My latest make is the Cashmerette Catskills Jacket. They collaborated with Julie Eilber to design this lovely bias-cut jacket. The inspiration came from the designs of Claire McCardell who was famous for her ready to wear outfits in post war America. She is credited with creating American Sportswear and was famous for her matching sets.
The Catskills Jacket is the perfect cropped jacket with grown-on sleeves. The bias cut makes it drape beautifully and I love the roomy feeling under the arms. I can throw this on over a dress and it will be perfect as a layering piece in the warmer months. I don’t deal with the cold well and that includes the air-conditioning that everyone ramps up in the summer!
This beautiful fabric was given to me by a lady who was gifted it about thirty years ago. She heard that I did some sewing and she wanted me to have it. We think it might be silk satin but can’t be a hundred percent sure. Unfortunately, there had been some damage to the fabric due to its time in storage. Some of the threads had pulled on something so there were patches which I had to cut around. It was also very narrow at 90cm. She thought that perhaps the fabric might have been good for cushion covers but I felt I could use it for the Catskills Jacket. Due to the bounciness and thickness of the fabric, I couldn’t use the French seam instructions but instead finished the seams with an overlocker. I also had to do a fair bit of hand sewing to finish the facing.
Sizing of the jacket was very accurate. I made the size 10 for my measurements of 37-inch bust and 33-inch waist. I’ve chosen to sew the ¾ sleeves as it will be used in the warmer months. The pattern allows for a choice between five buttons with thread loops or eight hooks and eyes. I had some red frog fastenings but after some discussion on my Instagram, I decided the colour was a mismatch for the fabric. I’ve decided to leave off any closures as I’m not likely to need to do up the jacket when worn. I choose to reserve judgement but with the fabric it’s easier to attach buttons later than remove them.
I can’t wait to share my make with the lady who gifted me this beautiful fabric. I am blown away that it could turn into something so gorgeous. It has also made me more determined to sew up my fabric stash and make the most of them while they are in good condition as I’m in the habit of storing my “special” fabrics rather than sewing them up.
Thanks for reading and happy sewing!
X Em
Em Sew Happy Blog 