Finished: Vintage 1959 Jacket

It's done!

Definitely one of the more challenging things I've sewn, but I'm glad I made it and I think I'll get a lot of wear out of it. All the details are here on my blog. Thank you, Joanne, for coming up with the idea for this sewalong--it was fun!

Need Your Opinions on This Jacket Collar, Please

Here is the muslin of my 1959 McCalls cutaway jacket. Fit is spot-on. I'll be making this out of a navy poly-wool blend that is contemporary-looking and has a wonderful stretch and sheen to it.

Here's where I need your opinions. The collar is not a traditional two-piece notched lapel. It's all one piece with the notches sewn and cut out to resemble a traditional lapel. See the pattern illustration below. What do you think of this feature? Too funky/hokey? Should I convert it to a shawl collar? I know I could draft my own two-piece collar, but that's really more work than I wanted to undertake with this. I would really appreciate your opinions. Thanks!

Change of Plans: Let's Try This 1959 Jacket

And this is why we make muslins, ladies! I made my first choice, the 1968 mod spring coat muslin, and while it's cute, it's not what I had in mind for the fabric I already own. So I'm tabling it and I'm on to muslining this late 50's jacket I just bought from Phyllis's Etsy shop. The dark jacket, described as a "lightly fitted cutaway jacket in continental style." How chic is that. So I'll make the muslin tomorrow and take it from there. Better luck this time.

Torn Between Two Patterns

Happy New Year everyone! Nothing like starting off the new year with a little indecision. I can't make up my mind between these two patterns. The one on top I'd make into a little off-white spring coat, with a silk charmeuse lining in a Pucci-esque print. The bottom pattern, I'd make the jacket into an ivory boucle Chanel knock-off. Your thoughts?