Cotton Tweed CC jacket

My mom asked me to make her a jacket to wear to medical conferences, then she decided to retire after practicing medicine for 43 years. I made the jacket anyway out of a beautiful white and black cotton tweed I found online. It has an A-line shape with a 60's vintage style (Butterick B5254). I thought my mom would appreciate that, since she was quite the fashionista as a young intern.

My mom tried it on and decided she no longer needs the jacket, now being completely absorbed with the grandbabies. I was tempted to keep it for myself, especially after my friend Carol remarked that it reminded her of Chanel (one can always count on a best friend to make you feel good, even if it's a stretch of a compliment. Carol earned herself a new jacket with that boost to my confidence). Rather than wear all my own stuff, I had my sister try it on, and she loved it. She can wear it at her executive job, and not worry about holding the babies when she gets home from work. It's cotton!

Practice jacket

This is the first jacket I attempted since high school. Altered a Vogue pattern (V7975). Took in the princess seams and shortened the length. In terms of fit, it's now my standard for a tailored jacket.

This is first piece I ever made with lining. The jacket is turned inside out, the lining is attached, then the whole thing is turned right side out through a hole in an arm seam of the lining.

Other things I learned on this jacket are lined patch pockets and setting the sleeve into the body. (That was difficult! It took me a few tries, and I'll be practicing that again.)