Vogue 1099 - this will be made in white linen, china silk for the lining and silk organza for the trim.

Jalie 2908 - This is the new stretch jeans pattern from Jalie. There is also a Jeans-Sew-Along going on at PR that starts April 1st. I've had a stretch denim in my stash for a quite sometime. The more I look at it and touch it, I don't think it's the right weight. I'm following my instinct on this one before I waste time with all of the fancy topstitching and whatnot. I've ordered "Stretch Denim Metro Indigo" from Fabric.com. According to Emilie, this is the same denim that's used on the pattern cover.

Vogue 1093 - I found this great stretch linen at Denver Fabrics.com.

Vogue 1086 - I thought this dress was adorable from the first time I saw it. I've already cut this pattern and made the alterations to it. This is a beautiful silk crepe de chine (also from Denver Fabrics) and I can't wait to work with this.

Description: Semi-fitted, lined, double-breasted jacket with shoulder pads, princess seams and side front pockets; jacket has belt carriers, epaulets with button closure, collar tab, front yoke, back buttoned yoke, sleeves with button bands, topstitch trim, button closure and self-tie belt.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern! It had all of the details for a traditional trench coat/jacket. The only problem I found is that the back buttoned yoke was drafted wider on one side. Even though it was simple to just fold it in half and even it out, this is just something you should be aware of. You don't want to end up with a lopsided yoke.

Fabric used: I found this very interesting looking linen fabric at Hancocks. I saw it, fell in love with it instantly and knew that I would use it for this project! We've been debating on the actual color. The shine of the fabric gives it an iridescent appearance. It's somewhere between a slate grey and a light blue. I wanted the lining to be fresh and springy, so I chose a citrus yellow.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Here are the changes that I made:

• Made a 1" princess seam FBA (my normal).
• Used muslin for sew-in interfacing for the front sections, the collar and the collar band.
• Used nylon tricot interfacing for all of the smaller pieces.
  
• Changed the undercollar from a 1 piece to a two piece and cut it on the bias.
• Adjusted the undercollar for turn of cloth.
• Taped the lapel roll line.
• Added a back stay to stabilize shoulder area of jacket.
• Added sleeve heads.
• Topstitched with rayon embroidery thread.
  
• Added the front yoke to both sides.
• Used a keyhole type buttonhole.
• In my opinion, the button bands on the sleeves were too long. I shortened mine by 2".
• I followed the instructions on the lining. This means a lot of handstitching for those of you that have an aversion.
  
• I handstitched the all of my hems and slipstitched the lining to the sleeves and the hem of the jacket.
  

Additional Views:

Back
Lining
Hang Chain
Sleeve tabs

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will sew another version of this one again for the cooler seasons. Next time I'll use an "all-weather" fabric or use this style in wool. I highly recommend this one for the style and the wide variety of sizes.

Conclusion: I really love this jacket already! According to Mr. Meteorologist, I'll get a chance to wear it in a day or so.

This is McCall's 5525. I decided that since "April showers bring May flowers", that I would be needing a Spring trench. I'll be posting a complete review with pictures (of course) in a day or so.

BTW, thanks so much for your emails and comments!

My sewing mojo that is... it's gone missing! I think I've been affected by the crazy weather we've been having. Last week, we had tornadic activity -- a tornado touched down nearby. Sunday, we had "snow". Well, a 2" dusting that was gone by lunch time. The early part of the week, it was below freezing. And yesterday I had all of the windows open because it was a high of 75! Now, Spring is in the air (just ask my allergies) and sewing is of interest to me again. I placed a fabric order to jumpstart my transitional Spring sewing. Maybe I'll go do some snoop shopping today. Maybe/hopefully I'll be inspired by the new Spring arrivals!

How's the weather in your area? What are you doing this weekend?

As we know, one of the favorite topics with fashionistas everywhere is Michelle Obama's wardrobe. There has been much talk about the First Lady's choice of ensemble on Tuesday night... whether or not it was appropriate. First of all, I thought she looked fabulous in her plum Narciso Rodriguez outfit. She works out and you can tell she's quite proud of her arms and she clearly likes to show them off. BUT, do you think her choice of wardrobe was appropriate for the occasion? Is there an unwritten dresscode that first ladies must obide by? Or should the staunch Washingtonians just get accustomed to the fact that there's a new (fashion) sheriff in town and the chick has her own style?

I think we as a society, had gotten use to the fact that prior first ladies (at least for my generation) have been older. "Most" women that age tend to cover up out of self-consciousness and Mrs. Obama is young, vibrant and confident. Should we see her as a role model for "real" women that are healthy and fit or someone who just doesn't get how it's suppose to be done and committed a fashion faux pas? After watching Oprah on Wednesday and seeing people living in "Tent Cities", you would think that we would have REAL issues to worry about. BUT no... we are concerned with Michelle Obama's "right to bare arms".... SIGH. I don't know about you, but she sure has inspired me to step up my workout routine with a few extra push-ups and bicep curls!

She's also on the cover of this week's People and from Wednesday night at the White House when they hosted Stevie Wonder:

Anybody watching Project Runway Canada, Season 2? You Canadians are so lucky to have Iman... I LOVE HER! I watched Season 1 and I became hooked! For those of us south of the Canadian border and elsewhere, you can find an episode on Youtube or other online sites. Blogging Project Runway always has a link to an available episode.

Description: Flared pants A, B have waist yokes, carriers and back welt pockets. A: 1" below waist and has a fly front zipper opening. B: side front pockets, back darts and invisible back zipper.

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18. I cut the size 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much... the line was the same.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Instructions? What instructions? LOL I've made quite a few pairs of pants... they ALL go together the same way, so I didn't use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I'm a fan of Alice + Olivia and I've made a couple of other patterns. I think all of their pants (RTW or patterns) are great and this one is no exception.


Fabric used: I used an ivory lightweight wool crepe. This is another piece from my NYC stash.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I cut a 14 at the waist and blended to a 16 at the hip. I added 5 inches to length. I eliminated the carriers and the back welt pockets for a clean, smooth look which worked out the problem of white pants show through.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Definitely to both!

Conclusion: I already love these pants. The fabric is so lightweight that these will be perfect for Spring! A great pants pattern is hard come by and this one is a keeper!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes... to the point of practically not needing them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the style of this dress. It's very similar to the cap sleeve dresses by David Meister.

Fabric Used: I used a wool crepe that I purchased from Metro Textiles in NYC.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I cut the size 14 in the bodice and blended to the size 16 from the waist down. I made my usual FBA and added 2 inches to the length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is a great pattern and I highly recommend it, but it's doubtful I'll make it again. There are just soooooo many dress patterns for me to conquer.