We can’t all be Jackie O.

The shawl collar assignment if finally completed.  I know, it only took me four months or something to actually sew.  But whatever, it’s done. 

I based my design and pattern on this jacket

Which is cute and all, but honestly not something I’d normally wear.  Probably not the best place to start, assuming you want to be motivated.  But I did it.  And I’m proud of it, even it doesn’t get much wear.

It’s hard to tell in the pictures, since the fabric is a deep purple velvet…something, but the jacket has two double fish-eye darts, which allow for the collar to fold over nicely.  And then two cut-away darts.  I just made up that last term, I think.  But I wanted I long dart from hem to chest, as the inspiration jacket has, and so this is how I made up my pattern:
Note the Frankenstein look of  the pattern piece.  I think it took me about 6 tries to get a pattern that actually worked and produced the look I envisioned.  So even if I don’t love the jacket, I’m crazy proud I figured it out just the same.  Let’s just not worry about the four months part, please. 

And thanks, Christie, for being my ever-willing photographer and for somehow getting decent shots when 90 percent of the time I look like this:

It was cold.

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ETA 1/25/11
The PDF for the jacket, complete with pattern pieces and instructions is up and ready to go. Click the fancy-shmancy button below to be taken directly to the downloadable PDF.  Have fun!

A few disclosures: 
-I wrote on the pattern that it’s a one-size fits most, though if I had to, I’d say it’s more of a medium.  But because it doesn’t actually have any closures, and isn’t too fitted, it could be worked to accommodate a smaller or larger frame, as well. 
-I’m not a professional and the pattern reflects that.  But it’s free, so that’s what you get.  It’s the pattern and construction process I used and should get you the same look, assuming that’s what you’re going for.  Or it can be used to help draft out your own ideas.  Or you could use it to line a bird cage.  I’m good with whatever. 
-When printing the pattern, make sure to unclick the “auto-center” options, etc.  I’ve included a one inch square marking for the first page of each constructed pattern piece for you to compare, to make sure it’s printing at the needed size.
-If you do decide to get all crazy and make something off of my patterns and ideas, I’d love to know about it.  Feel free to shoot me an email or comment.  It totally makes my day.  For full terms of use regarding things I share on this blog, please refer to my TERMS OF USE.