep the pattern paper flat.  Center front stays straight on grain and I get the extra width (not length) I need in this area.  

Small side seam "hinge"

If you have the book, The Perfect Fit, from Singer, this is almost exactly the alteration for a very prominent abdomen.  (This isn't exactly what I hoped for when I aspired to be "very prominent" in life:-)

It was a delight yesterday to pull out a plastic 2 gallon project bag and start sewing for about an hour.   There's still cleaning and errand running to do here but I'm getting to enjoy a new sewing project and that makes it all worthwhile.  

Two fronts sewn so far...here's one to show you.  I'm making version B in a poly rayon lightweight home dec fabric.  Very easy princess seam pocket technique that I might use on some other jackets.

And now for something new.  Mr. Lucky made dinner last night, a new to us yummy recipe.  Easy and delicious and very seasonal since it uses acorn squash.  We made half the recipe and enjoyed it tremendously.

Jimmy Dean stuffed acorn squash recipe

Ingredients

• 2 medium acorn squash, cut lengthwise in half, seeded
• 1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Hot Pork Sausage Roll
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1½ cups soft bread crumbs
• 1 cup packed baby spinach, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Place squash, cut-sides down, in 13x9-inch microwaveable dish; cover. Microwave on HIGH 10-12 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, cook sausage and onion in large skillet over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently; drain. Return to skillet. Add remaining ingredients; mix well.

3. Turn squash halves over; fill with sausage mixture. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes to heat through.

Cook’s Tip: Prepare using 1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Sage or Regular Flavor Pork Sausage Roll.

Yield:

Makes: 4 Servings