Friday, March 23, 2012

Betty's Riding Jacket and Bow Tie Blouse

First, I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts for Kal who went missing two weeks ago.  I've just received good news today! She was found safe and well in Cornwall.  I don't know the details yet but I'm SO RELIEVED!

In other good news...I finished Betty's riding jacket and bow-tied blouse and it's featured today over at The Sew Weekly!!

First, let's talk about this blouse.  I LOVE this blouse.  I got this pattern in the post as a gift from Mrs C who blogs over at the Hectic Eclectic as a little thank you gift for the Sew Grateful week (how sweet is that?)  I must say that I actually gasped when I saw the pattern because it was Betty Draper's riding blouse--a perfect match!  I had been searching high and low for such a pattern.


Can I just say that I might be in love with Maudella patterns?  This was a superbly drafted pattern and was very easy to sew up.  The pattern itself is unprinted and the only instructions are all in text printed on the back of the pattern envelope.  Surprisingly, I found the text only instructions easy to follow.  The only tricky part was that pattern pieces didn't have numbers, instead they had names.  So at one point it was a bit confusing as to which facing pieces belonged to which sleeve version!


I made the blouse from a nice weight blue cotton sateen.  I had the exact matching buttons in my stash as well! I really like the shape of this blouse and it goes perfectly under a tailored jacket.

Now onto the jacket.  I used McCall 3260 which is a pattern from 1939.  I love how this pattern transcends time and looks almost modern.  It features a notched collar (or a collarless version), neatly shaped front pockets, a pleated sleevecap and a fairly straight sleeve.

The pattern instructions are very complete and include instructions on interlining the facing and collar (which I did with muslin), using tailor's tape as well as lining instructions.  I didn't have any tailor's tape so I just cut thin pieces of fusible interfacing and placed it just inside the seam line all the way down the front facing of the jacket and also in the collar. 

And wow, what a difference that makes to having a crisp edge.  I didn't use interfacing anywhere else in the jacket as per the pattern instructions.

I forgot to mention the fabric.  This is a British lightweight wool that I got on a super sale at my local fabric store (with a groupon voucher no less).  I LOVE this fabric.


I was very careful in cutting out the fabric to try and match up the plaid stripes.  Can I just say that I love the shape of the pockets as well--a neat crescent shaped opening at the top of an otherwise normal patch pocket.  Topstitching pockets always makes me nervous, though!

 I lined the jacket with some remnant mystery fabric that I got in San Fransisco (when Mena introduced me to all her crazy amazing fabric haunts) for $1.  I believe it is also some sort of sateen.  It's not your normal lining fabric and has a medium-hand.  I really like the structure it gives to the jacket.  I also forgot when I was inserting the lining: a) how much time it takes to hand sew it down, and b) how you need to leave quite a bit of ease in the lining fabric. 

Here's a photo at dusk.  I just love how the light plays off the almost budding tree stems:


Since we are on the topic of riding....I want to introduce you to Megan who is a member of our family.  This photo was taken at one of the riding stables in Washington:


We've had Megan for 24 years and she's definitely my mom's baby (we often joke that she's the other sibling).  She's now 30 years old (!) and living in happy retirement with lots of fresh grass and regular brushing.  Isn't she a cutie?  She's a 5.11 hand Morgan horse and just an absolute (and spoiled) sweetheart.  This is me in my early teens.  And my goodness, what is going on with my hair in this photo?  ;)

What about you? Horse-lover or scared to death of horses?
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46 comments

  1. Great news about Kal!  I'm so glad to hear that!  Also, your outfit is lovely!  It's so sweet!  And Megan-- what a doll!  I've always had a soft spot for Morgans (I was one of those little girls that was horse-crazy and read about horses constantly!).  

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  2. Oh, I love this so much! That jacket & blouse look so good together and on you! And the topstitching on the blouse - perfection!

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  3. Yay, the jacket and blouse turned out wonderfully!  Love them!  :-)  (Especially the crescent pocket shape and the maroon lining.)

    Heh, your hair as a teenager looks like mine did back then.  Heck knows why it took me so long to realise that brush + curly/wavy hair = massive frizz. *sigh*

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  4. I love this outfit, specially the blouse. Beautiful!

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  5. Pippa @ Beads and barnaclesMarch 23, 2012 8:51 PM

    So glad she was found.
    That blouse looks lovely, I'd probably never wear something like that, but the jacket on the other hand is amazing and something I would wear, in a different material.
    Ill have to look out for a pattern like it now...

