When I was first learning to sew, I’d often remark, “It’s a good thing no one can see the inside!” I’ve heard the same comment from others who are new to the hobby, and I always try to reassure them that it will change and some day the insides of what they sew won’t have to be hidden.
I finished this jacket today and have to say that I’m particularly pleased with the insides. While I always turn a garment inside out during and after sewing, this is the first time I think I’ve ever photographed the results. (I’m not sure if the person to whom this jacket has been sent reads my blog but she has a great sense of humor and I think she’ll laugh to see it inside out and hanging from a tree.)
The pattern is a modified version of Butterick 5187. I combined a couple of the views so the jacket would look more like a smaller one I’ve sewn, right down to the binding on the sleeves. This particular jacket has gone a step further with the addition of welt pockets with flaps (which is a post for another day).
What makes this jacket special in my eyes is the amount of hand sewing involved. I’ll be the first to admit that I avoid hand sewing whenever I can. I’m kind of an immediate gratification sort of girl; I equate hand sewing with “labor intensive” and “time consuming.” Seriously, who has time for that?
Let me tell ya: sometimes it is worth it. This jacket would be lovely no matter what but I really think the hand sewing — the facings, hem, bindings — elevate it in the construction department. Yes, I could have finished the jacket two hours faster but it wouldn’t be quite the same.
16 October, 9:26 pm
Looks like alot of work to me Mary!
What a wonderful seamstress you are:)
I will have to show my mom….. she would love this!!!
hugs,
kayellen
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16 October, 9:40 pm
My grandmother would be beaming, so proud that someone took the time to do it by hand. All of her things looked like that on the inside & I hardly EVER want to do hand work myself! I know exactly what you mean…I am busy & CRAVE the instant gratification!
Fabulous job on that one!
Mandys last blog post..OUTSIDE!
16 October, 9:51 pm
Very Nice!!
Heather~Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..Fall Decor
17 October, 5:39 am
Wow! You should be proud of your work! How tempting to wear the jacket wrong side out to show off the inside?
I understand your instant gratification sewing. My name for fast sewing is McSewing.
17 October, 4:26 pm
Hello–I’ve been lurking here for a while. I found you via another blog. You have beautiful work, and you are an inspiration be be a wonderfulmom. About the jacket–I know that when I show my mother anything I make–she goes for the inside first! It’s just a sewer thing.
Catherines last blog post..FIREPROOF
17 October, 5:42 pm
Love that! it turned out really cute!!! I’m with ya on the hand sewing. I’d rather do without most of the time!
Tiff@Three Peass last blog post..Craft Project Thursday: Homemade Slime
17 October, 10:34 pm
It’s beautiful. I might wear it inside out one day.
Can’t wait to meet!
19 October, 12:37 am
I don’t usually like doing hand sewing either. But with that last dress I made, I actually did hand sewing. It wasn’t too bad but not something I’m racing to repeat.
20 October, 1:17 pm
I can see you’re a true perfectionist. The inside of this jacket could almost be the outside.
You did a wonderful job with this. I also like to make sure even the areas that are unseen are just as nice.
Great project!
Lisas last blog post..Pick a Pear (and eat an apple)
28 October, 12:25 am
love the jacket! do you use a serger?
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29 October, 12:28 am
LOL! Beautiful seamstress that you are…
My grandmother, mother and now myself all have the lovely habit of going for the inside right away on anything made by ourselves or of others. Just a sewer thing I suppose, like someone else said.
VERY well done!
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