November 1, 2010

MAKING A JACKET

I finally made a new jacket - a replacement for my everyday black staple. This is a project I've been wanting to do for a long time and I'm happy with the end result. I pulled some elements from old jackets I had and did some research to find details I wanted to use.

Inspiration jacket #1 - It started with this army green jacket I picked up at a garage sale for under $5 a few years back. I love the shaped raglan sleeves on this style - it has a sporty 80's/grandpa feel to it. Wilson made some good ones.Center back V piece looks cool, too.Shaped raglan sleeve detail with topstitching.Inspiration jacket #2 - A classic cut motorcycle style jacket. This style has set-in sleeves, which means the body of the jacket is sewn first and then the sleeves are "set in" to the armhole and stitched to the body.I like all the zipper pocket details but there's definitely a lot going on. Wearing this style makes me feel a little too "fashion-biker" - I wanted mine to be influenced by a classic motorcycle jacket but more simplified.I drafted a muslin pattern using the shaped raglan sleeves of the first jacket and some details from the second, including zippered gussets on the sleeves and a foldover collar.Various pattern pieces.I sewed a rough muslin mock-up to get the overall dimensions and fit right. A lot can be fixed from the mockup but the pattern really needs to be tested in the actual material (leather) in order to make final adjustments, as leather is much more supple than cotton and will have an entirely different weight and stretch. Cutting out the leather pieces and ready to sew my first sample.My finished jacket - I used black cowhide that has a soft hand but sturdy weight, brass zippers, and a black cotton lining with pin dots. The pattern is pretty simple, but the brass zippers lend just the right amount of subtle flash for me. Why so serious? Because looking into the sun kind of sucks. And putting awkward model shots up feels totally silly but since I made this jacket to fit me, I wanted to show it on myself.Full Zoolander, I'm just going for it.
See the raglan sleeves just like the green jacket? It's a neat cut.The one "fancy" thing about this jacket is the double-breasted zippers at the front. You can zip it to the right or left side.
myspace graphic is done on Gickr.com

So now all I want to do is make leather jackets. I'm dreaming about it at night. So...that means more to come.

11 comments:

reid.damnit said...

wow, I'm completely in awe of your skillzzz

STOP IT RIGHT NOW said...

awesome!!!! this is one of the better leather jackets i've seen, well done!

Anonymous said...

sooo Rad Lizzy!! Such a talent, I love it and want one!! xo

Cielle Taaffe said...

rad, Lizzy! super cool.

Fashion Serial Killer said...

Holy shit! That's super cool.. you are one talented lady!

Oriana said...

you are so cool!!! And I totally mean it, that is probably one of the best leathers Ive ever seen.ever. Skills to pay the bills

Rackk and Ruin said...

Dude, you should be so insanely proud of yourself!! it turned out beautifully and i love the combo of your two inspirations. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

C.Earhart said...

Wow amazing work, you have a great style! Would love to get my wife a one off, keep doing it!

max schaaf said...

radical liz.

Anonymous said...

damn thats on awesome biker!!

Satya said...

Awesome! I want one too. It turned out beautifully - great job.