S2703

Here's my finished jacket. Do I look like a stop-light? Stand me in an intersection, and I can direct traffic!

Even with it's brightness, I do like it. I can wear it with black, navy or white. I am working on a 2" beaded covered button to use as a lapel pin.

Does it look like the pattern? Yes. But--I seldom make a garment following the pattern to a "t". Here's the changes I made to this pattern:

1. I added 1/2" to the bottom of the hems of the side fronts, back and side backs. The pattern has a 1 1/2" hem, and I prefer a 2" hem in a tailored jacket.
2. Sleeves were shortened to become 3/4 length.
3. Changed the lower bodice facing. The pattern has a gathered lower bodice. The facing piece is the same. That's too much bulk. I made a flat pattern piece for the facing.
4. My fabric was wimpy, so I underlined it with batiste.
5. I taped the front neckline, all the way to the waist to prevent stretching.
6. I added sleeve heads and shoulder pads, and made an adjustment on the shoulder to accomodate the pads.
7. The pattern doesn't include lining, but I did line mine.
8. I didn't attempt a buttonhole at the waistline because of the narrow midriff set-in piece. I knew it would be trouble. Instead, I used a sturdy snap and sewed on a non-working button.

I had no problems with this jacket until I got to the snap. I sewed it on incorrectly, reversing the male/female parts. Not once, but twice! Has anyone seen my mind? I've been sewing on snaps for 50 years. Suddenly it's a big chore!

And that's the end of this saga.