The Fur Jacket, Part One

The Taming of the Fur

Thank you all for the responses to yesterday's quick little project!  I think the words "perspective" and "empowerment" sum up what that t-shirt represents.  Perspective, because if you view the original t-shirt as an opportunity and some nice yardage, then the doors to creativity will open up.  Empowerment, because if you sew, you have the power to change that tent-like t-shirt into something cute and flattering, even if it is just nipping in the waist a little so that you have a pretty, feminine shape. 

Now that the coat is done (Jacket #1 for the year, although I'm still not sure if I'm officially joining!), and I've had a little refashion fun, it is time to have some more fun and make a faux fur jacket.  The fabric I've chosen is a black pelted mink style fur that I bought at JA's.  It is very drapey for a faux fur and while it has a knit backing, does not have the really stiff scratchy backing of the really cheap furs.  I wanted something a bit snuggly rather than stiff, anyway, and I really liked the feel of the fur, too.

The pattern I've chosen is Burda 12/07, #122.  This was originally designed for faux fur, so that's a bonus.  I didn't have to sort through the patterns looking for something with simple enough lines to work with the fabric.  I am going to eliminate the pockets and possibly change the hook and eye closure to giant snaps. 

I got the fur cut out this afternoon, and once I'm done with this post, I hope to get the lining cut out.  I've got an assortment of potential lining pieces from the collection, I should have enough of something or a combination of somethings to make a lining.  Cutting this fur was easy with scissors, as the backing was nice and flexible.  It did, however, make a big mess.  As you can see, the vacuum was an integral part of the cutting process.  After I cut each piece, I'd pick it up, shake off all the bits of fuzz and vacuum them up.  Thankfully there are only four pieces to the jacket!

Now to get that lining cut out!

Parting Shot:  Fun in a Box.  At least Wellie isn't in the box.  Yet.  I took advantage of Fabric.com's holiday sale (and missed out on some other sites, BUT, there will be other sales!) and picked up some fabrics to create some pieces missing in my wardrobe.  There's some stretch French terry (the burgundy) in there, some bamboo french terry (the aqua) and some yarn for an upcoming project, too.