My biggest goal for the winter months this year was to sew up jackets for Bennett, Louis and myself.  I knocked Louis’ out of the park a few days ago (and will hopefully be photographing it soon enough) and last night, I took care of my own jacket needs.

I love it.  Mostly.  I had issues that I can adjust for the next round of sewing.  You sew and you learn, right?

My dream jacket was one that wasn’t fussy.  So when I saw the Esplande Coat by Seamingly Smitten, I totally thought it fit the bill.  The arms are a raglan-style and there are only a few pieces involved…so it sold me on it.

However, I did have to make some adjustments.  I went by my measurements but the hips were way too small on me once it was stitched together.  So much so that the jacket would close at the top but didn’t even come close at the bottom.  No bueno.  Next time, I can just grade out to a larger size on the back panel to accommodate.  Hopefully that will clear it all up.  But I was determined to power through this jacket and make it workable.

So, I added another panel on the front, to extend it out a few more inches.  One side now is a bit wider than the other and overlaps a lot more than the pattern called for it.  I wasn’t going to give in!  I had to make it work.  And I did, because now it closes at the bottom.

^^ Or at least it closes when the wind isn’t blowing it open while taking pictures. 😉
Also.  Don’t judge my buttonholes too harshly.  They look better in person, I swear.  I don’t know why they look so messed up in these photos.  Damnit.

I used a polyester crepe for my outer fabric and needed something warmer to get me through the winter.  So I was stoked to line the sleeves and back with a buffalo plaid fleece.  It’s warm. I  was sweating in my sewing room while trying to figure out the fit and adjustments.

Although it wasn’t even close to a “perfect sew” for me, I’m happy with it.  And I’ll be wearing this jacket out of the house.  Actually, I already have.

The fabric arrived yesterday evening.  Before I went to bed, I had it cut and sewn.  And by this morning for school pickup, I had a completed jacket.  I’m not mad at all.

Both fabrics were found on Fabric.com.
Buffalo plaid fleece HERE.
Turquoise crepe HERE.