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Vogue 1198 Sandra Betzina Leather Jacket



After my venture into sewing leather with a basic purse, I tackled sewing an actual jacket!  This one is a Sandra Betzina pattern, Vogue 1198.  I love sewing with Sandra's patterns, as they fit me so well.

Sandra writes great directions, and I always learn something new whenever I make one of her patterns.  This time I learned her technique for inserting a sleeve lining that was different than I've ever seen before

 I used copper metallic goatskins that I bought years ago at a very good price.  It wouldn't be my first choice, but I think if I wear this at night, it won't be quite as loud!

I made a scarf to go with it from a length of  chiffon that I had.  I just cut a rectangle 2-1/2 yd long by 14 inches wide, and then narrow hemmed the unfinished edges.  Do you think the leopard is too much with this?   

This jacket went together very well.  I used binder clips instead of pins to hold the pieces together.  And since you really can't press the seam allowances open, I topstitched on each side of the seams 1/4" away from the seamline to flatten the seam allowances.  I used a size 14 leather needle, regular polyester thread, and a walking foot whenever I could.
Using binder clips instead of pins.
Topstitching to flatten seam allowances.

  The jacket has 5 zippers- one front, 2 pocket and 2 sleeves.  I used metal ones to go with the metallic copper finish of the leather.
 


The belt in the back is just two 1 inch width elastic lengths sandwiched between a layer of leather and a layer of lining.  I love this belt!  I think it is my favorite part of the jacket.  Overall the jacket is fitted, yet extremely comfortable.  The only alterations that I made to the pattern were lengthening the sleeves 1 inch and the body 2 inches. 



For the collar, I interfaced it with fusible fleece on a wool setting for 10 seconds, and then used lining for the underlayer.  It has a good solid feeling to it.  You can see it better in the picture where the jacket is open.

My daughter just walked out the door wearing this.  I didn't think it would take long, but I thought I would at least get to finish my blog post!

I will definitely not be scared of sewing leather anymore.  It is really wonderful to work with.  Just go slow, get the right tools, and have fun with it!

Ann

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 9, 2010 at 6:38 PM

    Beautiful jacket - the zippers and the belt are really great touches to make it more contemporary and the color really suits you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. a little sewingOctober 9, 2010 at 7:16 PM

    amazing. And no, I don't think the leopard chiffon scarf is too much. I think it looks fantastic with the metallic look of the leather. And I like how the colors play well together without being matchy-matchy. And speaking of that metallic leather - it is just perfect in this pattern. Not at all over-the-top. Way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  3. SewtellmeOctober 9, 2010 at 8:58 PM

    Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ShariOctober 9, 2010 at 9:02 PM

    Great jacket! Love the belt at the back really nice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ellie InspiredOctober 9, 2010 at 10:14 PM

    Ann, your sewing is amazing!!! I love this jacket and the scarf is perfect with it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. KellyssewingOctober 9, 2010 at 10:31 PM

    That is amazing and looks beautiful on you. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  7. JunebugOctober 10, 2010 at 12:26 AM

    Love this jacket and the scarf is perfect. You could wear this in the daytime with boots and jeans that is if you can get it back from your daughter. Your sewing is truly amazing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. MazzygirlOctober 10, 2010 at 12:59 AM

    That is the most amazing coloured leather I have ever seen! And yes, it goes brilliantly with the scarf. The colour & style really suits you & I would wear this all the time, not just at night!
    beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Carol Tiffin JamesOctober 10, 2010 at 4:06 AM

    Impressive job!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ann BrodskyOctober 10, 2010 at 10:13 AM

    Thanks everyone for your kind words! You've given me the confidence to wear it out in public. That is, if I get it back! I won't see my daughter until tonight, and I'm getting a little nervous that she might "forget" to return it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Joyce in NCOctober 10, 2010 at 12:26 PM

    The jacket is just wonderful!!

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  12. VanessaOctober 10, 2010 at 4:08 PM

    What an amazing jacket! I think the scarf adds just the right touch, and the copper tone is a great color on you.

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  13. AudreyOctober 10, 2010 at 8:40 PM

    Great choice of "fabric" and pattern. It is a gorgeous jacket and looks wonderful on you. I still have some of those skins from Fabricmart in my own stash.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mschviuz2October 11, 2010 at 9:20 AM

    OH MY! It is GORGEOUS! I would wear that anytime! And in my opinion Leopard is never too much! ;) I would be terrified to try that! But it is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  15. VickiTOctober 11, 2010 at 10:13 AM

    What a beautiful jacket. Loud? Oh gosh no! That is a great jacket for anytime, but especially the Fall time. It's wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousOctober 11, 2010 at 2:30 PM

    This jacket and scarf are elegant looking in tandem. Your work is just lovely and really inspired me to attempt leather.

    Karendee

    ReplyDelete
  17. GigiOctober 13, 2010 at 2:36 PM

    You know, I was really on the fence about this pattern but after seeing your version, I've put it on my shopping list. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anita (Summer Gypsy)October 14, 2010 at 9:05 PM

    That is a gorgeous jacket and you wear it beautifully.

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  19. DianaOctober 23, 2010 at 11:40 AM

    You look wonderful in your fantastic jacket. What an inspiration you are!

    ReplyDelete
  20. BunnyNovember 27, 2010 at 9:25 AM

    Hi I just saw your jacket on Sandra's site. You did an amazing job. Love love love it. Your stitching is fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  21. marijkaJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Heck, you can wear that baby 24 hours a day! Jeans and sneakers or heels, all the way to a flirty feathered skirt! :-) Absolutely beautiful, and you'd pay thousands at retail to find something of such nice quality.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Women Leather SkirtsMarch 21, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    such a nice post. Keep it up.


    Leather Jackets,
    Women Leather Blazers

    ReplyDelete
  23. Linda LNovember 25, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    I am starting to sew this jacket and found your review and your blog on PR. Love this jacket. I hope I have good results with mine. I too like SB's patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Women Leather BlazerAugust 30, 2012 at 4:06 AM

    nice post love reading it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. casino games onlineDecember 20, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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