CopyCat Time!

[b15erk]

I bought a lovely chiffon jacket in TKMaxx at the weekend, and I love it!  So simple though, that I'm hopeful I can copy it, and it will use up some of the chiffon stash.

Very simple pattern (I think), and very little sewing - always good for chiffon!

Watch this space...

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Jessie

[realale]

Oooh, that reminds me of an article in, I think, Threads where they showed you how to do a topper like that. I think they used a scarf. That was many years ago but your jacket reminded me of it. I'm sure you will be able to replicate it.

[maliw]

Nice jacket, yes you should be able to copy it - fingers crossed.
I must admit I hate sewing chiffon.

[b15erk]

Thank you both @realale  and @maliw !

I've just spent a couple of hours measuring the original, and figuring the neck out.  I've made a mock up, and all seems straightforward, I just have to decide if I can manage without cutting front and back ie, leaving it all in one piece.  The original is a front and a back, but I think that may be an unnecessary seam.

@maliw , I hate sewing chiffon too, but I have loads of it, so if this works out, it may be an easy way of getting rid of some easily.

Jessie

[maliw]

Make it with as few seams as possible @b15erk

[realale]

The one I half remember was in one piece like a large rectangle, but the front bit had like an elongated keyhole to provide a neck & front opening. Hope you understand that from my garbled explanation!!

[Puzzler]

I have drooled over some beautiful prints in chiffon but I have yet to attempt sewing with it. I look forward to seeing your rendition.

[b15erk]

Thanks so much for the advice @realale , @maliw . 

I'm nearly done, just got the front band to finish.  I took on board the suggestion about less seams the better, so I didn't join across the shoulder @maliw .  I also did the keyhole trick - thanks @realale , it made putting on the front band very easy!

I also used a new technique - to me, on the overlocker.  The standard 4 thread seam looked far to bulky, as did the 3 thread, so I tried the 2 thread - which was recommended for fine fabric, and it worked beautifully, although fitting the little dodad to convert was a bit of a faff.  There was absolutely no way I was going to do fine rolled hems on either the sewing machine, or the overlocker, this way, I got a neat finish, and was able to turn a fine seam easily.

It does a little strange atm because it's been stabilised with nearly a full can of spray starch! 

Pics later!

Jessie

[Ohsewsimple]

Too late now I know.  But an overlocker is useful if doing French seams.  Use it for the first pass with a narrow 3 thread.  Saves trimming all that excess off!  Works a treat!

[b15erk]

Thank you for the tip @Ohsewsimple , I'll remember that one, fortunately, this jacket has no seams! 

A few finished pics.  Mine is slightly larger, as I used all the fabric I had - I've just got two tiny pieces left over!

Very pleased with how this turned out, and the easiest way I've found to cope with pesky chiffon!

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Jessie

[Acorn]

That's gorgeous fabric - I can see why you bought it (even though it was chiffon!!)  Lovely jacket.   

[Ohsewsimple]

Oh that’s a great make.  Simple but really effective!

[Bodgeitandscarper]

Lovely colours.  Does the jacket have sleeves sewn, or is it like an open fronted cape?

[b15erk]

Thanks gals!  I'm really pleased with it, especially as the fabric had been in the stash since Adam was a lad! (Well, at least the 90's!  )

@Bodgeitandscarper , the sleeves are just defined by a 4" row of stitching 18" from CFront and 10" down from the shoulder - it was quite tricky measuring that, as the fabric was slipping.  I think it just stops it being like a poncho?  :thinking:

The beauty of it is, that sizing is very simple, and you shorten both length of sleeves, and fronts and back, by taking a bit off the hems!

Jessie

[Flobear]

Ooh, very wafty. You need to sweep down a curving staircase in that one