The Grey Jacket Makes Progress
To tell you the truth, I was having doubts about this jacket.
I’m making a hooded modular jacket as a sew-a-long project for Zero and Zen, a course I’m co-hosting with Kate Ward (we are already underway, but it’s still possible to sign up HERE).
The first post on this jacket is here. The jacket pattern is from A Year of Zero Waste Sewing, and the free hood update can be found here.
The jacket is sewn, with no issues, and I’m working on the sashiko stitching. It’s always hard to tell exactly how it’s going to look, and as I’m stitching a large area it’s a big investment of time before seeing a return. I’m not really a worrier, but thoughts niggled in the back of my mind….was my stitch length too long? Was the junction where the stitches met too big? Would the guide lines rub off before I got to stitch them? Would I like it? Was I too conservative and safe with stitch choice and placement? Will there be enough thread?
Anyway, two nice things have happened: I began stitching the final row and suddenly the pattern popped out and I liked it!
The other was the discovery that once the foundation grid was stitched, it wasn’t necessary to mark the final lines – I could stitch using my calibrated eyes as a guide. This freed things up as I could confidently lie in bed and stitch.
I did a try-on to see how things were tracking. I’m planning to add a diagonal welt pockets where the paper rectangle is. Does the sashiko need another row of pattern? Maybe the pocket just needs to be a bit lower.
The back view – actually I don’t mind it half done. It looks a bit edgier! But I will continue around.
I’ve almost run out of thread and will have to order some more to finish. I started with a new 100m skein but it won’t be enough.
Onwards!
That looks so awesome!!!
I don’t think another row is needed – it then would go up so high it might look like you meant to do the whole thing but got tired?
Also, it’s a bit funny that you thought 100m of yarn would be enough for artistic freedom. 🙂
Haha! yes, it might look like I got sick of it and gave up!
I’ve never used an entire 100m skein for one project (it comes in 20m or 100m), but I think the feeling is going to be like finishing a whole lipstick or biro.
Hi Liz, I love how the back is half finished it does look edgy. Can I suggest leaving the back as is and then put some stitching on one of the welt pockets, maybe on the opposing side that has no stitching.
Thank you, good thoughts. I’m leaning more towards that idea than not.
Hi Liz! I was just looking at my 2023/24 sewing goals and your jacket was on the list. (Ahhh! as well as a few more of your patterns tbc..) Your jacket looks wonderful! I love how you wrote how the eye is drawn to the pattern and not every stitch (if you wanted machine perfect then you could have used a…machine❤️) I love the way it looks and agree the pocket could be lowered. instead of „completing“ the other half of the behind…how‘s about some diagonal design? Keep moving! (even is you‘re in your armchair/bed) Best, Giuls
Thanks Giuls, after all that stitching it was a relief to see the pattern as a whole. Now I’m looking at the photos I took I agree the pocket could definitely be lowered. Diagonal design…hmm…good idea 🙂
Your Sashiko stitching looks fabulous. Congratulations and well done. Love the colour on the grey wool. It really pops.
Thanks Anthea! The orange on grey is a winner!
I think you have a great start looks so finished. If you feel so inclined consider adding a little of your custom flair to the edge of the sleeves and the hood as well. It always amazing how the process and work finally come together in the end. Thanks for sharing the details of your design it is so pretty.
Thank you Sandra. I had originally thought to do something on the sleeves too, and now I have an idea of how things are looking it will be easier to decide. Cheers!
Gorgeous Liz!!
Many thanks Susan 🙂