I really liked the way this jacket (from Simplicity 2150) turned out, however, faux fur is going on my “do not sew” list.

I found this faux fur on Fabric.com, along with the Pongee lining, which I LOVED! I might even have enough lining left over to use for another upcoming project.  Before I started sewing, fortuitously, I received an email from Sew Daily with tips on sewing with faux fur.

So after cutting it out in one layer, trimming the seam allowance (well, some of it, at least), and basting… LOTS of basting, I still had trouble sewing it in one place, which is why it goes on my “do not sew list”. When I was attaching the lining to the faux fur, sewing through three layers of faux fur along the collar proved to be a challenge: it just would not fit under my presser foot. Instead of giving in and painfully hand-stitching that section of the jacket, I pulled out the quilting foot that came with my machine, and due to it’s “high shank”, I was able to use that to sew it together. Also, had I  used binder clips instead of pins, it probably would have made managing those four layers (including the lining) a bit more manageable.

Regardless, I like the jacket. It’s definitely a fashion jacket, not one I’ll wear every day. For some reason, I really like zippers (or at least, a series of button to keep my jackets and coats closed) and sleeves that cover my wrists.

Still a little chilly, despite the sun

Jacket front

Jacket back

Inside lining

Pattern Description

Misses’ faux fur, fitted & loose cut jackets sewing pattern. Style D has a stand-up collar and is made from faux fur with hook and eye closures.

Pattern Sizing

One of the courses I took at the Sewing Expo taught that the ease in a jacket should only be 5″. Wanting more fitted clothes, and not to appear to swim in them, I made a size 10, since that was closer to the appropriate ease than a size 12. Hindsight, I should have made the size 12, since it felt like it just needed a little more ease than 5″.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yep, I even managed to use faux fur fabric with the same lines.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Oh yes, I love Simplicity instructions! The pictures and directions are very clear on how to accomplish each step. Although, knowing how to construct a jacket helps a bit too

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

The pattern was great! Only four pattern pieces (front, back, sleeves, and collar), no buttons, no zipper, although, pockets would have been nice.

Fabric Used

Faux Fur Grooved Mink in white from Fabric.com and Pongee Lining in white from Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made

I didn’t make any alterations on this jacket, however, after making it, I probably would have wanted to add a couple inches to the sleeves, since they only came down to 2″ from my wrists. I realize it’s part of the fashion of the jacket, but I just like my sleeves longer, for some reason.

Would you sew it again?

Eh… probably not. One faux fur jacket is enough for me. I’d probably like to sew the other styles in the pattern, though.

Would you recommend it to others?

For a quick faux fur jacket, sure! It was pretty easy, despite the challenge of sewing with faux fur.

Conclusion

It was a good jacket, very easy pattern, just a lot of work to get it done for how simple it is.