So somehow during a surfing session, I clicked on a link, which led to the amazing Craftsy site, which led to creating an account, which led to an inbox message, which led to the impulsive purchase of the online course Sew Better Sew Faster. I have been wanting to make a red canvas jacket forever, there it was, sitting in my email, a better, faster one. Proceed to check out.
The course included a "free" paper pattern for Jacket Express which comes via mail, and 8 online lessons with the lovely Janet Pray and promised to reveal sewing industry secrets for streamlined construction methods and eliminating pins.
I definitely came away with a few new tricks, but primarily I came away with a bad case of equipment envy because Janet has one tricked out sewing room. Starting with a fabulous straight stitch machine with a large flat bed. And I believe she could bend wood with her iron.
Janet recommended a jacket weight cotton, and most of her samples appeared to be made out of duck. Janet herself used 8 oz. denim to teach the class. My canvas, prewashed and dried, was super heavy and stiff, and required a size 18 needle.
The pattern has a million pieces, which is why the finished product looks so professional. Janet calmly leads you through the unconventional steps that have you breaking the different jobs like sewing, serging and top stitching into batches to save time. My poor serger is an aging diva and flat out refused to deal with more than two layers of the canvas and forced me to bind some of my seams and edges.
I'm not gonna lie, this jacket took me over a week, working in chunks of 1-3 hours in the evening and a goodly number of swear words were uttered. This had nothing to do with the pattern or Janet's skillful instruction, and everything to do with my determination to make this jacket out of such a heavy material. In the end, I can say unequivocally that it was worth it. This is a garment that I will wear and enjoy for years.
Wow-this is one great looking jacket. I've been wanting to try the Style Arc Stacy jean jacket but this course and pattern are really tempting me. And no pins....seriously?
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! Yes, it's true- no pins, but it's probably easier to eliminate them with such square pattern pieces and stable fabric.
Deletesuper cute, love the red you used. I just cut one out today and I hope it looks as nice as yours. what a great wardrobe addition.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth. Good luck with yours.
DeleteI too subscribed to the same course, and of course have the pattern too - your review has inspired me to get going on my as soon as I can. Lovely jacket and I am sure you will get LOADS of wear out of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I popped over to your blog and had a great time looking at all your beautiful creations. Good luck with your jacket, chilly weather is on the way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great jacket you've made! It was worth a week of sewing. I love everything about it and may have to take this class too! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThank you. If you do make one, I'm sure it will be beautiful.
DeleteI've looked at this class. Now after seeing you fabulous jacket, I'm going to have to sign up! Great job -- all of your hard work shows and pays off!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cissie- I wish I had traced off my pattern so I could make some for gifts in the future. Who couldn;t use a jean jacket?
DeleteI've already started watching the class. She seems to be an excellent teacher -- calm and organized! I've already picked up some great tips! Can't wait for the pattern to arrive so that I can get started!
ReplyDeleteOkay, help me here. I just received the pattern in the mail and cut out the XS. However, it says that the finished bust is 41 1/4". I wish. I am small busted and normally wear a RTW size 2. Is this going to swallow me? From pictures, it looks like we have similar body types. did you make any alterations in your jacket? Yikes -- there are a gazillion pieces to this!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let u know that an XXS pattern (size 2-4) is available as a downloadable pattern for craftsy students only on the islander website. Just use CRAFTSY as the promo code and it's free!
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