The Polo Dress Acquires a Jacket/Invisible Separating Zippers

Do you recognize the style of this jacket?  The pattern was used in the Wool Shrinkage post on 11/14/14.  The only differences are the omission of the collar and the replacement with fringe.

The 11/14/14 post discussed my issues with wool shrinkage during the construction of this jacket.

The polo neckline dress was created last fall using the couture quilting techniques taught by Susan Khalje; see the 9/7/14 post French Jacket Sewing Techniques for further information.  I love the dress but I felt I needed a jacket for cool evenings.  The jacket features the same quilting techniques as the dress.

I would have liked to place patch pockets on the jacket, but I felt the hip pockets on the dress would not align attractively with jacket pockets.  The location of the dress pockets is exactly where I want them, so moving them is not a good option. Lengthening the jacket was also undesirable, so no pockets on the jacket.

The bottom of the dress pockets is visible along the jacket hem

The jacket has a deep neckline so I reinforced the curve with fusible tape.

A separating invisible zipper available at http://www.zipperstop.com/product/ykk-3-lite-weight-invisible-separating-3/ was ideal because I did not want the closure to be a focal point.

Invisible zipper installed on the right jacket front

Invisible zipper installed on the left jacket front

The plaid pattern is matched across the invisible zipper

I spent most of 2014 working with fabrics I already owned.  In other words, fabric determined design rather than the reverse.  My thinking was that I had many beautiful fabrics in my stash and I felt guilty not using them.  With the completion of this jacket, I have worked through my fabric stash sufficiently to say it is now a "reasonable size."  When design drives a project, there is usually not an appropriate fabric in my stash and I must purchase the desired fabric.  During 2015 you will see me return to the couture runway and create new garments inspired by my favorite designers.  While budget is always a consideration, I am excited to be able to try occasional new fabrics from my favorite suppliers.