For my latest project, I decided to sew a pair of corduroy Closet Core Morgan jeans.
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The Fabric
For the corduroy fabric , I purchased mine online at MelanatedFabrics. Unfortunately, they are completely sold out at this time. This is some of the nicest and drapiest corduroy I have ever used. It’s super soft and a mid-wale corduroy.
Work in process
The Morgan Boyfriend Jeans
One of the reasons that I chose to use this pattern is that it is designed for non-stretch fabrics. There is no stretch in the corduroy. The fit of the jeans is more of a straight fit and not too loose or baggy.
And this isn’t the first time I’ve made them. Although the instructions only mention using denim, I think you can use any jean appropriate fabric. Because I had made this before, I didn’t have to worry about fitting.
Some Sewing Tips
For these corduroy Closet Core Morgan jeans I did take into consideration some sewing tips and techniques that made things a bit easier.
Wash the fabric in cold water and dry on low heat.
Use a walking foot. This attachment will keep the fabric from sliding.
Use a pattern layout for napped fabrics, if possible.
Since the fabric is medium weight, a size 14 universal needle works great. I also suggest lots of pins (or clips) to keep things together.
If you are familiar with jeans making, this will be a relatively quick project for you. Beginners will probably want to make a muslin and get the fit right before cutting into the fashion fabric.
My fit check during the process
Conclusion
These jeans are soft and comfortable. Corduroy is “in” this season, so I can be stylish without even trying😂. The most difficult part was the topstitching. Because there’s a nap in the fabric, it was very hard to see. But, overall, I’m happy with the results!
I’m sharing some shacket sewing secrets that will help you achieve terrific results! I’ll go over the best fabrics for making and, of course, I’m sharing the perfect Fall shacket I made.
The Pattern
Simplicity 9388 was released in 2021, so it’s been around for a couple of years. It continues to be a very popular pattern.
This particular sewing pattern is a unisex pattern that ranges in size from XXS-XXL. As you can see from the photograph, the shacket can be made into a short look, to a long midi-length look. There are inseam pockets as well as the front pockets with flaps.
What Is A Shacket?
For those who are unaware, a shacket is basically the combination of a shirt and a jacket. They are a Fall staple in many wardrobes these days and I think, they are here to stay!
Here’s some reasons that shackets are so popular:
they are warm and comfortable on cool days
shackets are terrific for transitioning into your Fall wardrobe
they are a great layering piece
depending on the pattern choice, they can be a beginner friendly project
My Simplicity 9388 Shacket
First, let me say, I didn’t make any adjustments or alterations to the pattern. I made View B in a medium. Unisex patterns can be a little tricky for me to fit well, so I really checked measurements and decided to go with this size.
Although the plaid on the jacket looks great, I will admit that I didn’t stress about matching this at all. I did the best I could on the front, and then just kept going. I did attempt to match the front pocket flaps.
One of the most important things for me was to make sure the fabric was straight (on the grainline).
That sentence above is one of my shacket sewing secrets! Of course, it doesn’t matter what you’re making in regards to this. If you are using any kind of plaid in particular, you need to ensure that the fabric is cut out straight. So, just take your time when you lay it out.
The fabric I used is a black and camel colored poly rayon spandex blend (woven).
Flannel and plaid of all types are popular materials for sewing shackets. The majority of shackets and shacket patterns that I am familiar with are all for woven fabric. While this is my first actual shacket, I have made other Fall layering pieces in the past. In fact, the fabric I used for this was purchased from the Angela Wolf fabric stash sale, just like the piece in the link. I already had this piece in my fabric stash, so I got to shop at home! The stash sale is open to those who are members of her Fashion Sewing Club (FSC). Here’s a link to get more info on that if you’re interested.
Another shacket sewing secret would be to keep the fabric washable.
Because these are so comfortable for outdoor activities, you’ll want to be able to care for it easily, and to me, that means washing and drying.
Styling Your ShacketIf You’re Over 40
As far as how I can imagine wearing this when the weather cools down, I can definitely see wearing black or off white/ivory under this topper. The photo on the pattern envelope shows the model wearing a white sweatshirt, which is great for a casual day out (I’m thinking football game, leaf peeping-yes, that’s a thing in this part of the USA). Or, a nice cream colored sweater like this with black pants or jeans.
Conclusion
Let me know, have you ever made a shacket from this pattern or another? Leave me a comment below. I just love this very comfy, oversized (but not too oversized) look. Fall is my favorite time of year, so I am really looking forward to building a wearable wardrobe that I can really get a lot of use out of. What about you?
Here’s my latest YouTube video on this project and others… Enjoy!
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One of my end of summer makes has been these Simplicity 8056 pants. This is one of my favorite pants patterns. They are comfortable to wear and I didn’t have to do any alterations to get a good fit. This is also one of those “Amazing Fit” patterns. So, I want to provide a pattern review and some tips when making white garments.
It doesn’t matter whether you are heading into Fall/Autumn and are thinking about winter white or heading into summer.
The Pattern
Simplicity 8056 is a pants pattern with flared leg and shorts. One of the things that I really like about this pattern is the 1″ side seams. While that may seem like a small thing, I really does make fitting the pants that much easier.
The pockets stay flat against the body (just as the envelope states). The waistband sits comfortably on the body.
What I Did
For my pants, I used a stretch cotton sateen in white that I found in my fabric stash. This was one of those pieces that I had completely forgotten about and I really have no idea how long I’ve had it. Unfortunately, I also don’t know where I purchased it from.
Like I said, there weren’t really any alterations to share with you. I have made these before in black and I love them! These are so comfortable, stylish and easy to sew.
As of this writing, the pattern is still available on the Simplicity website even though it’s from 2016.
Tips
As for the sewing tips to share, the big one is how to make your pocket lining unnoticeable. I like to use a fabric for my lining that is close to my skin color. That way it blends in with my skin and isn’t noticeable from the outside. I would guess the same could be done regardless of what your skin tone is. If you were to use white fabric, the pockets would be clearly seen by those looking at you in your snazzy new pants.
I also like to use white thread (or matching thread) when I’m doing any topstitching. I just like the look. The only time that I might do contrast stitching is if I’m making jeans. But as I said, that’s a personal choice.
Conclusion
In any case, I hope you will try this pattern or something like it. It’s a pattern I would rate as intermediate (advanced beginner). The fit is fantastic (or “amazing” for these “Amazing Fit” pants). This is a pattern that can be made from a variety of fabrics in order to give it versatility for different seasons.
