Minoru, Take Two!:)

          Hello all!:) I've made a second version of Sewaholic's Minoru jacket pattern. I made my first version just after my son was born, and this time I'm carrying baby #2. I received some gorgeous bluish/purple cotton/polyester (I think!) blend fabric from a lady who recently gave up sewing. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I had the urge to make a jacket with it:) I knew with the cold weather on its way, not to mention my expanding waistline, I wasn't going to have much time to wear it but considering how much time goes into a jacket, it was probably a good idea to make it while the desire was there!:) I'm due early April, so it'll be good timing to wear my jacket then!;)

*Sigh*, my camera is still out of commission, so iPad photos it is again!

    Can I just say how much I adore this lining!?:) I love the gorgeous floral print! I actually interlined the lining, since it's a somewhat delicate silk/cotton blend fabric and I wanted to make sure it was strong. For the sleeves, I used a silver polyester or bemberg (not sure, it was from my stash and I just know that it's slippery!).

     


       I used a white/silver metal zippers and added front pocket exposed zippers as well. I found a video showing how to shorten a metal zipper, since I had to shorten all four! Pretty easy actually, you just need a pair of pliers and new top stops (don't frustrate yourself trying to reuse the old top stop!) Video here. I did have some photos on my good camera but they got lost:(

   I shortened the zipper pockets a bit too much I think!:( They're manageable, my hand fits, but it's a little snug. Note: don't get carried away shortening zippers next time!;) At least I have a spot for keys now!

    I wanted this jacket to be more fitted than the last version so I used a size 4 up top and 0 for hips. Size 6 up top probably would've been better, but this is alright!

   I made the hood 3 piece like last time, and cut the smallest size hood as well. I like the extra shaping it provides. Next time I make this jacket I'll interface the zipper window area on the collar.

   I shortened the collar by 1" since its rather high as-is.

I **looove* this lining!!!:) My iPad photos don't do it justice!:)

 

 

I really like my new jacket:) I look forward to wearing it next Spring! Til next time!:)

Pretty in Pink:)

     "Even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well."

Psalm 139:12-14

   Hello all!:) I've been having issues lately with my camera/card/card reader (something's not working!). Ugh, anyway, my sister came over yesterday and took some photos with my iPad (whatever works right?). Since I've blogged last, my husband and I have announced baby #2 to all of our family and friends!:) I'm about four months along now and baby is sure starting to show!:) I have a few projects in mind (I must be a stylish momma!;)

      This sweater dress is a modified version of McCalls 7061. I wanted a less casual look & I didn't have to change much. I left off the front pocket, sleeve cuffs and hem band, and also the buttonholes off the cowl neck. I took the dress in on the sides to make it more figure-hugging, but I wish I would have given myself a bit more room. The fabric is not very stretchy, so I likely won't be able to wear it for more than a couple months more:p Oh well, I'll just have to make another one!;) Ha! Plus I'll be able to wear it next Fall when I'm not with child;)

These little gourds are so cute! I prefer calling them "baby pumpkins":)

 

    The dress on the left is view "D" which is what I used. I extended the sleeve length a bit, a couple inches (I think). I didn't have to add any length to the dress though, it was long enough since I wanted to pair it with leggings anyway.

   I would like to make view "B" on the right, but with a straight hem.

   I cut a size Small, which was good for me.  I sewed the sleeves in flat so I could adjust the side seams as necessary. As I stated above, I took in the side seams but I had to use a smaller seam allowance for the sleeves as I found them a bit snug. Glad I basted the side seams first!:)

   The fabric is a pink mix sweater knit from Fabricville. It looks like fleece on the inside and sweater knit on the outside. It has a slight width-wise stretch and is pretty firm and stable. They had many more colours but I decided on the pink;)

I made it with the intent of participating in the "Sweater Knit" contest on PatternReveiw.com, but my boy got sick, I got sick, Dan got sick, etc! Wasn't in the mood for photos/blogging:p

   I recently finished my second Minoru jacket, so that will be the subject of my next post.
Stay tuned!:)