Friends, it is Fall here in Philly. I desperately love Fall--the colors, the crisp air, Halloween, apple cider! Fall clothing has always been my favorite--the tall boots, the scarves, sweaters, fingerless mittens/gauntlets... and jackets. Oh God how I love the fall jacket!
I wanted to sew a jacket but am really hesitant to do so. But not for the reasons you'd think. You see... I'm moving to Florida--Miami to be exact--at the end of November. Research shows me that Miami in the fall is roughly in the 80s and winters are in the 70s.
That's pretty hot, friends.
Further discussion with my sister who lives in North Carolina, confirms that anyone south of Pennsylvania rarely wears jackets as she pretty much told me, "Um... yeah. When I get cold, I put on a long sleeve shirt and a sweater and usually end up taking the sweater off."
I'm trying to fathom a world in which I cannot sport sporty fall jackets, boots, and scarves.
Friends... these are the jackets I hereby mourn. (FWIW--these are all patterns I currently have at my disposal).
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| Simplicity 2508 |
I really liked the mid-thigh version of this with collar B and three button sleeves (top left image). It seemed very girly and 1960s Audrey Hepburn. I imagined making it in a creamy white (I so love "winter" whites) or maybe a Fall appropriate color like burnt orange or a brown plaid.
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| McCalls 5525 |
I really liked version B of this one. This is also one that say's Audrey Hepburn to me and I freely acknowledge that this is a slightly girlier version the Simplicity pattern. If I made this one, I'd probably make it a girly color. I hesitate to say pink because I'm not *really* a pink kind of girl. Maybe a soft dove-gray with dark pink accents? The longer version appeals to me as a trench coat as well...
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| Folkwear 133: Belgian Military Chef's Jacket |
I'm on the fence about this jacket. It's an interesting shape, especially that little "tail" in the back. Shape wise, however, it reads a little 1980s to me.
These next two are from Burdastyle and are basically the same shape and style: Military. I really love the military look. I wold make these in either a smokey, chocolate-y gray or a drab olive. These two are both all about the sleeves and buttons.
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| BurdaStyle--Hikaru |
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| BurdaStyle--Military Jacket |
And finally, a few winter coats. I love a swingy, elegant winter jacket. I suspect they are a thing of my past. You have no idea how much this makes me sad and how deeply I mourn the loss of the winter jacket.
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| Burdastyle--Talea |
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| BurdaStyle--Boatneck Coat |
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| BurdaStyle--Fitted Coat with Belt |
I really like the little details--the shoulders on the first, the neck on the second, and the sleeves on the third--on these patterns. They make something mundane a bit more extraordinary. Some of these details are similar to the ones in Grethchen Hirsch of
Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing has a new coat pattern for Butterick:
I'm not super in love with Gerti's pattern but my sister is. She lives in Central NY. She may be getting a coat for Christmas next year.
I'm at a loss, frankly, what to sew for Miami. Suggestions are welcome. And also... anyone sewing a jacket? Want to share your tips, tricks, and general experience?
7 comments:
Honestly? Heavy winter coats will be a thing of your past, too. Cold here is in the 40s. Rarely, it will get into the 20s or 30s. (I live in SW Georgia) Lightweight, waterproof windbreakers are good for fall and spring, with a touch heavier for December, January, and February. Most of the time, though, if you're cold, a sweatshirt (always with another shirt underneath in case you get too warm!) or sweater works. Fall, winter, and spring are more rainy than anything. Snow is a rare occurrence and when it does snow, it hardly ever sticks.
I'm with you on the mourning for winter clothes! Even though it doesn't stay that warm here in SoCal during the winter, I'm sad that the season for wearing plaids and wools is so short. I can't even imagine living in a place where you never need more than a sweatshirt!
I just started sewing a jacket, but from fleece, just as a warm-up. I've never made anything from such a thick fabric so I felt like I needed to ease into it. Honestly, I'm super scared of my red wool!
Living in the land of heat and humidity, I have to say that I now feel cold if it's below seventy. I have one classic wool jacket for when I head NOB (north of the border). Our low is 50 in January for a day or two, LOL.
I often pack a shawl with me when I go to the movies and to some restaurants who seem to think that everyone enjoys shivering while dining.
Some of those coats would make great raincoats however. And if you find yourself working in an office environment, you can wear jackets there. More like blazers I guess.
I have a lot of tank tops, sleeveless shells and short sleeve stuff. I prefer the sleeveless because I can layer a light sweater if need be. I also like to put a short sleeve tops over a tank to dress it up a little but still be cool. I realize that I am old enough to be your mother so I won't offer fashion advice ;)
I wear leggings in the winter while the snowbirds wear shorts and ooze sweat. Don't give away all your sweaters and such, because you will need them when you visit family and friends. You will also need them next year when you are more acclimated. Never underestimate the body's ability to adapt.
What did you wear in India? surely you didn't wear jackets there?
regards,
Theresa
When we first got to India, it was their winter months. I was sweating bullets. By the time we left a year later, I was wearing jeans, sneakers with socks, long sleeve shirts and my fleece jacket I took with me. I imagine Miami in a year will be similar.
I think you're right, Theresa. A number of these coats would actually make great rain wear (Lord knows Miami gets a lot of rain!). I'm also thinking that a few of them could be adapted for lite jackets using corduroy or chino-type material (especially the two military style jackets).
I just really love the winter jacket.
Conversely, how do you deal with the sticky of summer? I'm as equally worried about that (I LOVE dry heat... but dry Miami is not!).
Repeat after me,the high humidity is great for my skin. My hair is curling NOT frizzing due to the high humidity. Besides the high humidity is good for my skin. It's interesting not shocking that I am damp again after toweling off, besides the high humidity is good for my skin. The 98% humidity is good for my skin...
Then jump in the pool or the shower to cool down at least three times remembering that I look younger because the high humidity is plumping out those wrinkles and did i mention it's good for my skin?
Actually, if it gets too bad, I head to the art museum or somewhere else with ac.
It helps to not think about it,ignore that drop of sweat that forms on the back of your knee and slowly drips down your leg ,oops I forgot, the high humidity is good for my skin...
regards,
Theresa
I'd be really interested in your thoughts on the process (hint hint).
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