29 Sep New Look 6162
I sure have missed my blogging friends!
I have been so eager to post anything just to say hello while I was taking care of a patient, hosting a party at my home followed by entertaining out-of-town company immediately upon returning from our unforgettable vacation to the Mediterranean. The patient is fine, the party was fun, the company found its way to a football game in Florida, and I hit the sewing machine after a four-week break.
I imagined this beautiful brocade from Mood Fabrics as numerous garments.
My husband suggested I make a close-fitting special occasion dress which would be beautiful, but I wanted to make something I would wear throughout the fall.
Determined to overcome my previous jacket debacle, I carefully examined the lines of this New Look pattern before buying it. 
My only reservation lay in the collar, which was confirmed in the muslin. The circumference was enormous.
Ruffler to the rescue!
After making a 2-inch ruffle, I raised the back neckline allowing the ruffle to fit around the neck rather than rest on my back .….and here it is….
…. a perfect solution for transforming the drab black clothes in my closet for almost any occasion! The jacket may just hang it my car this fall so I can be ready to go at a moment’s notice! Changing the collar on this pattern was worth the effort.
Last year I focused on fitting issues. This year I’m paying more attention to details which led me to lining the jacket bodice and adding cuffs to the sleeves.
I am thrilled to have the jacket issue behind me, but even more so, I am just thrilled to be sewing and blogging again. 🙂
Best wishes for a great weekend!
Pendle Stitches
Posted at 12:50h, 29 SeptemberWelcome back! And what a way to get your sewing groove back. What a stunning jacket.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:26h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, Pendle Stitches! I felt a little rusty at first and am glad I settled on a simple pattern 🙂
Maggie Edger
Posted at 13:00h, 29 SeptemberU R getting so professional that I expect U will B creating your own designs B4 long
Sent from my iPhone
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:27h, 30 SeptemberThanks for the vote of confidence, Maggie! I’ve got a lot to learn before I reach that level!
robindenning
Posted at 13:00h, 29 SeptemberOh yes, I can see that as a really versatile piece. So cool when versatility and wow-factor co-exist in the same garment. Score!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:28h, 30 SeptemberThank you so much, Robin! I’ve been trying it on with just about everything in my closet this weekend 🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 13:02h, 29 SeptemberSo happy that you’re back — sewing and blogging! Love the jacket, especially the signature ruffle around the neck! Perfect on you. What did you not like about the original collar?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:32h, 30 SeptemberHi Cissie! Thank you and I’m soooooo happy to be back 🙂 The collar circumference was enormous. It might be fine for a heavy coating fabric especially with a scarf, but not for the brocade.
Art Attack
Posted at 13:14h, 29 SeptemberSuper fine jacket and the perfect piece to make any simple outfit a stunner. I picture a coppery-bronze metallic shell under it if that is your color as it is mine. I’m so distracted with other things I haven’t been able to sew or blog! Hoping to right that situation soon…welcome back and keep the beautiful creations coming!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:34h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, Dorcas! My first thought was to make a coppery-bronze metallic shell to wear with the jacket as well. Now… to find the fabric 🙂 Isn’t it funny how life gets in the way of sewing? Hope you’re back soon!
Becky
Posted at 13:18h, 29 SeptemberWelcome back, your blogging friends and lurkers have missed you! This jacket is the cat’s pajamas! I always try to have a couple of jackets that will go with anything and everything. Multi-color silk jackets have always been my favorites, but now that I have seen this one, I may change my mind. A jacket like this makes so many good-looking outfits possible. Great choice, good execution, terrific outcome!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:35h, 30 SeptemberThank you so much, Becky! I have very few jackets because most are too bulky on me, but now that I’m sewing I plan to make more 🙂
girlguydogcat
Posted at 13:37h, 29 SeptemberWow! Gorgeous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:36h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, girlguydogcat 🙂
Andrea
Posted at 13:49h, 29 SeptemberOh my, your jacket is stunning! What a perfect use of the fabric. I was drooling over the same fabric on tue Mood website!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:40h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Andrea! I loved the tiny swatch so much that I didn’t bother to order a sample! Brave or stupid, I’m not sure but I was elated when I opened the box 🙂
Shirley
Posted at 13:50h, 29 SeptemberI have to say your sewing talents shine through your projects. But I am with your hubby on something more fitted. You have such a cute figure that you need to wear less boxy stuff.
