Wiksten Haori

I’m sorry for the unintentional blogging break! Life has been so busy that I’ve hardly had time for sewing for myself. I managed to squeeze in an evening of sewing last week and made this Wiksten Haori. I’ve been wanting to make this pattern for a while. This jacket is fully reversible so I was having trouble deciding on fabrics! When I saw this gold chambray and plaid cotton while browsing the LA Finch website- I knew they would be perfect for a festive jacket this time of year. The chambray is blue with a gold coating on one side and the plaid is soft with a really nice drape. This pattern calls for the lining fabric to be used for the collar. I decided to flip those fabric requirements and have the collar made in the main fabric. I liked the idea of having both a solid jacket and a patterned jacket when I reversed it.

This jacket definitely runs big. I made the mid length version in the XXS and I wish it was a little smaller. I think it’s okay but I am definitely considering taking in the back next time I make one. I’m hoping to make a cozy flannel version. I haven’t found the perfect fabrics yet though. I want to make sure they aren’t too thick so the jacket still drapes nicely.

I’m disappointed because I rushed so much. I wasn’t even thinking about pattern matching while I was cutting so the plaid is really off. I’m trying not to let it bother me too much. Besides that I’m really excited about this jacket. I know I will wear it a lot this holiday season.

I think the construction of this pattern is neat. It was fun to see it come together. I definitely recommend it! Which side do you like better- gold or plaid? I can’t decide!

Hopefully I will be back soon. I have so many projects I want to make and one of them I want to wear on a Thanksgiving next week. Fingers crossed I have time!

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Seamwork Audrey Denim Jacket

 

Here’s my Seamwork Audrey denim jacket! I wasn’t sure about making this pattern at first because I already have a RTW denim jacket. I really loved this gold Cone Mills denim, though so I thought that would be a fun addition to my wardrobe. Here I’m wearing it with a Seamwork Hazel dress I made last year.

This is a good pattern but I have to say I hated the instructions. They bounced around so much! For example, in one of the first steps I’m making the sleeve cuffs but it doesn’t say to attach them to the sleeves until one of the final steps! I definitely would suggest reading the instructions all the way through and maybe rearranging them. I also found it easier to stitch several seams before switching out to top stitching thread and doing a bunch of top stitching at once. The instructions have you constantly switching it out after each step and that’s not necessary. I think it sped up my process significantly.

And those welt pockets! It was my first time sewing them. I seriously considered just leaving them out after reading the instructions. I started to just go for it and I figured it out. Or I think I did, anyway! They look less than perfect but they are functional pockets so I’m happy. I definitely need some practice with those.

As far as fit, I think it’s good. I removed about an inch from the sleeve length so I think that’s perfect.  I also removed maybe 1/2” or an inch from the length but if I were to make this again I’d probably make it a little more cropped.

I’m very excited to wear this jacket this spring. It will add such a fun pop of color to my outfits. I also kind of can’t believe I made this! I’m really pleased with the end result.