Canvas Jacket for S P R I N G

No need to call me Dr. Gunn, but I suppose if I was a physician I’d look a little like this minus the buttons and sunglasses

It takes me very little to get excited about Spring, and after returning from Cleveland’s ice and snow to a few warm days of sunshine and blooming cherry trees,  I am keen to sew for the upcoming season.

One of these days I might sew a capsule wardrobe, and if I do this is my first piece.  Based on my Capsule Wardrobe Pinterest board one might think I was a capsule wardrobe consultant. I’m obsessed, but I’ve been unable to commit.

My jacket is inspired from the pin below, but I brightened the color to better coordinate with several of my warm weather clothes.

I wanted to sew a fairly close fitting jacket with this white cotton canvas from Mood Fabrics. An oversized garment in this stiff fabric would be bulky and unflattering and I settled on McCall’s 6520, a shirtdress pattern. The pattern was in my stash and I loved the fact that it did not have bust darts. I sewed View D.

To give the pattern a more jacket-like appearance, I:

1. Cut out the pattern one size larger.
2. Used a heavier interfacing in the cuffs and collar
3. Removed most of the curve from the waistline for a straighter bodice
4. Shortened the length by six inches
5. Added two patch pockets
6. Finished the bodice and shoulders with flat-felled seams

Thanks to the faux tortoise shell buttons the jacket will also coordinate with neutrals. While I doubt I’ll ever streamline my closet down to a minimal wardrobe (the true definition of a capsule wardrobe – interesting article here) I do intend to sew with purpose this year, and any garment that coordinates with existing clothes is a winner in my books

Happy Saturday!