FO and Pattern Review: Simplicity 2153

Another FO!  Just in time for our 30*+ weather we've had today.  The humidex makes it feel like 40*+.  This after a week of temperatures falling below 10* at night.  I don't know what's up with Mother Nature, but I'm loving the last shot at summer!

Anyways...enough of the weather update.  I'm sure what you are really looking for is a sewing update.  And, as luck would have it, I have one!

Pattern Review:  Simplicity 2153

I *LOVE* this jacket.  

Sorry...tilty picture.  Need to sort out the tripod/camera issue.  The sooner the better, apparently!!

Pattern Description:  According to Simplicity's website:  Misses' anorak with sleeve and collar variations.  I would also add that the jackets are unlined, and that there are pocket variations as well. There is also a back yoke and the shoulder seam is dropped forward on to the jacket front.  I made View E, which has the cinched collar and pocket variations, and used the sleeves from view D, with elastic casings at the hems.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14, and 16-24.  I made size 14, which is the size I normally wear.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes, I would say it does.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes, I would say they were.  I didn't often refer to them though - the jacket was pretty straight forward to sew.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I really like the collar and the pocket variations on this view.  This jacket is unlined, I wish I had taken the time to draft and sew the lining.  Next time I will do that. 

Fabric used:  A crinkled polyester cross-dyed taffeta

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:   I made this right out of the envelope.  Like I said above, next time I will take the time to include a lining.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, I am thinking of sewing this again, maybe in a lightweight faux suede or lightweight mini-wale corduroy for fall.

  

Conclusion:  A great jacket pattern.  Though I didn't include the lining (and since this is the third time that I have mentioned that I didn't include it, I must be disappointed with that fact!!), it makes a really nice lightweight windbreaker type jacket. The fit is nice, not too boxy, particularly because of the casing at the waist.  

I also used elastic cording for the cinched areas (collar, waist and pockets), which I'm not 100% certain I like - it's a bit stiff.  Or as my friend says, "Elastic erection."  Next time I'll use a polyester cording or some type of ribbon or something, but this is what I had on hand while I was sewing (and I didn't have to run to the fabric store...).

Despite the no-lining issue, I really really like this jacket.  I've already worn it a few times and I really feel good in it.