Well-----------------I made a really big project for myself to test out the size and fit of a sweatshirt base for a quilted jacket.
First I took apart a lower end shirt, worn and laundered umteen times, and discovered the sections (front, back and two sleeves) were every which size. I quickly put the parts in the rag bag.
Second I took a nice heavy weight shirt from the same brand name manufacturer and carefully unsewed the seams and removed the ribbing. This shirt was very well made and had a stabilized yoke at the back neckline and stabilized "v" at the center front. Success prevailed as all of my pieces matched nicely.
I think the differences amounted to the new heavier weight fabric and better construction techniques. I also stay stitched the neckline and center front prior to removing the ribbing. Immediately after removing the ribbing and the shoulder and side seams, I stay stiched the shoulder, armseye, side seam and bottom.
I used a few yards of tiedye fabric which I had on hand. This was washed and ironed in preparation for my experiment.
Now, I used spray basting outside to join the pieces in the sandwich fashion. Out came the blue painter's masking tape and the varigated thread....I cross hatched the entire set of pieces. I wasn't sure I would have enough varigated thread so I used light gray on the bobbin and that worked nicely.
My original plan was to stipple these surfaces, but I am learning and just couldn't see myself practicing on such large pieces. I am not petite or small boned, if you get my drift. :lol:
I cut the front down the center front after I had finished the cross hatching and the garment went together very quickly. Shoulder seams,
including more stabilizing stitching, attaching the sleeves to the armseye, and finally the long wrist to bottom hem sleeve-body seam.
I made bias binding out of 2.25 inch wide strips of the same fabric and attached it to the outer exposed edges (bottom, center fronts and neckline. I haven't decided how I will finish off the cuff as yet. I could
trim to length or leave them rolled up. In any case, I will bind them with the bias binding.
The jacket feels good and I have the pleasure of doing some handwork on the binding. that's a treat for me and seems to be the frosting on the cake.
What did I learn???
How to use spray basting, how the sandwich feels with the three layers, how if fits, how to stay stitch the garment in preparation for taking the garment apart, how warm a jacket would be, etc.
Perhaps the best thing is that I thoroughly enjoyed sewing in my sewing area and let the housework keep for another day!!!!!!!
I did my research on line and got loads of tips from members of this board. I thank you :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P
Do any of you go to such extremes when making a garment for yourself?
I want to make more jackets: vertical strips of various lengths will be my next project.
Have you ever used something other than the sweatshirt as the base?
Did you line the inside of your jacket?
I've completed one silly project and now I have different questions :!:
Well, thanks for letting me ramble. I was a good to sew in a sunny, air conditioned room and just have fun. Hope your days are just as enjoyable as the one I had.
Piecefully yours,
Kay Susan
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