I was so pleased to find a pattern that would allow me to use a small piece of vintage velvet that I have been saving. The Seamwork Lilliana jacket is that perfect pattern. It has simple lines, its unlined and it takes very little fabric as there are only three pieces!
This was a quick, simple make. I cut out a size 14 but ended up taking it in along the side seams and through the cap of the sleeve. It is a generous cut and I would make a size 12 next time and still have plenty of room through the bust and across the back. The nap on velvet made cutting it out a bit tricky with so little fabric. When working with velvet it is important to make sure that you have your pattern pieces laid out so that the nap is running in the same direction, preferably having the smoothest direction running down the length of the garment. For those who are not familiar with the term, nap is a raised (fuzzy) surface that is found on certain kinds of cloth like velvet and suede.
I made custom binding from a lightweight denim chambray ( see previous post) and used the reverse side for a lighter, more faded vintage look. I needed extra length in the sleeve so I added the same denim at the 3/4 sleeve length.
This will be a comfortable classic jacket to wear into Spring. It will pair nicely with jeans, skirts and dresses. The velvet and denim combination works well for a more casual approach to styling. I am sure I will be wearing it often with other makes.... because there is always Sew Much to Design.
Pattern: Seamwork Lilliana Jacket