Last item made in 2011 - V8606

Don't ask me why, but for some reason I decided that I needed to make something before the end of the year so I decided on Vogue 8606

MISSES' JACKET, DRESS, SKIRT AND PANTS: Semi-fitted, lined jackets A, B have yoke and dolman sleeves with contrast or self-fabric sleeve bands, raised neck, front hook and eye closure, shaped hem.  A: contrast lower front and back.

When Viv and I had our cycling, fabric shopping day in London a few weeks back, I purchased some beautiful embroidered quilted fabric.  Now Friday we had to go to my D Mike's sister's for lunch, and she happens to live close to Walthamstow market so I said I couldn't go without stocking up on supplies, which of course I did.  However I got slightly distracted by a pair of quilted, fur lined wellington boots which I bought.

So for my last sewing project for 2011, I decided to make Vogue 8606 with my quilted fabric.  Now the pattern calls for softer fabric, but requires all the pieces to be interfaced, so I thought I would give it a try.

I like the idea of the two contrasting fabrics, so chose the patterned fabric for the top and a plain black quilted cotton for the bottom half and the sleeve cuffs and here is the end result.

This is a really quick project to make - there are only a few pieces, you make up the lining exactly the same as the jacket except you leave an opening in the back lining seam so you can turn the jacket right side out after you have sewn the lining and the jacket pieces together.  I do confess that the first cuff went on perfectly and then boosted by my eagerness to finish, I managed to put the cuff on the wrong way  (i.e the wrong side of the fabric facing up) so had to unpick it and start again - I HATE UNPICKING, so word of warning double check what you are doing if you make this jacket up.

I did add a broad back adjustment and a sort of FBA because this pattern is a size 12 and I really need a 14 for my bust and hips, so I used the Palmer Pletsch pattern fitting method and then just added the extra paper for the adjustments.

The red satin fabric was one of the first purchases I made in Walthamstow market last year for the usual £1 a metre and worked perfectly with this jacket because of the red embroidery in the patterned fabric.

Mike has booked for us to go and see Cirque Du Soleil on my birthday this month.  It will be at the Albert Hall, so I am thinking this jacket will be perfect for the theatre.  I may make a blouse/top out of the red satin to wear underneath with some black pants or skirt.

I hope you all had a wonderful  New Year's Eve whatever you were doing.  We were babysitting our DGD and my daughter also came over to spend the evening with us.

I am thinking my first project of 2012 will be a little top for Alana, I will be able to fit it on her while she is here.

Catch you all later..........................................