So this is one my favorite things I've ever made. You know how sometimes it takes a few wears to get used to a new piece of clothing? Not so with this jacket. It's just so me, if you know what I mean.
I'd been wanting to try the Rigel Bomber,
but couldn't justify the cost, especially since we were heading into
summer and I knew I wouldn't be wearing a jacket anytime soon. But back in June I was lucky enough to win the Papercut pattern of my choice over at The Monthly Stitch! I was SO excited when I won, and of course I chose the Rigel Bomber, even though there was still that whole summer problem.
A few weeks later I spotted this metallic chambray fabric at Form and Fabric (looks like they're sold out, but it's available here in various colorways) and I knew it would be perfect for this pattern! It goes great with jeans, it's subtle but still interesting, and it's metallic, which I've been all about lately.
It took me ages to find a matching zipper though. I struck out at Jo-Ann's, Hancock, and everywhere else I could think to look. Finally I came across a shop on ebay that had the perfect zip! I didn't even have to shorten it.
The welt pockets were a lot easier to put in that I though they would be. Although I have done double welt pockets in the past, so maybe these were just easier by comparison.
The white ribbing is from Jo-Ann, and the pink lining fabric is from another local store, The Common Thread. This is the first time I've used rayon bemberg/ambiance and I am IN LOVE. I want every single thing I sew to be lined in this stuff.
My one complaint with this pattern is the same complaint that everyone else has: it really needs to come with instructions and/or pattern pieces for lining. The welt/pocket bag/fusing situation is not pretty and the jacket looks so much better with a lining. I used Elizabeth's tutorial and the process went pretty smoothly even though I've only done linings a couple times before (and never very well). I slip-stitched the facing down by hand for a nice clean finish.
The only other alteration I made to the pattern was to slim down the neckline ribbing by about 1/2". I made the XXS and it's still plenty roomy enough to wear a sweater underneath.
I took advantage of the one day of fall weather we've had so far to take these pictures. It seems like summer will never end, but I'm sure I'll be complaining about the cold soon enough! Fall is definitely my favorite season in terms of clothing though. I'd be happy wearing jeans, a sweater, and boots every day.
Happy sewing everyone!
<3 Lindsay
Labels: chambray, fall, finished project, gold, jacket, lining, metallic, papercut patterns, rigel bomber
