Plaid Matching Using Butterick 4463

I decided to try plaid matching using Butterick 4463.

The Pattern

Butterick 4463 is an older pattern that’s out of print (OOP). It’s from 2005 but I think that these days, it would be called a shacket. I have made this multiple times before and it is one of my favorites. I believe it’s available on Ebay and Etsy.

The jacket is unlined. It features two inseam pockets, front and back yokes and collar. There are a couple of lengths and a belt pattern included.

My Jacket: Plaid Matching Using Butterick 4463

I used this fabric I was gifted from Minerva for this project. It is the perfect weight fabric for something like this. It’s medium to heavy weight suiting and is terrific for an unlined jacket.

Since this jacket doesn’t have a center back seam or gathers in the back, it was a bit easier to figure out how to match this plaid. I laid out the back piece first with the fabric folded and pinned so it wouldn’t shift or move around. Then I matched up the back yoke with fabric right-side up. After that, I used the notches in the pattern pieces to do the best I could to match up everything else. Luckily, that worked out.

It’s always nice when all the effort works out and things match the way you want. But I have also learned not to stress too much about it. Nothing is going to be perfect. I would proudly wear this jacket regardless.

Because I wanted the buttons to blend in, I made covered buttons using the dark part of the plaid fabric.

Doing the buttons this way also meant that I didn’t have to worry about matching the plaid on the covered buttons.

Conclusion

Overall, this is an easy pattern and fairly quick to put together. Of course, if you choose to use a plaid fabric, the layout and cutting phase will take a bit more time and patience.

As far as this Minerva polyester viscose suiting is concerned, it is fantastic to sew. As I stated, it is the perfect weight for an unlined Fall season jacket. Here is the post I wrote for Minerva featuring this project.

Modern Take on a Classic Trench

Here is a modern take on a classic trench.

As you may know, I have been working on some classic pieces to add to my wardrobe. This latest addition is the Angela Wolf Patterns Chloe trench. I made this using a home decor fabric (cotton). The jacket is unlined, but I did line the pockets, belt and back yoke with a lilac polyester fabric.

This is such a classic style that is easy to make. I found the sizing on this good in terms of going by my measurements. I had in mind that this would be a good springtime jacket. If I wanted to wear this over a bulky sweater though, I would definitely be more comfortable going up a size.

The pattern doesn’t call for buttons, but they could certainly be added if one chose to do so. I think snaps would also be a great addition! The jacket could also be lengthened, fully lined or made as a raincoat with the right fabric choice.

Although there are some classic design details in the jacket, I used simple, adjustable buckles for mine.

While my jacket isn’t lined and lining is not required, I finished the seams with seam binding (instructions are in the booklet so there’s no guessing when and where to use the binding). I used this hot pink since I had 4 packages of it, and I always like something bright on the inside when possible.

trench coat inside out to show front inside — *Inside front*

trench coat turned inside out — *Inside back*

Conclusion

I would highly recommend this pattern. It’s really not a difficult pattern to put together.

If any of you are interested in purchasing the pattern for yourselves, you can check it out here: Chloe trench. If you would prefer the PDF pattern, that can be found here: Chloe trench PDF. You can use the code DENISE10 (all caps) for a 10% discount off the pattern price. *Please know that this is an affiliate link and that I would get a little bit of money from the use of the code.

I can definitely see myself making more of these. And I keep thinking that this would make a great dress with a button closure!

*This post contains affiliate links

BurdaStyle Mag Biker Jacket

When I was looking through the March issue of BurdsStyle Magazine, I knew that this was something I wanted to make. The problem was that I have never done anything from the magazine with this much detail. To say that I was concerned about whether or not I could actually get it done is an understatement.

Well, much to my surprise, this jacket was not as hard as I thought it would be. Actually, it was pretty easy! Of course I had to trace the pattern, but that’s a step I’ve done before so I was used to that process.

I had this tweed fabric I had bought a while back that I really wanted to use for this project. It looks good, but the material was hard (at least for me) to work with. Because the weave is very loose, it frays very easily. Also, there are little sequined pieces woven into the fabric which meant I had to sew slowly in order for the material to not get stuck in the feed dogs of the machine and for the needle not to be damaged. So, I learned my lesson. I would love to make this again, but with a very different fabric that will be a bit easier to handle.

But, I am definitely happy with the end results. This is my first time making a biker jacket with an asymmetric zipper and zippered sleeves. I know some of you consistently make garments from the magazine and I truly admire that. I’m trying to stretch my ability and I figure that this is a good way to do it.

So, until next time… I’ll keep sewing and sharing.