Just my opinion…Keep up the good work though!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:43h, 30 SeptemberThank you for this comment, Shirley! I like fitted clothes on me as well. I have several fitted special occasion clothes and I wanted to make something that would compliment what I own. Fitting patterns has been my goal this past year and I am slowly getting there!
Mrs. K
Posted at 13:52h, 29 SeptemberA beautiful jacket – very classy.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:44h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, Mrs. K!!
Martha
Posted at 14:09h, 29 SeptemberHow lovely and elegant on you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:44h, 30 SeptemberThank you so much, Martha 🙂
Judi
Posted at 14:14h, 29 SeptemberGorgeous brocade! I love the ruffle instead of a collar…nice pattern that looks perfect on you!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:46h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Judi! The ruffled collar pulled the entire garment together in my opinion 🙂
Barb
Posted at 14:14h, 29 SeptemberLove the jacket, you did such a grt job in it. I’m looking forward to the next blog
Have a great day! Barb
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:47h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, Barb 🙂 I’m always relieved when a project turns out and I can happily write about it.
Amanda S.
Posted at 14:57h, 29 SeptemberBeautiful jacket! The addition of the ruffled collar was perfect. I’ve had my eye on this fabric for a few months now and plan to get some with next month’s allowance. Hope you don’t mind if I copy! Mine will be a dress, though.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:49h, 30 SeptemberNot at all! ….. and I hope you don’t mind if I plan to use the dress pattern you just made 🙂 It is stunning! Many thanks for writing, Amanda!
Julie Starr
Posted at 15:13h, 29 SeptemberWow wee…talk about starting back with a bang! This looks to be so your style. Stunning as usual and sure to transform any outfit. Perfect for the holidays, too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:12h, 30 SeptemberThank you so much, Julie! As you know I took a little break and recently checked out your reviews on the PR website. Ummm……. you have been making some GORGEOUS clothes yourself. I love the latest dress 🙂
Amy
Posted at 15:23h, 29 SeptemberWhat a gorgeous jacket to start your new year of sewing with. And, your encouragement is going to help me pull out my ruffler one of these days!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:13h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, Amy! A word of caution on the ruffler – once you start ruffling you’ll never stop 🙂
Libby
Posted at 15:27h, 29 SeptemberYou look like a model in the picture with your wind blown hairstyle. I love the coat.
Libby
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:14h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Libby! I thought it was too dark and windy for pictures…..show what I know about photography 🙂
Carolyn
Posted at 16:09h, 29 SeptemberI loved that brocade on Moods site so I’m glad that it went to a good home to become such an awesome jacket. I love how you added your own details to it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:15h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Carolyn! I was a little nervous with it being the first official MSN garment, but it all worked out 🙂
gingermakes
Posted at 16:53h, 29 SeptemberWow! This is stunning! You’re right– this will dress up any dark outfit! I LOVE it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:16h, 30 SeptemberThanks so much Ginger! I have tried it one with almost every dark garment in my closet, and you’re right – it’s a great antidote for the blah, dark clothes 🙂
Linda
Posted at 17:02h, 29 SeptemberI recently discovered your site and blog after deciding myself on Aug. 1 to give up buying clothes for a year. I thought it was my original idea! Very excited to find your blog and read all the entries. Your experience has convinced me that I can do it and with two months down, I am still highly motivated. Thank you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:09h, 30 SeptemberHi Linda!
Congratulations on challenging yourself this way! I thought I was being original as well only to learn there were others……NOTHING is original I’ve discovered 🙂 !!
Do you have a blog? If not I would like to create a page for those sewing their own clothes for a year.
Are you interested?
Many thanks for writing!!
Linda
Posted at 11:54h, 30 SeptemberI do not have or plan a blog but would love to participate in such a group/page – I hope you go for it!
