Review - Simplicity 2311 - Lined Jacket

Well the jacket is done, the review is done (took almost as long as the jacket, I swear)

Pattern Description:
Womens coats - two different versions

Pattern Sizing:
14-22
I used size 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, just luffly!!!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes and No. while the steps them selves were simple, the organising of the instructions was ridiculously stupid. Going from page 4, doing 1 step, then back to page two where you do 7 steps, back to page 4 where you do a couple of steps, then back to page 2, then page 4, then page 3, then page 4, then page 3. It was like this the whole way through, and made it all extremely complicated.
I got very frustrated with it.
Simplicity - yea right

And the notches on the shoulder didn't match up, while everything fit, the notches were a mystery to me, as they were over 1cm out, if I'd matched them up, the armscye was 1cm uneven. Maybe it was a misprint, or my error, I don't know. but it worked without the notches matching.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Love the style. Disliked the way the back and front was attached, it took a lot of working, and I think it could've been easier, the graphics weren't wonderful. Maybe I was so spoilt with my first coat - a vogue, that everything else pales in comparison?

Fabric Used:
The most gorgeous soft polyester of some sort. It feels so lovely to touch, as it's so soft. The lining is just an opshop find, $2 for 5 metres. It has a textured effect to it, which my ring is forever catching as I put my arm in.
I think people have realised by now, I am one that loves a bright fun lining!
Close up view of fabric


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did my first every FBA!
By 6 entire inches! Gulp! I did end up with PBS afterwards though - puffy bust syndrome. I also had this when I did my Little Black Dress last year, and just pinned the bust curve close to my body, and restitched.
I slashed and spread the front and front facing. To give me more ease across my stomach, it's too big!

I handstitched the hem, I handstitched all the linings on. The instructions didn't call for it, but I just decided to.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
It's one I'd like to sew again, but truthfully, it was so much mucking around with the instructions, that I don't think I will.
Seems a shame after I did the FBA, slash and spread etc, took me hours to do those! But I didn't enjoy the back and forwards with the instructions.


Conclusion:
Love the jacket, there are a few wee pulls across the front, but I am ok with that, first FBA and slash and spread, I have to accept it's not perfect and I can't expect it to be on my first time around.

The pattern is a lovely pattern, it feels very comfortable on. And I feel happy in it - to me, that's the main thing.
It was an experience doing this coat, I did learn a few new things. But I really don't think I'll make it again.

Gettin ready to flash!

Bet you're all mighty pleased I'm wearin clothes under that! 

 

So there we have it. My jacket. Finished.

I said to a girlfriend before, "I'm just happy it's done, I know I won't get anywhere in the competition, but I'll enter anyway."

She replied "you've won your own contest for just completing it". And she's so right. 

It was a bit of a mission near the end, she heard the most moaning about it. 

I packed a wobbly, gave up twice. LOL. 

But in the end, it's done! And I couldn't be any more happier that I don't have to do another thing on it!