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Tuesday 26 January 2010

Vogue 1129 Donna Karan jacket

Inspired by the latest batch of Vogue designer patterns, I thought I really ought to use up some of the older ones I have already bought and not yet used. So before spring comes around again I decided to make this Donna Karan jacket / coat.


I need some practice arranging the scarf drapy bit

Like the last Donna Karan inspired cozy, I had to cut this out on the floor, the fronts need to be cut as a single layer and the scarf drape piece is very long.

I used a very chunky boucle from my stash - when I say chunky I mean that if just one thread came unravelled then I would lose half my seam allowance so I serged all the edges as soon as I removed the pattern pieces. Otherwise I found sewing with boucle very satisfying, stitches just disappear in it!


The only change I made to this pattern was to add a lining. It's an unusual pattern in that there are no facings and no interfacing - there isn't supposed to be a lining either but I thought it would be much nicer to wear with a lining and I rummaged through the stash and found this luscious raspberry silk.

Actually it's kind of a cross between lining and interlining. When the main jacket body pieces were sewn together everywhere except the shoulder seams I attached a lining at the edges. the shoulders were then stitched as normal and the boucle seam allowances stitched down. The sleeve linings were attached by hand. In complete contrast to my last couple of lazy projects, I also hand sewed all the hems for a completely invisible finish.


Look, real pockets!

I like the unusual style of this jacket - it's fitted but still drapy. Vogue rates this pattern as easy to sew, and while I agree the sewing is straightforward the pattern is slightly unusual and it is important to transfer all the pattern markings. The instructions are good though and easy to follow. It is pretty close fitting, especially in the sleeves, I certainly wouldn't be able to wear a thick sweater underneath it, fine for me and my climate but something to watch out for.

I know it's totally impossible to see anything other than the silhouette in these pictures of me wearing it, but they will have to do for now!




27 comments:

  1. Well, the silhouette looks very flattering! And what a gorgeous colour for the inside. Very nice :)

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  2. Wow! Unusual and flattering!

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  3. I've seen other reviews of this pattern, but I think your finished result is the best . . . looks stunning, and I'm in awe of your lining! I've got this pattern cutout at home right now and have been a little apprehensive about starting to sew it, but your review gives me more confidence! Maybe this will be the weekend I actually put this thing together!

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  4. Very flattering! I have the McCall's version of this coat/jacket. I love the bright pink lining!

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  5. I've always loved this pattern but I worried about wearing the drapey part correctly. Afraid it was one of those patterns that was going to wear me rather than me wearing it, if that makes sense. But it looks fabulous on you. Well done.

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  6. I completely disregarded this pattern, but I love your version. Looks warm and cozy, but that silhouette is very chic. Just lovely.

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  7. I've wanted that pattern since it came out! You did a fantastic job on it, I love the pink lining! Now I *have* to buy it...

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  8. Allison, you version looks fantastic! I've had this pattern since it first came out and really put it on the back burner. You so nmake me want to sew this.

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  9. Your coat looks great on you, much more inspiring than the pattern envelope picture. I really like the interesting boucle fabric you chose and the pink silky lining.

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  10. Wow! You did an amazing job with this jacket. I like how you added your own touches - the lining - and made it yours. It's splendid!

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  11. I love it! Such a classic with a twist and super wearable, you look great. And the lining puts it over the top :))

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  12. This is such a great jacket! I just love that it is not the typical winter jacket. I bet it is very distinct in person. The boucle is lovely! I am working with boucle right now, and it *is* wonderful - stitches are invisible in it!

    I'm impressed that you added a lining to a coat sans instructions. That is intimidating to me.

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  13. I love this coat and it's really great looking on you.

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  14. Wow! It looks great - I want to make one now!

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  15. this looks so good on you, I love the fabric, its fabulous

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  16. I have this pattern in my stash. Inspired by your finished project, I will have to look for some fabric to go for it. Your fabric is beautiful and I love the lining, not to mention I love the fit. Great job!!!

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  17. GORGEOUS! You know I had this pattern in my hand at JoAnn's this morning and put it back. Now that I've seen yours I can see how useful this would be for me next football season. It's a perfect Florida winter coat! Sigh, back to Joann's I go.

    PS: Thanks for sharing the lining - it's so beautiful and luxurious.

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  18. Wow, great coat! I love that fabric, and the finished produce is SO CHIC!!

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  19. Gorgeous - that raspberry lining is the perfect touch for the coat!

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  20. This looks very pretty!! I just love that lining - it looks gorgeous against the fabric.

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  21. Gorgeous coat and lining, and looks fabulous on you!

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  22. Oh, that's lovely. A real success. I think even I would consider making this jacket now that I see it complete, although I am not as experienced as you.
    Well done...you look well chuffed!
    Regards
    Karima

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  23. What a beautiful! coat and it looks great on you, the silklining was a good addition. Isn't handsewing soothing?

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  24. what a gorgeous colour for the inside. Very nice :)
    party video

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  25. I love the lining you've used for this!
    I too struggled with the drapy bit at first after making this jacket but then found it to be a very useful scarf. I used mohair for the fabric so it's very cosy.

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