Simplicity 2284

Description:  Misses' & Miss petite lined jacket in two lengths with trim variations… separate patterns included for A, B, C, D cup sizes.

Sizing: 6 to 24

Instructions:  They were really very good, even has instructions for sleeve heads.  I did follow most of their instructions but used this Ann R's tutorial at flickr for interfacing and sleeve heads

Here are my pictures from the inside

I stitched a basting line for the hem at the bottom

Likes/Distlikes:  I was trying to recreate this Cabi Jacket and I really thought this pattern was just the match.

I liked the construction, loved the cup sized pattern and the style.  the only thing I don't like (and it is my fault) is the narrow sleeves.  If I had looked at the pattern envelope I would have noticed the jacket is modeled with knit tops, probably sleeveless.    I wanted to be able to wear some blouses with my jacket, like the picture, but I will not be able to do this, not enough ease.  Other than that, I really like my jacket.

Changes:  I added 1" to the length of the jacket and the sleeves.  I also made my own fringe for this jacket.
I cut the fringe about 1-1/2" wide and unraveled on each side:

Then from the larger threads I unraveled, made a braid:

I used two layers of the fringe, then applied the braid to the fringe with a zigzag.  Then I applied the trim to the pockets and jacket with a zigzag.

Here you can see the two layers, makes the trim fluffier.

I found Threads article November 2005 #121, "Inside The Chanel Jacket", to be very helpful and the pictures of actual Chanel garment helped with trim placement.

The biggest news for me was I made a muslin of this pattern, something I don't do very often.  I knew the jacket would take some time to construct and I wanted to have the sizing correct. 

I also added hooks and eyes to close the jacket.

Fabric: Berry Tweed from Fashionista Fabrics

Conclusion:  I really like my jacket, it turned out even better than the picture in my head.  I do wish I could wear those blouses with it but I will just have to make another one.  After examining the Cabi picture, the sleeves on that jacket are much wider (or at least appear to be).  

 I lightened this photo a bit so you could see the details:

*********************************************************************************
We are at home, waiting for the snow plow, see no road:

It is in front of that barbed wire fence somewhere.  I am in now hurry, I know they will be by when they can, lots of roads in my county.