McCalls 5815 -- the finale

I finally put the finishing touches on this jacket and if I must say so myself it turned out wonderfully. While I originally thought I would add pleats and buttons to the top of the pockets,  I decided to omit them. To get the pockets to drape like the pattern, I applied steam directly to the pockets while the jacket was hanging on my dressform. I used a unit called the Steam Fast. I'll upload photos of me with the jacket on in the near future. Today was not a hair and makeup day!

Pattern Description:

Missess' lined jacket: semi-fitted below waist have shawl collar variations, princess seams drapey patch pocket and shaped hemline

Pattern Sizing:

4-20 -- I cut a size 16 in the neck shoulder and armhole gradually going out to a 20. I'm glad I made this pattern because no plus-size sewers had sewn it to date.

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

Yes, I think my jacket look exactly like the pattern. Although I initially couldn't get the pockets to drape like the pattern, after using a steamer, I think the pockets are pretty close to what they should be.

Front

Back

  

Pocket close up

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were easy except took a while for me to be able to wrap my mind around how to make the tuck in the center back neck.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like jackets just below the waist and the princess seams made it easier to adjust for my DD cup size. The lapel detail is what attracted me to the pattern and was not a disappointment.

Lapel close up

Fabric Used:

A linen and polyester blend. Although this fabric raveled like mad it was very easy to work with. I used some satin from my stash for the lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

As always I started with a 1" wide back adjustment and followed that with a 1" FBA. I  had to take about 3/4 from the neck opening to prevent the neckline from gapping. I didn't adjust the collar pieces and it didn't present any problems during consruction. I usually add fleece sleeve heads to lined jackets and did the same on this one.

Sleeve heads

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I doubt that I will sew it again but will keep it in my stash just in case. I highly recomment it to others.

Conclusion:

I intended to make this jacket last summer but never got around to it. Better late than never!

Up next is either Simplicity 2703 or Butterick 5469. I'm leaning more towards the Butterick pattern because it's lined and I'm in the mood to make lined garments!

On the weight loss front, I only lost 1lb this week! I stuck to the WeightWatchers program religiously and was somewhat disappoint that I only lost the 1lb--but 1lb is 1lb. I will say that early that day I exercised for about 1 hour and drank nearly a gallon of water! For some reason these days I cannot get enough to drink. I will continue to follow the program because it is very easy to stay on track and I really like it. I am going to focus more on losing inches than on a number on the scale.

McCall's 5815

I'm enjoying my weekend home alone but have not gotten as much crafting done as I expected. Yesterday I hit the local sewing and craft stores and made a few purchases. My main goal was to hit JoAnns 50% off clearance fabric. I did find a couple of pieces that I plan to use for dresses. One I hope to be cutting later this evening. It's in the dryer now. I managed to get the laundry done and some minor housekeeping. I slept in and unfortunately didn't make it to church. For the rest of the day I think I'll just stay holed up sewing, relaxing and whatever else I want.

So far McCalls 5818 us coming along nicely.

My bow isn't looking quite right so I need to work on it some more

As with everybody else that reviewed this pattern on Pattern Review, my pockets aren't draping either.

After I decide on buttons, I'll just use a smaller version and sew down a pleat on the pocket where I've place the pin. After glancing at the pattern envelope it seems that the proportion is all wrong on the pocket pattern piece and is why nobody is able to get it to drape correctly.

I didn't realize until I couldn't get my pocket placement quite right that because I'd made a 1" FBA I probably should have made my pocket 1" wider. Instead  I adjusted the placement. I may or may not change it. After I insert the sleeves I'll better be able to see if I need to many any other changes. I haven't seen anyone my size make this pattern so it'll be interesting.

So far I'm sticking to the Weight Watchers program. Friday was my first day and I was starving but I stuck it out. Yesterday was better and while I wasn't hungry for dinner I forced myself to eat. They suggest you not skip any meals.

Have a good one!

A little bit of everything

I haven't posted in a while but there hasn't been a lot of sewing going on around my way and my computer has been acting up. It just burns me up that some people have nothing better to do than to create viruses to unleash on us poor unsuspecting souls. The only sewing I've done this month has been another pair of slacks from my TNT Simplicity 2860 pattern. I think they are made out of a tropical weight wool. Not quite what I'll be wearing this summer but they were on my list. This morning I cut out McCalls 5815. It was all the rage last year...what can I say...I'm behind. I spent quite a bit of time altering the pattern and will be taking it with me in the RV up north when we leave tomorrow. I just love sewing in the RV. It will probably be too hot and humid to do much else!

Before I live tomorrow I have to clean up this mess...

 

...smack-dab in the middle of my dining room. I'm still scrapbooking my wedding photos and it's never-ending. The table has looked like that for over a week and it's driving me crazy. If you all recall I had to downsize to a much small craft room when I got married and I've just recently taken up scrapbooking. The husband is dragging his feet about finishing up my much larger craft room. Maybe if he has to look at this long enough he'll get inspired. On the other hand it's driving me nuts and I'm cleaning it up tonight!

I started out making the pages 8 x 8 but have since gotten my nerve up to go 12 x 12. So far I'm loving it.

On the health front I am still gaining weight...35lbs as a matter of fact. I can't fit a thing I made this time last year. The PA in my doctor's office thought it might be my thyroid. After the tests came back negative she said I just needed to go to Weight Watchers! I wasn't happy about that and didn't go. About a week later I mentioned that I thought I might have a thyroid issue to my oncologist. He immediately set up an appointment for an ultrasound of my thyroid. Guess what? I do have a thyroid issue...hypothyroidism as a matter of fact. Take that, you mean ol' PA. Seems the radiation not only zapped it but I have cysts on it as well! Yikes! I've said it before and I'll say it again, "the cure for breast cancer may be what actually kills you!" If you get a chance Google hypothyroidism. It's really an eyeopener. I've been on Synthroid for only a couple of days but I feel better already. My joints aren't aching and I already seem to have more energy. I'm hoping that I won't have any more issues and today I did join Weight Watchers for a 20 week program. We'll see how that goes. Hope everybody has a great weekend.