I love a dot, y'all. I love it in all it's vintage glory and in all it's childish cuteness. But how could I spin this trend to work in my own wardrobe? I'm a casual kind-of mom. I like to look nice, but I don't really wear dresses or skirts. I have learned through the last 5 years of sewing that I need to make separates that are wearable for trips to the grocery store and to the art museum. I need to be comfortable, but look like I might have put some thought into my outfit.
I decided that a bomber jacket, also a trend right now in fashion, could be a great addition to my wardrobe if I made it a little dressy and a little casual all at the same time.
I have to be up front about my inspiration for the fabrics on this jacket. I wanted to do a sporty take on dots, but as far as how my specific jacket was going to use that trend....
...let's just say the JoAnn's nearest my home had a BIG part in my decision. I can not believe how limited the polka-dot selection was! I had some ideas in my mind of what type of fabric and what scale of dot I wanted, but the ONLY thing I could find was a gold, textured, not really, but sort-of dot. That was it, y'all. Unless I wanted knit or chiffon jacket, which I didn't.
I had not planned to piece together different fabrics, but I was forced to think creatively because an jacket entirely made of golden fabric is NOT my style and I am trying my very best to only make things that will be wearable for me and compliment my wardrobe.
I tortured my two little girls by walking around and around with my bolt of gold, trying to envision how different fabrics would look with it in a finished jacket. I finally made my choices and here is the outcome.
I had the good fortune to choose the Papercut Rigel Bomber pattern and I was so nervous all the way through construction. Between having never made a jacket for myself, working with slippery fabric and having to attempt some unfamiliar construction details like welt pockets and a separating zipper, I was really concerned my investment in the fabric for the jacket would not pay off.
If I could go back in time and talk to my pre-bomber self now, I would let myself know that the Rigel Bomber pattern is so very clear at every step that there is absolutely no need to worry. Even with my somewhat wonky fabric cutting (slippery fabrics make things difficult!) the pieces still fit together very nicely! And although my welt pockets and zipper may not be perfect, they were not nearly as stress-inducing as I had supposed they would be. I even chose to go the risky route of the pieced sleeve option...and I'm so glad I did!
I am proud to hang this up in my closet and will be even more proud to wear it. Even my husband said it looks very professionally done... even if he doesn't really prefer the look of a bomber jacket. What does he know about trends, right?