The Kantha Quilt Jacket Almost Finished and Something to Think About

My Kantha Quilt jacket is just about finished. I could actually wear it at this point, but I would like to add pockets. As much as I sometimes try to convince myself that I don't need pockets, I always end up looking for them ;)  The jacket is completely reversible as you can see below. I was especially please with how the batik print blended with the pattern in the quilt.

I used the batik to finish off all of the seams. Below is the neckline seam.

 The armhole seam.

 And the underarm seam.

 Now, for something to think about if you use the Sew News pattern. The collar is quite large.

I think that what I will do is trim the collar down, following the pins that you see in the picture below. The quilt fabric has more body and so the collar sticks out more than what I would like and it seems rather overwhelming. At least in my opinion.

I rounded off the corners of the jacket because I plan to attach a round pocket and felt that the round edges would work together a little better. I also plan to make a tie belt to wear with the jacket.
I was asked about the size of my quilt Here's a link to a quilt that is the same size that I purchased, https://www.etsy.com/listing/153329073/tiwn-quilt-blue-ikat-kantha-quilt?ref=shop_home_active_3
My quilt measured out to be approximately 2 1/2 yards long by a little less than 60" wide.
I was also asked about the condition of the quilt. The materials that were used for this quilt seem to be new, so the fabric was in good shape. I did not have to worry about holes are worn areas. But remember, this is a handmade item, so there are imperfections. There are areas where the stitching has not been knotted, or the thread ends have not been cut. None of the imperfections were and issue for me as I rather like the fact that it's handmade and not perfect.  

 

I was asked about a schematic of the pattern that I used. There isn't one, but I have laid the pattern out in the picture below so you can get an idea of how it is shaped. Please take a look at this post to see the changes that I made to the sleeve.

I'm planning to wear the jacket next week, so you'll see the completely finished then.

Thrifty Thursday/An Easy Chic Jacket

An Easy Chic Free Jacket Pattern From Sew News

This jacket is actually a Thrifty Thursday pattern repeat. First of all, I really like the pattern and it works so well for what I wanted to do. This jacket was originally in the December/January 2014 issue of Sew News.

You may remember the boiled wool jacket that I made from this pattern. You can find my original post HERE.

A few weeks ago, Shams of www.communing.blogspot.com posted a great jacket that she had made using a Kantha quilt. You can see her jacket HERE. Below is Heidi Klum in an original Kantha jacket. 

I was in love!!!, so I headed directly over to Etsy and found this shop and the quilt that is quickly becoming a jacket which you see below. Shams did a much more tailored version which is incredibly beautiful and artistic, but I liked the voluminous version that you see on Heidi, so I knew where to head for my pattern.  

Since the quilt is backed, the jacket can be reversible. I stitched down my center back seam.

                     
If I want to wear the jacket with the reverse side out, then the collar will have the pattern.

The seams as well as my raw edges will need to be finished. I found the batik print that you see below which I will use to make bias tape and then finish my seams and raw edges.

If you like the jacket pattern that Sew News posted, I recommend downloading it soon as I'm not sure of how much longer it will be available. You can find the pattern HERE. It is a PDF pattern, so you will have to tape it together, but there are only 3 pattern pieces so the taping doesn't take that much time.
I'll post my completed jacket as soon as I 'm finished. The weather is supposed to take a turn toward some warmer temperatures next week, so I want to get it finished in order to enjoy the jacket as well as the warmth!!!
Thanks Shams for the inspiration!!!

Fabulous Free Pattern Friday and Sew News

I've been so caught up with the current sew along for the Emily Bag that I completely forgot about the other article that I have in the current issue of Sew News. Actually, the sew along caught me a little off guard as it came so quickly on the heels of the Clover pant sew along. 

Here's a glimpse of the article. You may remember that it's from this Fabulous Free Pattern Friday post. 

The jacket didn't quite make it into the magazine as I had envisioned it. Here's the outfit that I sent in. Please don't get me wrong, I am very pleased and excited to have it in the magazine, I just like my version better :) I had just enough of the faux fur to make a little skirt.

 The back.

The jacket is reversible. I have enough of the plaid to make a pair of pants to wear with the jacket. I think the pants will look great with it as well.

 The back.

I have a feeling that I am going to get a LOT of wear out of the skirt and top I really like the way the 2 work together. I'm planning to wear black tights with the skirt. Or maybe brown would be better??? 

I'll post pictures of me in the outfit for an upcoming Me Made Monday post. 

Now, a little good news about the top. I have finally found a company to size my pattern and digitize it. I am so very happy. Fingers crossed that everything will go smoothly. My plan is to finally release my first real pattern in January. 

If you would like to read the article, you can get a copy of the current issue at your local bookstore, Joann's Fabrics(here in America), or you can order one directly from Sew News. And there's one last option...one of the winners of the magazine has not responded, so if you would like the extra copy of the magazine that I have, just leave a comment here and I will announce the winner on Friday, October 17, 2014.    

One last note. Since I am leaving tomorrow for a little vacation, I have decided to postpone the pants post until I return. I won't be gone long, just until Sunday. I think my dogs and my husband would miss me too much if I'm away any longer!!! Notice the order, dogs then husband ;) So sorry for all of the delay, but I think that once we get started, you will really enjoy the posts.

I'll be back a little later with my late Me Made Monday post.