My Kantha Quilt jacket is finished and just in time for the beautiful weather we are having in Chicago. I am so pleased with the jacket, In my last post about the jacket, I said that I might want to trim down the collar. I wore the jacket a few days ago when I met up with some friends. Both of them loved the collar and felt that I should leave it alone. So what do you think?
My husband and I were out early this morning and had a little fun with the pictures. The pictures were actually taken in an alley!! This is the garage door for the Lill Street Art Art Center. We are really quite fortunate here in Chicago as we have some very interesting art pieces like this that are available to see just as you drive by. Over the summer I hope to make a little more use of some of these in my pictures.
I added pockets to the jacket, but wasn't able to match the pattern as I had already cut the remainder of my fabric for another project. I decided that since the pattern is quite busy and the binding does serve as a break, then it's not so noticeable that I didn't match the pattern. At least that is what I'm telling myself ;) The jacket is great unbelted.
Here's a view of the back.
If by chance you missed the info on the pattern, it's a free pattern from Sew News and you can find it HERE. I'm planning to use the pattern one more time for another piece that I think you'll find interesting. So download the pattern before it's gone. I really is a great pattern and it's quite versatile as well.
I love it. It has an eclectic chic vibe. That color looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin :)
DeleteThe jacket is gorgeous - both the fabric and the workmanship. The collar, in my opinion only, is a little too large, and from the back, it's way too square for being that oversized. I would trim it down some and shape it a little for a more balanced back view.
ReplyDeleteI actually prefer the pockets not matching up exactly, just to break up the geometry a little. I made a king-size bolster for my bed out of a similar Kantha/Ikat fabric, and after having it on the bed for just a few days, I re-worked with a couple off-setting strips on one end just to relieve the eye. But, like I said, just my opinion.
Your opinion is exactly what has bothered my eye. I want to reshape the edges of the collar. It's fine like it is, but I think trimming the sides along the back will make me a lot happier.
DeleteI am going to go ditto on the above. I think it looks beautiful though and the colour is fab on you. xx
DeleteThis is my absolute favorite color.
DeleteIt's perfect! The colours suit you perfectly. It's really fab. I've just finished mine but it hasn't been worn yet. I must admit that I always 'test wear' a new item just to see if it needs any alterations or adjustments - but really, do nothing. Leave the collar alone and the belt at home and hold your head high.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth :) I like your opinion as it allows me to be a little lazy about taking off the binding and reshaping the collar ;) As for tying it, until it gets a little warmer, I need the tie in order to stay warm. You would think I'm 90 the way I am always so cold!!!
DeleteI absolutely love the colour of your jacket Rhonda! And it looks perfect for your transitional weather. Me? I'm not a fan of the collar. Having said that, if I saw you walking down the street, I'd think 'Awesome jacket!' I would not think, 'What's with the collar?'. But for my personal taste, the collar is way too big. I think I'd be uncomfortable with anything wider than my shoulder, and I'd go curved at the back. You really have to go with what feels right for you!
ReplyDeleteI have gone back and forth over the collar. The nice thing about it is that when it's on my body, I don't have to look at it ;) The thought also occurred to me that what doesn't come across in the pictures is that I ammtall enough to carry off the wide collar, but we'll see how I feel in a few days. I so appreciate your input as it really helps me to formulate my thoughts and what I want to do.
DeleteIt's great. Agreed, the collar is big, but it also gives it quite a unique feel. I wonder if I would like the big collar better without the edge binding and if the jacket were a simply monochrome wool for example. I second Sue (above) in that I understand your indecision over it - but it's only because you point out your concern that we are having the discussion. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure 100% of us would simply say, what a fabulous jacket, which is exactly what it is. The colours are amazing, and it looks perfect for spring too. I say, wear it for a bit and if it keeps driving you batty, refashion it.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right about the monochrome aspect as the boiled wool version didn't bother me in the least. I'm actually wearing the jacket today and people are even stopping me in the street to tell me
DeleteHow much they like the jacket, so I'm probably just nitpicking about the collar. And too, I think that in real life I am tall enough to carry it off. I am going to give it a few days and then take a fresh look before I make a final decision. Thanks for the input!
I love it, especially unbelted. It would look good also with smaller collar but if you leave as is, it will save you work!
ReplyDeleteThe jacket is lovely but IMHO the collar is too large. If you are questioning the size of the collar then you should change it - go with your gut! Aren't we lucky that we sew and can make adjustments? Karen
ReplyDeleteYour opinion is not at humble, but appreciated. And yes, we are very fortunate to be able to pick things apart and see them back together :)
DeleteI'm so inspired to go rummaging through the op shops and unearth a quilty beauty to put to good use Rhonda - thank you for the inspiration. I have to admit, the collar is a little theatrical for me, I'd scale it down a tad.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful! I can't make up my mind about the collar. I would probably leave it as is and see if it really bothered me to keep it as is.How's that for undecided??
ReplyDeleteI love it :) I wore the jacket all day today and every chance I had, looked at my reflection. The fact that the collar is over my shoulders doesn't bother me in the least, it's the back edge of the collar that I see from the front. At the moment, it will stay as is, but I think I will pin back what's bothering me now that i's finished and see what I think. I really believe that I'm headed for a little cutting ;)
DeleteNice jacket .. Love the print :) We get a lot of Kantha work sarees here too ..
ReplyDeleteThanks Diya :) After I ordered the quilt, I found out that they can be found in an ethnic shopping area here in Chicago. As soon as I get a chance, I want to go explore what I might find as I would really like one for my bed over the summer.
DeleteI like this jacket a lot. Its shape, the color and pattern of the fabric... It suits you very well.
ReplyDeleteOn the collar side: I'd cut it a bit. It looks good on front but I'm with you that it's a bit too much in the back. :)
Thanks! Yes, it's the corners o the back collar that bothers me. I think it's official, I'll be chopping at it a bit ;)
DeleteAbsolutely, only the corners! :)
DeleteI really think it's the collar that makes the coat unique and dramatic. Cutting it will make it normal and mundane. What would Heidi Klum do?
ReplyDeleteI love it - the color and the beautiful print of the Kantha quilt. And because the quilt is so gorgeous, I would trim back the collar to see more of the pretty print. But that's just me and it does look great on you.
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning! Love this on you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolyn :)
DeleteYou picked a beautiful color/print quilt for your jacket. I love it! I'm a huge fan of dramatic necklines and collars, even though I'm a petite person, so I'm unsure about changing yours. I think someone mentioned re-shaping the back to make it less square -- perhaps that might be a good option. Either way, it is still a stunning garment!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jean. Like you, I really like big collars, but it's the back corners that bother me, so I think I will round them down a bit, but I won't change the large aspect of the collar.
DeleteI like this just the way it is, Rhonda. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lyric :)
DeleteRhonda, Your coat looks great. Lovely color. I personally think the collar is a little large and square in the back for my taste. But I think you should leave it for a while. The coat does look good on you. Wear it a few more times and see what you think before you cut.
ReplyDeleteUse your own judgement. If the collar feels too large and square, it probably is. To my eye, it is the double breasted front that accentuates the volume of the collar.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen you look PRETTIER, Rhonda! Love the first pic the best with your head back, but they are all wonderful. The jacket is perfect as is!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Joy
Thanks Joy 😊
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