Pam from South Australia
Posted at 17:09h, 29 SeptemberWhat a stunner! Perfect use of this gorgeous fabric.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:10h, 30 SeptemberHi Pam – Thanks so much! 🙂 🙂
Judith
Posted at 17:17h, 29 SeptemberWho would have thought your 2nd year of sewing could top the 1st!!! It is going to be an amazing year ahead if this is how you are kick-starting it…just love, love, love this jacket with your creative collar fix…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:20h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, Judith – I hope it will be a good year! I’m loving all of the shirts you’ve made 🙂
Karen
Posted at 17:23h, 29 SeptemberGorgeous jacket – so much better with the ruffled collar, especially in that fabric! Seems like you have returned to sewing/blogging from your break all refreshed and ready to go!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:21h, 30 SeptemberThank you so much, Karen! I’m ready to go but not sure about refreshed 🙂
sewbusylizzy
Posted at 17:26h, 29 SeptemberSpectacular fabric, gorgeous details – weclome back Goodbye Valentino!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:21h, 30 SeptemberThank you Lizzy!!! Have you worn that sexy dress yet?
sewbusylizzy
Posted at 17:07h, 30 SeptemberAlas I am on holidays and it’s at home half finished on the ironing board!
velosewer
Posted at 17:39h, 29 SeptemberYou’ve done a stunning job with this brocade fabric. I am seriously thinking of buying a ruffler attachment for my janome.
The simple collar change is a now a spectacular piece to your wardrobe.
Welcome back :)) I missed your work.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:25h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Maria for this nice comment! You won’t believe the time saved using the ruffler attachment and highly recommend it. Isn’t it amazing how one detail can affect an entire garment?
Katherine
Posted at 18:31h, 29 SeptemberWhat a great look! Original design, signature ruffle punctuated by exquisite fabric makes for memorable presentation.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:41h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Katerine 🙂 🙂
cheryl
Posted at 20:21h, 29 SeptemberLove the jacket – well done! The ruffled collar adds a great touch, and it’s so “you”! Beautiful fabric, terrific piece – you’ll be wearing this a bunch…and everyone will want to know where you got it 😉
Enjoy – glad to see you back!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:42h, 30 SeptemberThank you for the great comment, Cheryl! How is your sewing going?
Denny
Posted at 01:33h, 30 SeptemberAbsolute Wow Factor! Love the new jacket and so glad you are back sewing again – I rely on you for inspiration for my sewing ideas. I really want to know how you manage to make things so quickly. I have as much free time as I l desire for projects but I must be very very slow compared with how you whip things up. On top of making a seriously gorgeous coat you have had house guests and a party and bounced back after a Mediterranean holiday (I take weeks to get over the post holiday blues). How do you do it?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:22h, 30 SeptemberHi Denny – Many thanks for the lovely comment!
I have never considered myself to be fast when I sew, but I do become possessed by my projects. Last year when I started sewing clothes again, I promised myself I would complete every pattern. Something about seeing a project to completion keeps me focused.
I sacrificed Labor Day weekend to get our house ready for the upcoming commitments and delayed jet lag until the houseguests left. Then I crashed big time 🙂
Heather
Posted at 02:34h, 30 SeptemberWelcome back, it must mean that summer is over and the autumn is really here. Beautiful fabric to make a lovely coat . I think brocade is quite tricky it sometimes can look a bit like a sofa cover, this one is definitely garment not curtains. Inspiration and attainable at the same time, as always thanks for blogging.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:51h, 30 SeptemberWhat a nice comment, Heather – thank you so much! I knew the fabric would not look like a sofa cover when I saw it was a Caroline Herrera fabric 🙂 It was however the first time I had sewn this type of fabric and it did require some special attention.
Coco
Posted at 06:24h, 30 SeptemberBeautiful! The fabric is stunning!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:53h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, Coco! I liked the fabric so much I ordered it without getting a sample first 🙂
Irene
Posted at 07:26h, 30 SeptemberWhat a beautiful and elegant jacket!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:56h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Irene. I’ve been playing catch-up with my blog reading and must say I adore your white Vogue top! Do you own a sewing shop – I’m curious about the group picture featured in your blog.
joen
Posted at 08:38h, 30 SeptemberLove the jacket! the ruffle certainly added a great detail.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:57h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks, Joen! I’m always surprised at how one detail can completely change the look of a garment 🙂
chicenvelopements
Posted at 11:06h, 30 SeptemberBeautiful! And I love the ruffle detail! Nice to have you back, I always look forward to seeing your sewing adventures!