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  6. I love how the blouse's color picks up the blue in that fab fabric. And I agree this look is just timeless, you could wear it to dress for any era. 

    As for horses, yes I love them. My first horse was 28 years old when I started riding him and so tired I could hardly make him trot. That's a gorgeous horse and living 30 years old is pretty amazing--he must be pretty happy.

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  7. YAY !!  Re Kal, and WOW re your ensemble !!  You look amazing ! I . NEED. THAT. BLOUSE.    You did a fab job on the jacket - I would not have dreamt it was not purchased in some upscale boutique for the loaded and semi sporty lady about town. Marvellous work !  xx

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  8. Wow, that looks fab.  You look stunning in those pics!!!  Regarding horses, I enjoy a good ride, but don't find myself particularly drawn to to them...  They are beautifully creatures though, and your Megan tops them!!!

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  9. Horse lover, and plaid jacket lover!  

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  10. Scared to death of horses!  Always have been.  But I love your blouse and riding jacket!  They are both so classic.  Something you'll have in your closet forever.

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  11. BEAUTIFUL top and jacket.  Wow!  I have a very similar blouse pattern from Advance that I'm going to try out.  We've always had horses too. My Jessie passed last January at the age of 27...she was an Appaloosa, dappled silver when she was younger and pure white in advanced age.  She was a beauty!  As is Megan. :)

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  12. Great news! And fabulous jacket and blouse - very impressive!  And Groupon vouchers for fabric??! I must investigate!

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  13. Debi, you have blown me away with this combo!  I want that blouse now too ;)  And that jacket is just gorgeous, you did a lovely job matching the pattern, fabric and lining - a real winner.

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  14. I think you have on your best 'Betty face' in this top photo. I have seen her make this look, she is such a brat I think. Both garments are wonderful and with those exact matching buttons on the blouse I love that color, but I always like what you make my friend. Yes the jacket came out so well and those pockets just lovely!!

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  15. The jacket is great, and well done for marching the plaid so well - it can be such a chore! And I love your fierce Betty Draper look in the first photo!

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  16. I am always in awe of the super complicated patterns you seem to whip up on a weekly basis! You really captured the outfit. As far as horses I bought a show horse , a rein cowhorse show quarter horse who was giant and he scared the heck out of me!

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  17. Oh my, I don't know which to comment on first. Both the blouse and jacket are gorgeous, but I absolutely love the jacket fabric and how you masterfully matched your plaids! Both are so versatile too, you can really mix and match them in the future!

    Good news about Kal too, what a relief for her friends and family!

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  18. First off I'd like to say that I'm so happy your friend was found. Such a relief!
    Secondly, yet another amazing ensemble! I love the jaunty little bow and the jacket looks so professional. Well done!
    Finally, I love horses. I "had a pony" at my Aunt's farm when I was a kid and I had a great time visiting her and riding him. I'd love to get a horse some day, but I'd probably get a draft horse and put him to work on my future farm!

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  19. They're both wonderful pieces! Betty would approve. As for horses, I'm from Kentucky where many people are horse-obsessed due to the Derby, but I'm a city girl and a bit scared of them. I love looking at them and I think they're amazing creatures, but they're so massive it's unnerving for someone who isn't around them much.

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  20. I was hoping there was going to be a picture of you and a horse. Love horses and have three of my own. All seniors the oldest 26!

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  21. SO fricken CUTE and well-fitted!!

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  22. I love how the colours of the jacket and blouse go together. They both looks great  :)

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  23. and of course it turned out beautifully.. i love the blouse.. and that blazer looks fabulous :)

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  24. Awesome Deb!  You've made me think I need a tweed hacking jacket now - it is such a classic piece.  My sister and I used to both ride horses, and gallavant around the gymkhanas and weekend  treks - such fun!  

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  25. That's good news that she is ok! 

    Love your outfit, fabulous

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  26. Glad your friend was found! Beautiful outfit, love them both. And Horse LOVER ... we have 4 total ... 2 Morgans, 1 Thoroughbred, and 1 Appaloosa ....

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  27. Fantastic, you look smashing! I have only been on a horse once, when I was 15 and it was a bit scary. Woudl like to try again but have a feeling I will not be brave enough. 

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  28. You did such a fantastic job with this.  That electric blue is a great color for you, and I love the textured buttons you used in the same color. 

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  29. So glad that Kal was found. Interesting???  You are AMAZING!   You wrote about wanting to make a jacket and top and VIOLA... there it is.   AMAZING.    I love the UK so love your photos with interesting scenes in the background.   Thank you for your lovely posts.

