I’ve shared a few different glimpses into the process over the past couple of weeks (here’s the first one, second, third and fourth) and now that it’s actually finished, you can see how it came together:

I added a few extra details to the original pattern.  The pattern came with two inset pockets in the front seams and an extra cell phone or MP3 pocket on the chest.  Of course, that wasn’t enough pockets!

I added two cargo patch pockets, with flaps that velcro close, that sit over the hips.  I also inserted a zipper into the cell phone pocket – let’s face it, who wants to lose their expensive cell phone because it’s slipped out of a pocket!

The collar can be worn up or down and I added some extra insulation but layering fleece between the two layers of outer fabric:

The jacket also got modified by adding a placket over the zipper:

It keeps those chilly winter winds from coming in through the zipper.  The placket closes with velcro, for an extra layer of security.  You can also see the lining, which is actually a re-purposed nylon and Thinsulate blanket.

Overall, the jacket took longer than I was expecting (this pattern normally takes me less than 4 hours to sew) but I think it was a successful project – now to test it when the snow flies…

images: © C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

The Completed Altered Winter Jacket

And seeing as there is a chance of snow in the forecast, I’d better get sewing!

We’ve got the fabric, insulation and lining that I need to complete the project and I’ve got the basic pattern (McCalls 5252) already.

image: McCalls Patterns

I’ve used this pattern several times before, so I’m quite confident about how it will turn out.

There’s one little issue though…

My DH would like some modifications made to the pattern.  Nothing too fancy, just some extra pockets and a zipper placket (to prevent those chilly January winds from sneaking in).  I’ve added extra pockets to garments before, so it’s not a big deal to do.

One thing I always like to do when I’m altering garments it to make a sketch of the finished project.  It helps me to design the pattern and make the alterations, rather than working blind.

It doesn’t need to be fancy – mine is just a rough sketch:

image: C Findlay-Harder

All I’ve done is copied the basic pattern that I’m using, and just added the extra elements on top.

That way I can plan my sewing, instead of going “what’s next!?”.

So next time you’re altering a pattern, don’t be nervous – try drawing it first.

Post from: Blisstree

Adding Extra Details or Altering Patterns

Not a big deal, right?

Of course not!  I started sewing away… and sewed… and sewed… and just inches from the end, I ran out of thread.  Now you would think that I must have another spool of the right color of thread somewhere?

Nope, not a one!

I’ve got lime green, and hunter and teal – but not quite the right shade of green.  And of course, this was during a snowstorm – I certainly wasn’t going to risk driving 20 minutes in a blizzard.

Well, the weather finally changed, and I was able to head over to my local fabric shop.  I learned my lesson – I bought the biggest spool of green thread they had in stock!

images: © C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Wordless Wednesdays

Well… actually yes!  I sewed a hoodie from the green faux silk knit – but I don’t have a good photograph of it yet, so that will have to wait

I am quite proud to get this done however:

My DH asked for a shirt with a front placket, buttons & a space for cuff links on the sleeves… and buckles instead of buttons.  Now we won’t discuss how long that particular shirt has been sitting on my sewing table….  But it’s been awhile.

Have you ever had one of those projects that you just can’t seem to finish?

The project that makes you feel guilty because it’s been sitting around for so long?

Yeah, the shirt was one of those ones – I’m not quite sure why though… I can normally whip up a man’s dress shirt in an afternoon.

Oh well, it’s done now – and I think my DH looks good in it too

Post from: Blisstree

have I been sewing?

I started off with McCalls pattern #5538

Which is a pretty cool looking vest, but it didn’t have all the extra cargo pockets he wanted.

I’ve made enough cargo pants over the years that I decided I didn’t need a pattern just for pockets.  I made the basic vest and then measured where I thought the pockets should go.

I hauled out my trusty quilting ruler and cut rectangles (making them approximately twice as long as I wanted the finished pocket to be – cargo pleats take a lot of fabric)  There was one little problem though.

I ran out of fabric.

Oops!

I ended up having enough fabric to make two large hip pockets and two smaller chest pockets (complete with flaps).  Oh well, serves me right for trying to use fabric out of my stash

Here’s the finished vest:

I think he liked it

Post from: Blisstree

altering vest patterns