Beth
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:58h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Beth – the feeling is mutual 🙂
Paula Strid
Posted at 11:48h, 30 SeptemberLove to see you back and as ever your sewing is beautiful. The brocade looks like a metallic mixture, copper, silver, etc. What did you line with? Bemberg rayon? Also do you cruise websites for designer looks and then adapt patterns to get your own look or do you just go with what you like for your own look? Just curious, because you seem to have nailed your look.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:05h, 30 SeptemberThank you, Paula! The brocade does have a mixture of metallics although the copper has the most sheen – the other metallics are somewhat matte. I believe I used a rayon lining which I pre washed before cutting.
As far as inspiration……… I cruise the Kate Spade, Lily Pulitzer and Saks Fifth Avenue websites constantly, and take pictures of store windows whenever I can. It’s easy to be inspired but putting it all together is a different story, isn’t it? 🙂
wimmie
Posted at 14:53h, 30 SeptemberWelcome back. as the others have all said or implied, missed your blog and beautiful creations a bunch. Your Jacket is beautiful and I say that keeping in mind that I steer away from fabrics with any type of shine. You do look runway ready and as always very chic as well as inspiring. so glad you are back and busy. keep up the great work.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:13h, 30 SeptemberMany thanks for your comment, Wimmie! I know what you mean about shiny fabrics but I had no doubts about using a Carolina Herrera brocade. I could have been more strategic about fabric placement but do think it worked well just letting the fabric speak for itself 🙂
Sew4Fun (Belinda)
Posted at 03:34h, 01 OctoberWhat a divine jacket! Brilliant idea with the ruffle too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:19h, 01 OctoberThanks, Belinda! Hope you are well 🙂
Louise
Posted at 09:53h, 01 OctoberYour jacket looks so elegant, very useful for the coming festive season. I prefer your ruffle collar to the original.
Louise
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:55h, 02 OctoberThank you, Louise! As someone commented on my PR review “When in doubt, add a ruffle!”
Ann-Britt
Posted at 10:17h, 01 OctoberA wonderful jacket, you look great in it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:58h, 02 OctoberMany thanks, Ann-Britt! ….. a jacket that finally fits 🙂
prttynpnk
Posted at 16:54h, 03 OctoberJust lovely! You look great in dark colors, too- no fair!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:29h, 03 OctoberThank you! Some dark colors work but not all – I was delighted to see the Pantone Fall projection 2012. None of the colors that make me look like I’m coming down with something 🙂
Barbara at Cat Fur Studio
Posted at 19:26h, 03 OctoberWow, I love the neckline detail, and it really pops with that fabric. Your jacket fits you to perfection. Overall, a beautiful look!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:30h, 03 OctoberMany thanks, Barbara! Everything came together, but not until I was nearly finished 🙂
Jean C.
Posted at 00:47h, 04 OctoberI’m thinking you had best put it into the trunk…. so it will be safe! Once people find out what a beautiful jacket it is…. it might disappear pretty quick! And that would be a shame! Great use of
the latest detail.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:01h, 04 OctoberThank you for such a sweet comment, Jean! I just became you latest follower 🙂
Idro Therapy Review
Posted at 06:33h, 08 JulyWhen I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time
a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:52h, 08 JulyI’m so sorry! My husband did that once and it drove him absolutely nuts! I believe you will have to do it and I think you can check a box to quit receiving notifications either on your email or on the original post itself.
Spoonful of Sugar | Creating in the Gap
Posted at 08:13h, 13 May[…] Can we talk about this coat? Who knew that I would wear a pink linen coat so much?! The pattern is Newlook 6162 and when I was browsing around PR, discovered that Goodbye Valentino made a gorgeous ruffle collar version as well. Check hers out! […]