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  30. I'm glad your friend is okay. Your Betty outfit is fabulous. I love those curved pockets on the jacket.  I like riding horses but have only done it a handful of times.

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  31. Wow what a fortuitous choice! :) I had an instinct about that pattern and you, maybe I AM pschic after all ;-) GREAT news re Kal. And a lovely, lovely outfit. Me, terrified of horses. Tragic but true. I LOVe that they exist and I lvoe them, but not for getting up close to!

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  32. I had no idea about Kal being missing until just now! I'm so glad she has been found safe and sound.

    Your blazer and blouse are just lovely. The colours go so well together and really suit you.

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  33. Christine LaennecMarch 25, 2012 6:39 PM

    What a beautiful jacket!  And you can actually wear it to ride - I'm most impressed.  I like the idea of horses, and have ridden a few times, but in real life they are awfully big. I'm *really* relieved that Kal is alive and well.

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  34. Perfect pose first up. xx

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  35. quietandsmall adventuresMarch 25, 2012 10:28 PM

    oooh i love that riding jacket and shirt, they're gorgeous!! i think Betty's riding outfits are some of my fave's and i wish mad men had done more with her at the barn, as an avid equestrian, of course i love those scenes!

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  36. Just how awesome is this whole outfit?  I adore the blouse & the jacket is amazing - you should be very proud of it- looks so professional - & SO stylish.  I also love your quirky pose first pic :-)

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  37. ~ * ♥ * ~

    Definitely horse lover....  I have two of my own and they have a blog dedicated to their highjinks as well as mine as a rider!  A Riding Habit

    Your mare is really sweet; imagine how cute you two would look together with your new riding inspired outfit!  :)

    xox,
    bonita of Depict This!
    ~ * ♥ * ~

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  38. Kimberly GoldsteinMarch 26, 2012 2:29 AM

    beautiful plaid matching. thanks for sharing the good news about Kal. 

    As for horses, I miss riding terribly. I grew up riding a large egyptian arabian stallion that my grandmother owned for anyone in the fam to ride. He was beautiful, temperamental, and generally a joy to be with.  I was devastated when I was in college and found out he had to be put down. He has been gone a long time now and though I still think about riding again some time, as I generally miss it, it's hard to contemplate bonding with another horse. It's nice to hear that your horse is so well-cared-for in its later years.

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  39. ConstantlyAliceMarch 26, 2012 4:30 PM

    Just perfect!  The blue color of that blouse is stunning, and I love the little bow at the neck :)

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  40. That looks fantastic on you, Debi! The blue sets off the tweed perfectly. I am a big fan of that little bow, too! 

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  41. What good news about Kal! I'm so pleased she's okay.

    I love this outfit, that shirt is gorgeous and you look fab. I love the fabric of the jacket too, it's so beautiful. I was a keen horse rider when I was in my teens, coincidentally it turns out that my first pony trek holiday away with the school was to the mountains not far from where I now live which, at the time, was on the other side of the country! I'm hoping to earn enough money at some point to start up again, there's a stables just up the mountain from me here and it's driving me mad to know there are horses so close that I can't ride!

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  42. Absolutely gorgeous, Debi! The plaid is perfectly matched, and I love the crescent pocket. And those buttons!!!

    I love horses, though am respectful of their power and strength. My bestie, however, is scared to death. I'd forgotten that, and as we exited a play last summer and stood around chatting on the sidewalk, she suddenly started acting oddly and became a little darty. I turned around to see a handsome cab waiting for passengers, then back to my friend, who needed to walk on. Stat.

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  43. Love your jacket and blouse, the pockets are fab :)

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  44. I adore this jacket pattern and am now eager to fin a copy myself - wonderful structure and you have really done it justice in that plaid. A beautiful jacket and the sateen blouse picks out the colour beautifully - well done!
    Your blog is inspirational! Thanks for sharing your projects.

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  45. Her outfit is nice.The costumes are suitable for winter.  sleeveless t shirts

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  46. I love horses, but they seem to sense that I am afraid of them. This probably dates from when I was nine and was dared to ride an unbroken horse by a playmate. The horse stood still a minute then threw me. While I was still wondering what had happened, the horse (named Pepper) stepped on my foot which resulted in a never properly set bone as I kept the information to myself. Any misgivings were amplified by a friends fathers horse who was pastured across the street. Teddy was old and wise and dealt with our attempts to ride him by scraping us off on the fence. I've had other horse encounters - mostly negative, but admit they were all due to my fear. I imagine the horses communicating to their stablemates, "hey guys, watch this one!".

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I read each and every comment--thank you so much!

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