Simple the Hard Way. A Jacket.
My turn. This is from Cotton Friend Vol. 22. I like that magazine a lot (more than Cotton Time actually), and now even more knowing that I fit into some of the adult clothes. I finally clued in to the fact the patterns usually list finished measurements above the instructions.
Sometimes I look at those books and wonder how the clothes translate to someone who is, um, less waif-like and more me. Cute or Granny? Modern or paper bag?
So the pattern is achingly simple-- with only three pattern pieces and one long facing strip. It's unlined, there's no tricky collar, and really it's altogether boxy, so no darts. But you see, the hood is attached to the front pieces and not the back and this is only trouble if you're like me and have trouble with opposites. In most Japanese craft books the instructions are illustrated with very detailed hand drawings that make it easy to distinguish seams and pieces from each other. With this one, the step-by-steps are in tiny photos, and while I KNEW IN MY HEAD AND MY HEART what to do I could not make it work properly. I almost drove over to Ms. Japan's house for some help. Damn it if I didn't follow through with that year of Japanese I took in high school.
Anyway, it's done, and I can't believe I was so daft. I kept trying to channel Martha and the way she can make simple look so good, realizing again that it's really hard to do. The outside is just lightweight cotton (bought off a roll at Bolt), and the facing is a strip of medium weight grey linen. I left out the interfacing. It's a layering piece. You read right. Maybe over tshirt, and under a chunky cardigan. I'm starting to use a little forethought in my wardrobe building. I owe it to those of you who have to look at me all the freaking time.
The pattern contains two sizes for adults (I used the bigger) and three kids sizes. So you'll be seeing it again. May I say again that fall is coming? My yard looks like crap, which is a good sign as it always gets worse before it gets so much better.
