The Andes Jacket

 Well hello dear reader!  So sorry to have gone missing again for months on end.  We had such a busy summer, including an amazing trip to Newfoundland for ten days in August.  Then we got back and I was right back into the full swing of work and football season.

I've been doing some projects here and there, although not a lot because I have also been really tired. Our schedule was such that I was on the constant move the entire fall.  Home from work, throw some food on the table and walk the dog, then back out the door within 20 minutes to get to the boys to the football field on time.  Football season is done now though and I'm hoping since I'll have more time in the evenings, maybe I'll be able to get back to doing crafty things with more regularity.  I'm always happiest when I have time to be creative!

If you want to see some of the things I've been working on since I last wrote, you can check out my posts on Minerva or check out my grid on Instagram if you so desire.  I usually post my craftiness in one of those two spots. 

I did want to pop on here today though to tell you about a new make that I'm very proud of.  I did have some dicey moments in which I was sure there was no way I was going to finish it, because this week went south on me a bit, but I ended up having a good sewing session on Thursday evening and then another chunk of time on Friday and then finished up on Saturday.  I so often choose projects that are fairly easy and straight forward, but every now and again I do like to do a project that I can really sink my teeth into, so when Kennis of Itch to Stitch* posted a testing call in our group on Facebook for the Andes Jacket I applied right away.  

The Andes Jacket is just the sort of jacket I've been hunting for!  It's made of softshell (here's an example at Minerva in case you're unsure of what that fabric is - I was until I went shopping for it!) so is a waterproof jacket that will be perfect for spring and fall. I've even test driven it on the weekend, when the snow turned to rain, but figure that might be the last opportunity I get since other than today, winter seems to be mostly here to stay.  The Andes has a slim, athletic fit, zipped pockets, a fully lined hood that now I'm wishing I'd put the optional drawstring in - walking east my hood kept blowing off my head on Sunday. LOL! It features a lower hem in the back of the jacket so keeps your lower back and butt warm too. It also has loads of topstitching which I always think elevates a project!

I purchased my soft shell fabric from Marshall's Northwest in Winnipeg and the zippers and faux suede that I made my pockets and hood lining from our local fabric store Faye's Fabricvilla.  I was certain I would have black fabric and zips in my stash that I didn't bother even looking at Marshalls for them.  Regret! Regret!!  Of course I didn't have anything suitable, so I was stuck with the meagre choice in town.  I ended up spending a small fortune on the pocket zips because I had to get ones that were about twice the length I needed.  So annoying!!

If it's helpful at all, I don't mind telling you that I made a size 18C and graded down to the 16 at the hip for my Andes and I feel like the fit is perfect for me.  I also added one inch of length on the upper lengthen/shorten line so that the waist shaping would hit at the right spot.

Anyway, I am rambling on here, but suffice it to say, I'm incredibly happy with my new jacket.  I wish I'd had it on my trip to Newfoundland and it would have been great at the football field!  Oh well, better late than never.  I'll be prepared for next year's football season!

If you're interested in getting a copy of the Andes Jacket pattern you can pick it up on sale for the release week over on the Itch to Stitch site!