Colette Anise #2

This is my second go-round with the Colette Anise.  The first one I made last year in corduroy.  It was a strange fabric choice for this jacket but the salesperson at the shop assured me it would be OK.  I don't hate that one, but I like this one much better.  I bought the Anise Companion which makes sewing this jacket very easy.  It gives you a day-by-day plan to finish your jacket in 8 days.  I decided to take 22 days instead.

My parents take each grandkid on a trip after they graduate 8th grade for a treat.  My son and my niece both graduated this year so they planned their trip together to Los Angeles.  I invited myself along and the kids graciously allowed me to stop by Mood LA.  I read reviews on-line that the employees are not so nice, but my experience could not have been more enjoyable.  That probably had something to do with Jose Manuel Gonzales.  He was the nicest salesperson EVER. Ask for him if you go there.  He also teaches classes.  By the way, this was about as well behaved as my son and niece were in the store.  However, it's one of my favorite pictures from our trip.

 

 

I knew I would be overwhelmed by the fabric choices so I went with a list.  Written at the top was "Teal wool = Anise?"  The minute I stepped in the aisle I saw the bolt and loved it.  The $35/yard price tag initially did not love me back.  I can't remember the designer (Carolina Herrera maybe?) but it's a wool/cashmere blend.  I walked around the store trying to decide if I should purchase it or not.  Obviously it came home with me on the plane!  I'm glad it did.  Fabric matters.

 

 

Since I forked over major bucks for the main fabric I was shy about purchasing another expensive fabric for the lining.  Jose found this polyester blend and I love how they look together.  I am a little nervous about how the polyester will handle dry cleaning.  I might not be opening my jacket in public.

I did a swayback adjustment on my initial Anise last year.  I have a long torso and the first one is too short.  I kept the same pattern pieces for this version but I added 2 inches of length.  I don't know if you are supposed to do that after you do a swayback adjustment, but it worked for me.

 

 

I did bound buttonholes for all 8 buttons. 

 

 

 

 

I made my own covered buttons.  It could not have been easier and I will do it again for other projects.  I used the Dritz kit that I found at Hancocks.  I initially wanted to use the wool to make the buttons but it is way too thick.  I was going to opt for a teal cotton from my stash that was suitable.  The day I was going to make the buttons I went to my local Bernina dealer to buy a ruffle foot for the 2nd or 3rd project in my queue.  Fat quarters of teal silk were in a basket by the register and they turned out to be a perfect fit. 

 

This jacket was definitely an investment in time and money but I'm going to wear it for a long time!

 



 





Sewing Goals for the New Year

I sewed my first A-line skirt in March 2012. Since then I've sewn several clothing items but have never felt like I have a clear sewing plan that fits my lifestyle.  What better time to form a vision than the New Year?  I stay at home with my kids so I need clothing that is realistic for that lifestyle but still looks pulled together.  I live in the Midwest where the weather is constantly changing so I think it will be easiest for me to stay on top of my goals if I break them down by seasons.

Winter 2014:

1. Colette Anise: My first project is going to be a Colette Anise in a teal wool/cashmere.  I know I just said I need clothing that is realistic for a stay-at-home mom, but I bought this fabric at Mood in LA over the summer and I have been dying to turn it into an Anise. I'll just look extra dressy at Toddler Open Gym.

2. Grainline Archer shirt:  Instead of throwing on a cotton t-shirt and cardigan I would love to put on a button-up and cardigan.  I have the pattern and the fabric and it's second in my queue.

3. Sewaholic Renfrew: I've had this pattern for quite awhile but haven't managed to produce one because I'm afraid of my serger and sewing with knits.  I've purchased a Craftsy class for the occasion as well as the fabric.  Now I just need the nerve.

4. Jean-ius: I have a habit of hoarding Craftsy classes but then never actually viewing them.  This was the first one I purchased.  If I can somehow figure out how to reproduce my skinny jeans from Gap I would be over the moon!

Big goals for winter and only a few more months to accomplish them!

Spring/Summer 2014:

1. Sewaholic Saltspring: At first I wasn't that excited about this pattern but when I saw the versions popping up around the blogosphere I decided I would like it.  I have rayon challis ready for this one. 

2. Sewaholic Cambie: I made a muslin of this over the summer but got derailed by other projects.  My first version is going to be in a rayon challis I already have purchased.  I have not one but TWO weddings (one in May and the other in June) this year.  If the dress comes together I'm going to try to make two more for the weddings.  My current plan is to use a dark silver silk georgette from Mood for one.  Nothing like aiming high......

3. Sewaholic Thurlows: Continuing with my Sewaholic theme, Thurlow shorts with a Renfrew top would work wonderful for a summer uniform. 

4. Colette patterns: I'm not sure how fast I'll be sewing, but I would love to make another Parfait or try out the Lily dress. 


Fall 2014:

The only item I'm adding for fall is a coat using a burnt orange wool I bought last year.  I'm going to wait and see what patterns come up this year!