Purple Passion - My First Jacket

**This jacket was cut and started in May of this year.  I joined Weight Watchers in September, so the sizing is a little off from the original cut of the pattern.

Pattern Description:

Very Easy Vogue 8541, Out of Print, Misses’ Jacket, Skirt and Pants.  Unlined Jacket (in two lengths - I made the short one) has front and back darts, stand up collar, sleeves with darts, topstitching and snap closure.  I have previously reviewed the skirt and pants from this pattern.

Pattern Sizing:

16-24. I made the 18. I haven't learned how to do a FBA, so I cut the pattern per my upper chest measurement.  I initially cut this pattern out in May - with the intention of wearing it during PR Weekend in NYC.  I'm just finishing it (see my post - Finishing What I Start).

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it?
Absolutely Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, and, since this was my first jacket - I followed them very closely.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I got this pattern on sale from Jo-Ann's for $3.99 - I am so winning!  This pattern includes a jacket, a skirt and a pair of pants.  I have made at least 1 item from all three.  What a deal!  And, of course - I made it, I love it!  

Fabric Used:
I used Polyester Crepe in Purple - it was about $4.95 per yard from Fabric.com.  I purchased enough of this fabric for a jacket and a skirt.... Yes, I made the skirt that I'm wearing in the pictures above.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1) The pattern calls for snaps to close the jacket.  I started putting the snaps on, but it makes the jacket look larger on me than it is (although, it is big).  So, I took the snaps off and I will wear the jacket open over a shirt.  If I take the sides in a little bit - then, I will go back and add the snaps.
2) All that talk last week on PR about the Brother PE-500 - really got me thinking.  So, I added a decorative stitch to the hem of the jacket, the hem of the sleeves and down the front (all the places the pattern called for top stitching).  I used black thread that I had on hand - although, trying to take pictures of it - I wish I had used some embroidery thread.  Live and Learn.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

This is my most complicated pattern so far (I feel like I say that every time I write a review) - and, I love this jacket (even though, I didn't get the sizing just right)!  I'm on the fence on whether or not I'll make this jacket again - since, I have other jacket patterns that I want to try.

**I am not the best fashion photographer - although, I am getting better (I can't see it, but I feel it).  So, these are not the best pictures.  I don't have a tripod or a dress form (and, I want both), so I just took these pictures on a hanger on the wall in my closet.  "Why the closet?"  I do some of my best thinking in there (at least, that's what I tell myself).  LOL!

**Again, these aren't the best pictures, but it shows the decorative stitch used in all the places that called for topstitching on this pattern.  On the cuff, on the hem and down the front. 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey