Ankara Jacket brought to life!

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.”

~author unknown~

Hello sewing loves it’s the middle of the week and as promised I have something fabulous to share with you today.  I’ve been working hard on my latest project, not because it was difficult or required any special techniques but simply because I decided to slow down take my time and make it perfect!  While it’s true that I’ve loved Ankara/Dutch wax prints from afar I must admit that I never really had a desire to work with this textile myself.  To be honest I really wasn’t sure how this particular fabric would fit into my style statement.

Then I thought wait a minute Shari you’ve always said that you can make anything work for you!!! Or as Chaka Khan says “I’m every woman it’s all in meeee!”  Fashion and your personal style statement are just that, YOURS!  You can make it what you want and as with you it is constantly evolving and growing.  So I threw my style hat in the ring and cut into my stash of Ankara fabulousness! The result of merging two ideas a McCalls coat pattern and an earthy warm Ankara print textile proved to be right up my alley.  While the pattern is simple and straightforward  I did change how the sleeve portion of the lining was done (just for my own sanity).  I will say if you're going to use this type of fabric to create this jacket stay calm, get ready to slash and Iron, Iron, Iron throughout the process.  Yes if there is hand sewing involved but trust me take your time do it right and I guarantee the payoff will be HUGE!  I hope you enjoy the pics loves and until next time have a wonderfully creative rest of the week!

Hugs

Shari

McCalls 7256 Coat/Jacket Pattern & 6173 Pants

Opted for a different closure didn't want buttonhole as pattern suggested! I say do what moves You!

Inside of jacket lined and hand sewn! Trust me it's worth the work! It looks so clean and professional!

Inside sleeve lining also worth the work! 

Clean hem all the way around the jacket and trust me it was a lot!! My eyes started crossing! LOL

I didn't use the pattern method for attaching the sleeve lining! I decided to make to separate bodice and attach them at the neck first then the shoulders and the sleeves! Just seemed easier that way!