...using this pattern...
Of course pattern alterations were first because honestly how many of us sew things right out of the envelope? AND I needed to make a few changes to the top pattern to make it work as a jacket.
I added 3" to the shorten/lengthen line to the jacket front to make it knee length. 2" was also added to the center front so that it will close.
I also made facings for the front pattern piece and the back neckline. The back neckline piece was cut a little deeper so that I can add a tag and to give the jacket a little designer edge.
Making the front facing
The back facing (which I altered again before I cut the fabric)
I added an inch to the back pattern pieces to add a back seam to the jacket to give it a little more definition.
The final change was made to the sleeve. The pattern is a cut-on sleeve and to add length there is an additional piece to sew to the cut-on portion. I lengthened this piece 4.25" to make it wrist length. I also narrowed the seams so that the wrists weren't so large.
That's it for pattern alterations...simple and easy but enough to change the top to a jacket. Next up cutting the fabric out and constructing the jacket. I will share the finished jacket soon!
...as always more later!
I like seeing the details of your changes. I'm wondering if the cut-on sleeve made your usual bicep change unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteAmazing what we do with patterns. I recently made this pattern as a light top, removing the centre front seam and placing on the fold, so as not to mess with the design of the fabric. I also added a back seam, with an opening at the top. Your jacket will look fantastic.
ReplyDeletePatricia - wow! Now you've got my mind going. I will need to try this as a top next spring/summer.
DeleteThis is going to be beautiful. I was excited to see this post as I am thinking through a similar project in which I am adding a zipper to a top which has a front center seam. I'll be looking for your new sweater jacket.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, I was trying to find the pattern is it 8804 or 8840 please :-)?
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire
It's 8840, Claire!
DeleteThank you :-)
DeleteI like how you are going to remake this pattern for your inspiration piece.
ReplyDeleteYou're teasing me! I"m so excited to see this jacket!!!!! Happy sewing!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabric are you using? I know I am jumping the gun here. But that sweater jacket looks so warm and cozy- yet comfortable and stylish enough for work. My office is freezing! So I am always looking for warm knits that I can make into sweater jackets for the office. Can't wait to see how yours turns out.
ReplyDeletePatricia, it's a ponte that's gray on one side and white on the other! And your reason is the exact same reason that I'm making this sweater jacket. It's always on the cold side at work and on the bus and I need to be warm!!!
DeleteHi Carolyn, quick question on your facings. How do you make them? Do you use facings from a separate pattern for your guide? Or does your experience level give you what you need make them. I apologize if this is a no-brainer question. :)
ReplyDeletePlease feel free to ask me anything and if I can answer it I will and if I can't I will let you know that too! When I first started adding facings to patterns that didn't have any, I did use facings from other patterns. But now I do know how to create a facing that has the right amount of depth for the front and that matches at the shoulders seamlines. It's not a hard task but I would tell a beginner to start with facing pattern pieces from other patterns to use as a guide. Hope this helps!
DeleteGreat job Carolyn on the alterations to the pattern! Looks like this jacket is going to be a real winner and I can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteHurry up and sew it!!!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a real winner.