When an idea forms itself and refuses to leave your head, sometimes you just have to go with it and see what happens.
This jacket started as just that kind of idea. I wasn't quite sure how I wanted it, but I knew I would not be satisfied until I had given it a go.
When I finish a sewing project, any scraps that may be remotely useable are stuffed into one of several scrap boxes and hidden around the house. I'm sure I'm not alone in doing this - well maybe amongst my non-sewing friends, but sewing people will understand!
I rarely use these scraps, but this was my opportunity! It took me some time to find where I'd hidden them, but I eventually found a couple of boxes and fished out pieces that seemed to go together. I chose lots of different denim scraps and a few other things.
I wanted to use the Felix Jacket by Pattern Union as the simple lines and bound edges were perfect for this project. Also, I have seen excellent reviews of the pattern, so I wanted to try it for myself.
I decided on a length that was between the cropped and mid-thigh lengths in the pattern and, after a quick adjustment to the pattern pieces, cut out the jacket in a cotton twill fabric.
I then laid out my scraps on to each pattern piece until I was happy with the way they looked, then used lots of pins to hold them in place.
Each panel was then stitched individually, while I snuggled in front of the TV during the winter evenings. It probably took about three months to make and I worked on it most evenings during that time.
I had no plan for the stitching, just whatever took my fancy. I am not a good hand sewer, but the process of choosing coloured embroidery threads and sewing down the pieces in different patterns, was very enjoyable and I found it difficult to put it down. It was nice to remember the different things I had previously made with the fabric too. I got my Alabama Chanin stitch book out at one point and did some slightly fancier stitches in one area.
I was inspired by the Japanese technique of Boro stitching, which is a way of visibly mending garments by hand sewing on scraps of fabric.
Here and there I added some personal touches by stitching a word or two and some stick figures of my two boys and my dog. I left frayed edges showing where I could to add interest.
Here is the jacket in progress.
I didn't take many progress photos, but as soon as I finished each panel, including the patch pockets, I couldn't wait to sew them together to slowly see the jacket taking shape. I was very pleased with how the Felix jacket pattern came together.
Once all the panels were hand-stitched and sewn together, I went over the whole jacket again, adding a few more stitches in any bare bits. I used some sparkly gold thread in some places too.
Once I was satisfied, I made a lining from some blue silk that has been in my stash for ever. All the edges of the jacket were then bound with bias binding made from one of my chambray scraps.
I am really happy with this rustic, haphazard jacket. It was so enjoyable to make and it holds lots of memories in its scraps. My family said it was very 'me', which I was pleased to hear.
I wore it yesterday with my Morgan jeans, to Kings Park where I met sewing friends Sue and Katherine. The spring wildflowers were stunning and we enjoyed coffee and a visit to a lovely textile exhibition. Here we are - in our handmade outfits of course!
