Sewing Segment #2: Full Circle

Hello there, loves! Well, it’s a new week, so that means another black jacket. This jacket is special, though, because it is part of another sewing segment (and because I put my blood, sweat, and tears into it, obviously)! Besides, tis’ the season for layering, so you can’t blame a girl. But, let me just say that it was finally sunny and warm in Punxsutawney. I have to tell ya; it was so refreshing to go outside and not freeze to death! However, the fun in the sun didn’t last long because I am bundled up as we speak. The weather was perfect for this look because it was just the right temperature for a light mesh jacket, camisole, tulle skirt, block heels, and a bejeweled purse. You can always add more layers if it happens to be cold, so you don’t have to worry about refreshing your weather app every 5 seconds. But, warm days are always ideal conditions. Am I right?! To break things down, the jacket is the only piece I made and you can purchase the rest of the look, for those of you who prefer “adding to cart” instead of your sewing list! Trust me, sewing lists exist when people find out you know how to work a needle and thread (or…umm..mostly work a sewing machine). For my seamstresses out there, thread those bobbins because I am going to tell you how to make a fun, statement jacket, and tell you how to style it, of course!

There is so much to say about this jacket, but I am going to start off by pointing out how unique it is. That is truly the best part about sewing; you have the ability to make things that you can’t find on the racks. I have to admit that I have plenty of ideas in my head, but not enough time! When finals are over, I am hoping to speed up production! Anyway, I bought this crazy fabric at a great sale, and I let it sit by my machine for a year and a half before I decided to take the plunge. All I knew when I bought it was that I needed it in my life. This fabric is a black mesh with 3D circle “scales.” After contemplating different ideas, I came to the conclusion that it would be the perfect textile to turn into a jacket because I could throw it over anything and make a statement. I bought a pattern for a really basic jacket and didn’t even follow the instructions! First, I essentially chopped the pattern in half because I wanted a crop style. Then, I cut out only five pieces; the back, two front panels, and two sleeves. I skipped sewing in interfacing and bias tape because I wanted it unlined and not a structured fit. Can you believe it was the first time I ever sewed long sleeves? Honestly, I was really nervous to work with this fabric because it is very thin, and the circles proved to be a little problematic to hem and make even. But, once you start, you see the piece come to life and all of your fears go away. Sounds like a fairytale, I know, but it is really just sewing. The most difficult part turned out to be the hemming, as predicted, especially around the neck. A nice feature, however, is that the fabric is so busy, so it is okay if your stitching is a little off. A few more things you would want to make note of if you aim at creating a similar piece; I set my machine, the Husqvarna Opal 650 to the “light woven” setting, as well as used a universal needle. The mesh is great for spring because it is cool when the weather is warm…so buy some fabric and get to creating!

Everyone knows you can’t walk around with a jacket and nothing underneath. Under my circle-scaled creation, I wore a black cami and tulle skirt. I chose a black cami because the jacket stands out when you have more skin showing. Any color would look great paired with this piece, so you can go with white, yellow, blue, pink, green, purple, etc., but I kept things basic by sticking to a theme. I wanted the jacket to be fully on display, and sometimes all black is the answer. Plus, there are so many different textures going on that you don’t want to overload on crazy color combos because less is more, in this case. I threw on this skirt because 1. I love to dress up, and this jacket feels ready for a party, and 2. I am trying to live like Blair Waldorf, sitting on the MET steps and just being fancy. Sorry for more TV references, but I couldn’t help myself! Is it bad that I started watching Gossip Girl a year ago and haven’t finished it yet? Anyway, the Weather Center in Punxsy is as close as I could get to the MET, but I can still be as dressy as ever. The tulle, like I said, adds more texture and interest to the all black ensemble. It also has a sheer quality like the mesh, tying everything together. If you want some options, you can pull from those closets and wear this with a cotton skirt, culottes, or cigarette pants.

No look is complete without some killer accessories (and the wind in your hair)! I have been wanting to show you guys this bag since I got it for Christmas, but I have been waiting for the perfect moment. I thought it would be a great time to debut it with my jacket! My dad likes to refer to this as “my treasure chest,” and I can sort of see the resemblance. It features a little lock and key, but most importantly, it has beautiful jewels all over it. Finally, aside from my pink lipstick, I got some color! And again, it really stands out. What is convenient about this purse is that it comes with a shoulder strap, as well, so you don’t have to carry it by the little handle if you don’t want. Overall, this bag is stunning and very eye-catching with the gold and embellishment. In other words, it is tiny, but fierce!

