Starlet suit part II

I'm packing my bags for yet another trip, this time to the UK.  You'd think I was some big-wig high-flying executive, but no.  If only. Just someone with relatives all over the world who need me right now.

I'm flying all over the place and going everywhere but home.  I force myself not to think of the waning summer in Wyoming.  It is too sad, and makes my heart hurt to think of the lakes and the rivers and the mountains. 

A key part of the packing process is taking some sewing projects to while away the quiet country hours.  I've decided to take a real crack at the Starlet Suit Jacket.  Now, I have some thoughts about this. I know there was a lot of talk about the pattern in the blogosphere.  My experience was that it comes together really well, with no obvious issues.  As for the fit: I think as sewists we get obsessed with the muslin-ing stage, to the point where we lose sight if the end goal, which is a wearable, flattering garment that expresses something about ourselves.  

The photographs emphasize the fit wrinkles, but my muslin actually looks pretty good in real life.  The front actually fits nicely and the only major alteration it needs is to lower the curve of the princess seam.  The back is similarly acceptable.  It has some wrinkles, specifically on the back side piece, but I feel pretty good that these will be absorbed by a heavier and more structured fabric.  If anyone has any tips I'd like to hear them.

Call it an experiment.

I'm contemplating lowering the sleeve hole - wonder if that would pull up some of the slack?

I'm taking a length of wool I picked up at a thrift store for five bucks (finger's crossed that it is long enough - there are some flaws I need to cut around).  If it doesn't work - no big loss.  

I do think we have a tendency to drive our selves crazy fitting garments.  We forget that ready to wear fabrics nearly always have a smidge of elasticity that allows for a better fit than the non-stretch fabrics one would naturally pick for a tailored project.

Did anyone else catch the Dior pull-out ad in the September Vogue? A beautiful and inspiring behind the scenes peek at couture muslining and tailoring.  Work the five bucks alone!

And finally my Burda style inspired-by-Michelle-Williams in "My Week with Marilyn" sheath.  I'm not that stoked.  The color is too insipid for me (sidenote:  Los Angelenos will remember the Button Lady from F & S, she is now working at Mood, and talked me into buying this fabric.  Turns out I should have listened to my instincts that I need brighter, bolder colors.  The pink completely washes me out.  Props to Oona for the lining selection though!)

I'll take some pics once I've hemmed it at my Mum's house.