Python Parka - Finished!

I am thrilled to report that the Python Parka is finally finished! Yay! I first blogged about it on March 13, 2011 -- shocking that it has been almost a year! It's so difficult to pick up an unfinished project after a period of time. I almost scrapped this one, because I lost interest in the project, but I'm glad I picked it up and completed it.

I combined two related patterns from the January 2009 issue of Burda. Here are the line drawings. I used the sleeve style and short length of the top style and the dramatic collar from the bottom style.

Here is my version on the dress form. I hope to take additional shots this weekend.

I made a few changes:

1. Too lazy to make the chest pockets, but with the busy print, I don't think I miss them.
2. Used elastic for the waist instead of a drawstring.
3. Didn't add the drawstring at the hem.
4. The sleeves are meant to be worn as three-quarter sleeves.

I love the collar. The gathers are created by a drawstring within a casing made in the collar. It's kind of hard to see, but there is an eyelet with the drawstring pulled through.

There is also a snap that attached the corner of the collar to the jacket, helping the collar to stand up a bit.

I had a lot of problems with the pocket. This fabric is very bouncy, and so the gathers on the pockets became extremely pouf-y. I tamed them by creating a fold and tacking it down with the button. Works well -- nice to come up with a fix!

Finally, the two-way zipper is great! I think the exposed teeth really add to the look.

Overall, I'm pleased with how this turned out. I'll post more over the weekend!

No Peplum Until the Python is Tamed

Have you ever been jazzed about a new project, only to feel guilty about the ones that remain unfinished and neglected in some corner of your sewing room?

Well, that's where I've been these past several days. I've been so excited about the prospect of figuring out a cool way to remake the peplum outfit ... until I eyed my old Python Parka project, the one with all of the pieces cut out and ready to be sewn. That's when the guilt set in, furthered by the fact that it was stacked in a corner of my table, waiting for me!

So, I've decided that there will be no peplum until I've wrestled and conquered the python. Stay tuned -- I've made good progress in the past couple of days!

Obsessed with this Outfit (Well, Mostly the Peplum!)

I am obsessed -- absolutely obsessed -- with this outfit from the January issue of Vogue Magazine.

The ruffly peplum is so unexpected -- I love it! According to the caption, that amazing peplum is attached to the pants. Not sure I want to make a pair of pants with a big peplum attached, but I wouldn't mind attaching one to a top. The elbow detail on the jacket is cool too -- maybe not the most practical design element, but since when is fashion practical?