Hello Friends,

It seems ages since we last “met”. Spring finally seems to be getting to us here in the UK, and I desperately wanted an easy to wear, light weight spring time jacket.

This is my second version of 8884: you can see my first here. If you had asked me at the time of completing version number one if I was ever going to be sewing it again, I would have said no….but when I went back and looked at the pattern I realised that this second version (View A) is considerably simpler than my first version (View C). The first version featured a three paneled front, princess seamed back, welt pockets, sleeve tabs, belt, buckles, endless top and edge stitching, and the thing which makes it not very wearable for me, is its longer length. Yep, the length is what puts me off reaching for it on a daily basis when doing the school run in the morning etc. This version is much more wearable (for me and my current lifestyle). And I love, love, love the rich, cheerful colour.

The fabric is a heavy weight cotton twill (is that the same as drill?). I used my denim needle for all the outer fabric construction, including the top and edge stitching.

Unlike the last version this view just has a centre back seam (no princess seams) and a back yoke:

This next picture gives you an idea of the amount of interfacing this jacket requires: all the front and the upper back as well as the relevant collar parts are interfaced (I used stretch fusible interfacing).

The thing which gave me the most trouble, actually, was the pockets. They just didn’t sit right. I ended up understitching them, which helped, but hmmmm….somehow….I don’t think it helped that I also shortened the jacket length by 1.5 inches. I should really have shortened the pocket bags I think. If I was making this again I would possibly do away with the inseam pockets altogether and do welt ones instead.

I also added stay buttons to the reverse of my outer buttons, using this great tutorial (this whole blog is a fab one BTW – check it out!):

Erm, so that’s it. Not much else to say on this that I didn’t say last time. Would I make this pattern again? Yeah, maybe. This view though – not view C!

Overall, I the time invested in this coat was worth it and I know that this is going to be one of those items that will get worn on a regular basis until we get the heat wave we are promised every year 🙂

Hope your sewing projects are going well!

Until next time…