From Julie:
"Throughout time, fashion and art have come hand in hand. You couldn't have one without the other or we would look really boring. This week's challenge I'm asking you to pick an artwork, an art movement, an architectural design, etc. and create a garment or outfit that is reminiscent of what you chose."
I love art. But the artworks and art movements that I love aren't necessarily translatable to wearable clothes for me :) Throughout this challenge I've made sure to create garments that I will really wear. Some of my favorite movements are expressionist and graffiti art. I had some ideas but I knew that I wouldn't be 100% into it (although I may create that bomber jacket inspired by graffiti at some point!).
Way back when, I wanted to become an architect and I still love architecture (To be a smallish city, Minneapolis has some amazing architecture!). My absolute favorite architectural design style is Minimalism. I knew that was the right direction for me to take.
Where some may see minimalist architecture as stark & cold, I see sleek & clean. To me, minimalism involves a modern yet comfortable vibe; a sophisticated easiness that manages to be both simple and interesting.
I decided I had to have a pants/top/jacket combo. I also decided I HAD to sew from stash (Fabrics, zippers, buttons, everything is from stash)!
The jacket is Vogue 8932. This jacket can be sewn wrong sides together, with seams trimmed for an exposed look or right sides together and top stitched. I didn't want the exposed seams with this stiff fabric but would love to sew it with a boiled wool or quality fleece! Fabric here is my "jacketing fabric" from FabricMart. I bought 3 yards of it for $2.40 and then they had it in the $1 section and I bought 3 more! For a total of $10.20 I have made 3 jackets! S2153 for my daughter and me and now this one. SCORE.
I went for a size 18 based on finished measurements and knowing I wanted to be able to fit it over clothing. It fits so well. The back has such interesting seam lines and I LOVE the shaped hem.
Now, someone mentioned that the back pieces don't fit together. Oh, they do, but you have to ease the CRAP out of it!
While I wouldn't automatically categorize this as an "advanced" project, there are certainly many opportunities for frustration if you're inexperienced. Pivoting is hard, yo. (You have to be a Breaking Bad fan to fully appreciate that 'yo'). The neckline pivot is much nicer (you'll have to take my word for it) but still not perfect. The topstitching is niiiiice. This fabric takes topstitching so well. I wish I had 10 more yards of it for future projects.
This jacket was tough to sew but again, I pushed myself and that made me proud!
**The jacket has no closure and really doesn't need one...I'm thinking of making toggles**
Either a single toggle with the gold one or two with the bar-like buttons. I have some faux leather and black cording in the stash. I didn't get a chance to get them done in time for the submission deadline but will post a photo later once I decide!
The top is Simplicity 1364, a Vintage Jiffy pattern. I knew I'd like the bateau neckline on me and am becoming a fan of dropped shoulders.
After whipping up a quick muslin (I admit it, muslining really doesn't take that long and is valuable), I lowered my bust dart just a tad, took a tuck at the armhole (like 1/4") and added 3/8" to the center back because it couldn't zip! And here there's excess fabric. Eh.
I feel like the sleeves are a little weird. Like they fit great if you're just going to hold your arms straight down.
Fabric is something I have no clue about. I think I got it from Hancock or JoAnn but I'm not sure. It is pretty stiff and would've made up a better as a dress. But I LIKE it so...that's what counts. I will definitely sew this one again!
The pants...oh the pants!!!! Vogue 9032
I wanted this pattern so bad when it came out. It has butt princess seams!!! I found a similar weight suiting remnant in the stash and sewed up a knee-length muslin (limited by fabric length) and was amazingly surprised at how well they fit.
VOGUE KICKED BUTT WITH THIS ONE!
I needed to make my normal pants adjustment - removed 3/4" from the front rise and add it to the back but no weird excess fabric at the thigh, no crazy bagging at the knees...ahhhhhh. I am making these AGAIN.
What I will do differently next time; fuse a small strip of interfacing to my pockets as soon as I cut them. I think I have saggy pockets because they got stretched during sewing/pressing/etc. And I will add a smidge at the waist. Like 3/8" to the front pattern piece. It's just a tiny bit strained.
What's super interesting about this pattern is the 2.5" hem allowance. I was all WHAT THE WHAT!? But I love that deep hem. It really helps them hang well. I catch-stitched the hem by hand on these and made the insides as nice as I could.
(I always forget to trim my zipper if I do it this way...normally I shorten it from the top)
And my boots. Love <3
Thank you so much to everyone who has been encouraging during this challenge. It has been ridiculously fun!!!
