Simplicity 2313

I enjoyed the opening sentence to this morning's article in the NYT..."The most psychologically correct holiday of the year is upon us."  A Serving of Gratitude Brings Healthy Dividends   Sort of explains my good mood this week.  There's so very much to be thankful for in my life....friends, family, health and well-being.  Not that I couldn't find plenty to gripe about but why bother when I can focus on what's awfully darn terrific today.  One of those things is my finished jacket.  Hooray, I'm really enjoying how this one looks.  A little too warm and humid to be wearing it yet in SW Florida but that will change in month or less.  Here's my official review:

Pattern Description: 

Pattern Sizing:  6-24, a versatile wide range of sizes

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Quite easy to follow directions, especially for the princess seam pocket and separating zipper, my very first.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the collar with drawstring and the in seam pockets.  It’s a sporty but nicely finished jacket.   

Fabric Used:  This was a “free” jacket…everything came from my voluminous stash.  The fashion fabric is a poly rayon home dec fabric.  I bought it because it looked rather Chicos-like.  I didn’t have enough for the collar or front facing so I used a damask black rayon from Fabric Mart for those parts.  The cord is some navy flat cording that I had purchased at the PA Fabric Outlet when I was on a small purse making binge about 10 years ago.  The plastic navy 22” zipper came from the same store when I must have purchased a handful of zippers for a few dollars.    

I’ve been interested in making this pattern ever since I saw the other three finished PR reviews for this jacket.  Each review was flattering and so different that even sewers would not guess that came from the same envelope.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I had a friend help fit my muslin for me.  Ended up removing some swayback fabric and back princess seams and also raising the neck ¾” by adding shoulder darts to avoid a center back seam on this fabric.  Did a D cup FBA on the front and added about 2” more to front full tummy area.  That area still needs tweaking but for my first 2313 jacket I’m pretty thrilled.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, this pattern is going to enter my TNT list.  I’ll try a fully lined version and a very lightweight linen one.  The pattern says it’s suitable for fleece but I think you’d still have to be careful about the weight or bulk of the fleece you select.  I do like the idea of making a fleece vest with those pockets and cute collar.

Conclusion: Versatile pattern with clever design details.   A winner in my pattern library

Clever collar ties

Sam and Lucky admiring the inseam pockets

I've been cleaning out my closets this week which is also a good exercise for feeling "lighter" about life.  I'm getting rid of a number of capri pants which I bought when we first moved to Fl 8 years ago.  Yes, they're worn by many other middle-aged women like me but they are not a flattering look on my body.  For public occasions I'm better with a full length look in pants or a skirt or a knee length skirt.  So I've spent a day cutting out some more pencil skirts in colored stretch wovens from my stash.  I'll wear them with knit tops, just like I did with those capris, but the proportions are much more feminine and flattering for me.  Since Mr. Lucky is painting my sewing room next week, these skirts will be easily portable to sew on any sewing table surface.  Looks like my next jacket project won't be until December.

In the meantime, I hope my USA friends enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  It's just the two of us this year which is fine by me since we've been quite social already this past week.  I will be cooking for us with some yummy sounding Cooks Illustrated recipes....butterflied turkey with maple apple sauce, for one.  Watching the Macy's parade, the smell of roasting turkey, a tryptophan induced nap during football and maybe even a beach sunset that evening, sounds heavenly.  Hope your holiday is as blessed.

Sew grateful,

Jane