My Kelly Anorak unveiling

Hello everyone!

I hope you are all getting a chance to enjoy Christmas Eve with family and friends.  We are away with family, so I am using this opportunity to squeeze out some blog posts before the New Year starts.  I HAVE SO MUCH I WANT TO SHARE!  However, let's start this post off with the very item I have been working on for what seems like MONTHS, lol!

Here it is....in all it's glory....my Kelly Anorak:

I finished all of the sewing about a week and a half ago, and had to work up the courage to put the snaps in.  I mean, I tried not to hyperventilate while applying the snaps through all the layers of fabric (jacket, lining, interfacing), and it all went surprisingly well.  In fact, even with all my stressin', it took me less than an hour to get them in!!  

And once I did, I had a moment.  My first jacket.  Angels were singing.  My heart was welling up with JOY. 

 I MADE IT!!!!

I let out a whelp, put it on, and didn't want to take it off!  

Okay, so let me fill you in on the details of my Anorak.  I made a size 8, which I still can't figure out how I chose that size.  I remember checking the finished garment measurements, and thinking about how much ease I would like, and must have chosen an 8.  My muslin was nice and roomy, but with the flannel lining added, my jacket is definitely more fitted, though not uncomfortably so.  So, I will size up the next time, unless I choose to do an unlined version.

The fabric for my jacket is Robert Kaufman Ventana Cotton Twill in Navy. It was recommended in a blog post by Heather of Closet Case Patterns, and I went with it.  It turned out to be a DREAM to work with!! It pressed beautifully, and was the perfect weight--not too light, or too heavy.  Even with the added plaid flannel lining from Hobby Lobby, I was able to easily sew through all the layers--and my sewing machine can sometimes get finicky.

The lining is by far my FAVORITE part of this jacket!! Can you believe I had a different one picked out when I first started this project back in September?  Somewhere along the way I realized my original lining would not add any additional warmth, even though it was cute.  Since I wanted to wear this garment during the cooler months in Georgia, I knew I needed to make an adjustment.  I happened upon this flannel in Hobby Lobby, and just KNEW it was the one when I saw it.  It just adds such an element of brightness to the jacket that I truly adore.

And the hood!!!!! I love that I chose to sew the version with the hood.  I don't think it will help me much in any torrential downpours, but it is perfect for this mama on the go who wants to forgo an umbrella in light rain.

One thing I also like is the pockets. They are huge, and can hold a number of things.  I was able to put my phone, keys, and gum in them, and still have room for more items.  While I am not a fan of pockets in dresses or tops (I know, I know), I do love the size of the pockets in this jacket.  

Also, the jacket looks good open or closed!  

I fully admit that I made an "oopsie" on the right lower placket that I somehow cut too short.  I ended up sewing a small scrap of fabric as an extender so that I would have what I needed to finish the bottom of the jacket.  Thankfully that worked!  AND, because my boo-boo is located at the lower edge of the jacket, I don't think people will notice.

The only place I went rogue was the hem.  It is still finished off in a clean way, yet not in the way of the instructions.  I just turned up the jacket, turned under the lining, and stitched about a 1/2" SA.  I love the results, but my lining does hang closer down on the jacket than what is intended in the instructions.  

My only alteration was to add 1" to the length for my longer torso, and an additional 1/4" to the side seams for room.  

Overall, I am pretty sure I will make another Kelly Anorak!!!  Though I had a pleasant experience sewing this pattern (despite being a novice in jacket-making), I am going to take a small break, breathe in a bit, and plan another one next year or so.  I really wanted a bright colored spring version, but spring is around the corner, and I don't know if I will be up for it quite so soon.

If YOU are thinking of a jacket worthy of sewing, I HIGHLY recommend this pattern!  I consider myself an advanced beginner (growing day by day), and this jacket was right at my skill level, yet still pushing me to learn new things.  Since I had taken Pam Howard's shirtmaking Craftsy class, I was already familiar with the shirtmaking techniques used in the instructions.  That made this sew much more pleasurable than if I were to dive in totally unfamiliar with what I was doing.

Lastly, for ALL of you who have followed my crazy jacket dream from the very beginning, thank you!  I hope that as you saw me do it, you realized that you can do it too...if you want to.  And if you have already sewn a jacket, then you totally understand the feeling of bliss I have right now! 

I will be back to share the dress I pattern tested after Christmas.  

Merry Christmas to all of you celebrating this beautiful day!

Stay sew-filled!