Since the sun was finally out, I was taking full advantage…not only does the sun lighten my hair for free, but it also gives me an excuse to wear some sunnies! I grabbed a pair of black shades that have large, laser-cut detail, cat-eye frames. The laser-cut is just another fun touch! However, this look gives you the perfect canvas to wear some crazy color sunglasses. Pull jewel tones from the bag and wear blue, red, or gold detail glasses. Or go full on Barbie and break out the hot pink shades you’ve been itching to wear! Be expressive!

I hope you all enjoyed my newest sewing segment! I made this over my winter break, and I could not wait any longer to wear it! This look is fab for parties, weddings, showers, events, and any other spring activities you have going on! Or just wear it around town, like me! I will link similar fabric and a pattern below (as well as the other pieces), so comment and let me know if any of you are planning on making a jacket of your own! If you have any questions about my machine, fabrics, etc,. let me know. Sewing tips for me are always appreciated, as well!  By the way, I wanted to mention that my “Sewing Segments” tab seems to just redirect to the home page, so I will look into fixing that glitch. I will always label my posts if I feature any pieces I sewed, to avoid any confusion. Have great week, happy sewing, and as always, Happy Closet Combing!

Links to same/similar pieces:

Fabric: (plain black mesh, but you can sew in embellishment and trims!) https://www.fabric.com/buy/0395289/telio-mod-stretch-mesh-black?CAWELAID=172000510000630087&cm_mmc=google-_-Google+Shopping-_-GS_fabric-_-_mkwid%7CsFg6nr8PI%7Cpcrid%7C46683858482%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cproduct%7C0395289&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=sFg6nr8PI%7Cpcrid%7C46683858482%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cproduct%7C0395289%7C&gclid=CjwKCAjwk9HWBRApEiwA6mKWaZqdEEDYEXDkUvnQmhtcR3zFAOw-96c20ZsSxJBzuklEjp0s42PA-BoCLOMQAvD_BwE

Pattern:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BNSB1TQ/ref=asc_df_B01BNSB1TQ5442148/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B01BNSB1TQ&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167125073482&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8120860593524355174&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9006177&hvtargid=pla-307249081340

Camisole: https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=672325022&CAWELAID=120302000000010476&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=43131648951&CATCI=pla-297240583116&tid=brpl000011&kwid=1&ap=7&gclid=CjwKCAjwk9HWBRApEiwA6mKWaSBQlEU2kGuJqQUJ4jgUu82WaiNoc9ijSXHu0UtMMQX4jbv349YQwRoCzd0QAvD_BwE

Skirt: https://www.charlotterusse.com/tulle-full-midi-skirt/302519615.html?cid=ps:nonbrand:Google&product_id=302519615&adpos=1o2&creative=227273191628&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&mrkgcl=776&mrkgadid=3037755293&rkg_id=h-877c6779011913bae1d4cc0998169532_t-1523940739&gclid=CjwKCAjwk9HWBRApEiwA6mKWadfHo0VbobRm8Mz3-UiE91T2a0XJdWV1gMsi7gwvuQ8JNI4Uc_fdfRoCxYUQAvD_BwE

Purse: https://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/women/handbags/crossbody/Momo-Black%20Multi/p/54199780-90

Sunglasses: https://modesens.com/us/en/product/ELLEN-TRACY-CUTOUT-CAT-EYE-METAL-GRADIENT-SUNGLASSES-BLACK-4135762/?refinfo=gSH4135762&gclid=CjwKCAjwk9HWBRApEiwA6mKWaerUnKyVwv2jWAgTrlVEJ3W87fPgtBBPp24jqicYrCBz9iIOEZoqMhoC58EQAvD_BwE&utm_expid=92191193-7.HoBJ1b7sSOOCMPtK9Nkmfg.0

Shoes: https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/bandolino-bdolale-pump/412625?cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Pumps-_-New_Pumps&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKCAjwk9HWBRApEiwA6mKWaQtxxE00I7PGgRv4qUOorcBQ5w3KNMt8AdrWovD4bVZgeLngyKkymhoCEGIQAvD_BwE

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