There’s something about yellow that gives me all of the Spring vibes and I recently realised that I rather like how I look in yellow (I used to avoid it) when I found ‘my’ kind of yellow was soft, golden and muted. So let me introduce you to my Spring yellow Vikisews Ingrid shacket.
The fabric came from Croftmill and is a lovely soft-toned yellow wool-blend fabric. There are tiny flecks of rust in it that give it some life and depth. It’s the perfect lighter weight for a coat for this time of year.
In my search for a suitable pattern I came across the Vikisews Ingrid and what drew me to it were the beautifully shaped two-piece sleeves, the back yoke with its cute tab detail and the fact that it has a bust dart. I just knew it would fit well and I wasn’t disappointed one bit.
Pattern Adjustments For My Yellow Vikisews Ingrid Shacket
I bought a size 40 in my height range. The pattern alterations that I did were as follows:
- Lowered my bust dart ½” (1.27cm)
- Increased the dart intake by ¼”(0.635cm)
- Narrowed the shoulder width by ⅜” (0.95cm)
- Shortened the sleeve by ¼” (0.635)
- Straightened off the back shoulder and angled the front shoulder for my forward-rolling shoulders.
- I ended up removing about ¾” (1.9cm) off the back body from the armpit to the hem as it seemed a bit wide.
This may seem a lot when you see it written down but they were all pretty minor tweaks to fine-tune the fit for me. Overall I consider the pattern to be very well drafted.
My only negative for the design is that there are no pockets on the lower half of the coat and I wanted something down there to drop car keys or some tissues in to so I added a couple of patch pockets. I’ve seen some sewists that have used inseam pockets which look great so that’s another option.
The instructions for the coat were really good and I followed them to the letter with no hitches. The first thing that you’re asked to do is to fuse each pattern piece completely with iron-or interfacing. Normally I would use my usual weft-insertion interfacing but as I wanted a lightweight coat for the Spring I thought it might make it too warm so I looked for an alternative. I didn’t want to skip this step as I thought it would help to gently reinforce my fabric.
In my hunt for a suitable lightweight fusible interfacing/interlining, I found this amazing sheer, ‘Ultra Light Couture Fusible Interfacing’ from Made To Sew. Currently, it doesn’t look like the white colourway is available but that’s what I went for and it’s fabulous. I interfaced all of my main body pieces and pockets, pocket flaps etc. Then I used my thicker weft-insertion interfacing on the upper and lower collar, and the front facings. And yes, it took forever to iron all of that lot on…this was a labour of love, I tell ya!
The whole process of sewing this coat was a joy. Everything went together accurately with all notches and placement lines lining up beautifully. I’m also going to give myself a pat on the back because I’m so pleased with the collar, it’s one of my best ever 🙂
I used two standard machine threads run through the needle together for all of the topstitching which gives it a bit more presence and to ‘fancy’ it up even more I chose a snazzy two-tone paisley lining (can’t remember where I bought it, sorry!). And of course, I added a hanging loop and one of my labels. Oh, and I mustn’t the buttons that I bought from Totally Buttons. I might have liked a slightly smaller-sized button for the pockets and sleeve tabs (they didn’t have a smaller size), but I’m perfectly ok with how they all look in the same size too.
I couldn’t be more pleased with my new shacket. I love the fit, the shape, the casual feel of it and of course, the fun colour. I can already tell that it’s going to go with so many other items in my wardrobe. Love it when a plan comes together, don’t you?
And on that note, I’ll love you and leave you and I’ll be back soon. Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet.
See you soon!
So beautiful Diane! The colour, fit, length and magnificent classy look suits you to a tee. I’ve not seen many “shackets” I like to be honest, but yours is stunning. All that labour did pay off! You have a jacket you’ll wear for many years. Such an inspiration. My sewing project (it was a plan to make two matching tops and skirts in UPF fabric for the summer) has been derailed by a sudden decision to move 4900 km. All my sewing is packed and my focus is 100% on packing, organizing and making a myriad of arrangements for the trip ahead. I doubt I’ll be at my sewing machine much before July. Moving is so disruptive and probably the most painful aspect is the culling and note-taking about what NOT to buy again in the future. Yikes the yardage I had just languishing around is rather shameful 🙁 And the patterns?! Oh boy we won’t ponder that. My bins of shame exposed to my husband’s eye have been, well, rather unmentionable.
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That’s so incredibly kind of you to say, Kathleen. Thank you!
Oh my, moving is very stressful and disruptive indeed. You have your hands full for sure. It will all be worth it in the end…hang in there. And as for your fabric and patterns…we all have some bins of shame, I think it goes along with what we do. Sewing is often a big learning curve. Just think about what the exciting future in your new home holds.
Stunning, just love everything about this beautiful “shacket”. The Colour, the fit, the buttons, the pattern and of course your sewing skills. Appreciate the detailed post.
Most important You look Fabulous wearing your labour of love.
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Ohhh, thank you so much, Pat! Soooo glad you like my new shacket.
Thanks for sharing. Appreciate all the detail you share. The jacket looks lovely on you!
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Thank you, Lise! That’s lovely of you to say.
Diane another fabulous garment you have made. I agree with Kathleen, I also have not seen many Shacket’s I like, but yours is lovely.
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Thanks ever so much, Barbara!
Gorgeous. The pattern really elevates the “Shacket”.
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Thank you, Vicki. Yes, that’s exactly why I chose this pattern, it’s a step up from your usual shacket, I think
Diane, I am seconding patb’s comments, to the word! You outdid yourself! And as many also said, I’m not a lover of the shacket style (really, of shirt-tail hems at all despite their being flattering), but it really suits your jaunty, cheerful, yet elegant spring coat!
(And thank you for providing details: always appreciated!)
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Ohhh, so lovely of you to say, thank you Joan!
P.s. GORGEOUS collar!
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😊 thank you!
Hi Diane – did you narrow the shoulder width 3/8″ each side? or altogether? I love your jacket, you’ve made me realise that I would definitely make one of these if it weren’t so drop sleeved, so I’d like to do the same!
Author
Hi Li Ann. I did it on each side so a total of 3/4″. You could even go in more if necessary. I would also check the back neck width if you’re quite small overall across your back. If it does seem too wide you could fold a small amount out of the width all down the centre back but that will impact the collar and back neck facing so you’d need to take it from those too. Hop this helps x
Glad you like my jacket. Thank you!
Gorgeous! And so tidy. I love the silhouette, the tabs, and the buttons you chose!
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Thank you Lia! It’s a new silhouette for me but I’m loving it. I find I’m into some pieces with a softer more relaxed shape these days.
Hi Diane, this is amazing . My first visit to your website too.I have been trying to find a pattern like this and your coat is what I was looking for.are you able to advise on if the pattern runs to size please, I just need to decide which size to go far as I am not sure I am brave enough to do changes you mentioned and I am small built. Thanks.Basma
Author
Hi Basma! Thanks for the lovely comment. I just rechecked the wearing ease and there is 23-25cm of extra around the bust according to the website and about 18cm at the hip. I would say that you might want to go a size down from what size you seem to be on the size chart. There are 4 height ranges too so make sure you choose the right one for you. If you’re not too big in bust cup size, I think you’ll be fine with the fit because there is a small bust dart in this design.
Thank you very much for your reply Diane, I emailed Minerva and the paper pattern seems to have all the sizes and heights . I tend to do better with a smaller size at shoulder otherwise it will fall off my shoulder
So I will downsize as you recmmmended
I had some time to look at your website, you have a new fan
Author
Going smaller, particularly at the shoulder sounds like a good call.
It’s nice to have a new follower 🙂
All the best with your jacket.