Flapper Hat from Vogue 8844

Have you heard that 1920's fashions are making a comeback?  I have always romanticized the roaring 20's and especially love the fashions from that era.

Somebody said that my recently made coat looked like a flapper coat, so that reminded me of a hat pattern- Vogue 8844 that I bought specifically for View B, which looked like a flapper hat to me.   I had some leftover fabric from my last two projects- the black camelhair and mocha melton, so I decided to do a colorblock version.  

Anne Klein Cocoon Coat Vogue 1128

My family and I went to Scandinavia last summer, and when we were in the big cities, I got to snoop shop in some fun stores.  One of the stores was Acne, and they had the most beautiful coats.  A lot of them were oversized and a few were in this cocoon shape.  The price tags on them were in the 1000 Euro range.  So when I started thinking about making a new coat, I thought it would be fun to try this completely new to me shape. 

Acne Cocoon Coat

 I remembered this Anne Klein pattern from a few years ago- Vogue 1128.  It's out of print now. There was only 1 review of the coat part of the pattern on Patternreview.com, and that review didn't have a photo, so that should have been my first clue that maybe I should skip this one.

Anne Klein Vogue Pattern 1128

I have mixed feelings about it.  First of all, you can't tell this from the photo, but the fabric is really fantastic.  It's a melton from Marc Jacobs and is really luxurious.  I think that they called it mocha, which sounded delicious, but in reality is the exact same shade as a paper grocery bag.

Second, it is super comfy.  I could wear this with a jacket underneath, or with tops that have billowy sleeves, and not get them bunched up like a traditional coat. 

Third, I like the collar. It kind of naturally stands up in the back. 

 There are two welt pockets in the front.

I used a extra, extra large button- its' about 1-1/2 inches.

The lining is lavender with a gold oriental design.  I've had it for years, and am crazy about it. 

Now, for what I don't like- the dropped sleeves aren't a good look on me.  They make me look dumpy.  The color is horrible on me.  SO disappointed in that, but it just washes me out.  I pulled out these turquoise gloves and scarf to counteract that. I  think that if I had chosen a black or a bright color, I would have loved it.  But the color combined with the oversized look is not good.

Regardless, I'm going to wear it! It feels as nice as those 1000 Euro coats at Acne.  I did learn some good lessons:
1.  No more "mocha" no matter how delicious it sounds.
2.  Don't use the really good fabrics on an untested style for my body.

I think that part of the fun of sewing is the gambling aspect of it.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't!
Have you ever gone out on a limb to try a new style?  What were your results?

Happy Sewing!

Ann

Black Camel Hair Jacket McCalls 6172

This is my first camel hair project ever!  I have had this piece of black camel hair in my stash for a few years now, and I decided to bite the bullet and cut into it.  Camel hair is is supposed to be lighter and warmer than regular wool.  For such a nice fabric, I wanted to make something that wouldn't go out of style, and I chose McCalls 6172. And I have to say that I am in LOVE with this pattern.   The instructions are so detailed, with so many tips, that it's like taking a class!

Sewing Inspiration from Accessories

 What gets you inspired to sew?  Is it a pattern, a fabric, or something completely out of the blue?  For me, it's often accessories!  I love jewelry and shoes, and sometimes don't have anything to coordinate with them, so that starts the creative juices going.

I've been eyeing this color block tote from Eloquii for a long time.  I was waiting for the price to go down, but now that it is on "final clearance", I had to bite the bullet and push "buy".  

McCalls 6600 Plaid Shirtdress

My waistline has been expanding recently.  Now if I were to look at the glass half empty, I would be very unhappy about that.  But as a seamstress, I can look at it as an opportunity to make new clothes!