I just participated in my first sewing challenge in many, many months. Doing my own thing is normally my way. I’ll start with a plan and may change mid-stream, but having someone else take the wheel ain’t bad.
Monica of That’s Sew Monica hosts a monthly sewing challenge. I’ve watched from afar always wanting to join but my sewing queue is LONG. However I thought, why not….sew I joined. I love her style and her encouragement to the sewing community so it’s been fun taking the challenge.
The sewing prompt for February’s challenge is McCall’s 7912. Just like the sewing challenges of Project Runway, The Great British Sewing Bee and Pattern Review contests, there is a prompt (the pattern) and a challenge (to hone your sewing skills). The original 2017 concept states “They wanted to feature monthly patterns and engage other at home sewers to participate for this year long sewalong.” It has become so popular that it has continued into 2019.
The pattern suggested is McCall’s 7912 and is a very straightforward jacket pattern with a shawl collar and optional pockets. There are no shaping details such as darts or princess seams which usually aid me in adding curves to my figure. You know you gotta create hips where there are none. lol. I chose View A and added pockets.
My challenge to myself was to take fabric from my stash.
A word on this fabric. It’s sourced from a fantastic Fabric Swap hosted last summer by Renee of Miss Celie’s Pants. Sewists brought in their unloved yardage to share. According to the amount of fabric you contributed, you were allowed to shop from this collective stash for the same amount of yardage. Let me just say, one sewist’s trash is another one’s treasure. I came away with some jewels and this basket weave is one of them. This one I picked at the suggestion of one of the fabulous sewists I’ve followed for years, Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic, a truly kind and creative soul.
Made of white, grey and navy fibers, I chose to create a fringe which was sewn between the upper and lower collar layers. To the pockets I added a wide navy trim (sourced from leftover fabric from navy pants I made). The strips are 2″ wide and 1/4″ ironed under on each side then edge stitched to the pocket and the sleeve hem. I then added gold buttons from Joann Fabrics to complete the look. Note: The pockets were added at the hemline rather than where the pattern markings suggests.
A custom touch was to add a Hong Kong finish to the seams because it is an unlined jacket. This was done using remnants from a navy lining fabric.
After wearing the cardigan most of the day, let me just say it’s heaven in dreary weather. It’s like being wrapped in a flannel blanket…all nice and cozy. Today it’s been cold, rainy and miserable and this jacket was perfect.
With the passing of creative icon Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel and Fendi, this jacket was a nod to his style. It’s back again in my wheel house of conservative, classic, neutral color wear, but I have so many pieces that I have been sewing over the winter that work well with it! In terms of style, this can be dressed down with jeans. Ultimately, I see this is as more of a career-wear piece and is 100% suitable for my office which is freezing. Here I paired it with a pair of slim pants from Ann Taylor. Though it’s a classic, you have tons of options.
Pattern: McCall’s 7912
Fabric: Basket weave
Shoes: TheRealReal
Pants: Ann Taylor
Love it. You have added some really nice details.
Thank you! The details are what made me love rather than just being something functional but ho-hum.
I thought pattern was ok. You made it look great. Love it.
Thank you! I overlook patterns at times because the appeal isn’t immediate. Because this was a sewing challenge, it forced me to take a second look at something I wouldn’t have chosen. Because it’s so simple, it forces you be creative with details.