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Sewing My Stash | McCall's 5244
Many sewists have large pattern stashes. It’s become a very common practice in the sewing community. In 2018 I had a rude awakening when I realized I was stashing patterns but still going into my closet saying, “I don’t have anything to wear. That’s when I decided to stop buying patterns and start sewing my stash. So my question for you is, “Are you Sewing or Stashing Patterns?”
At the end of 2018, I started a Blog Series called, SEWING WITH A PURPOSE (SWAP). After I realized I had been sewing consistently for two years but didn’t have anything in my closet that accommodated my everyday lifestyle, I knew it was time for a change. I needed to stop “just sewing” and start sewing with a purpose. One post in the series was called, HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR SEWING PATTERNS.
I went through the steps that I outlined in that post and got rid of 387 patterns. GASP! I know what you may be thinking. “Why get rid of your patterns?” Trust me, you’re not alone. The sew sisters were gasping and telling me, “no way.” When I posted the photo above, they started pointing out patterns that they wanted. Hahaha!
I had patterns that I didn’t even like anymore; patterns that made me question what the heck I was thinking when I bought them. Many patterns were exactly the same as others, just different pattern number. After purging the patterns I actually felt good. When it was all done, I was able to store all my patterns in just two drawers in the chest below. And guess what? I don’t miss any of the patterns I purged from my collection.
Sewing My Stash | McCall's 5244
Up until last year, I held to my commitment to not buy patterns unless I needed them. Last year I went pattern shopping twice at Joann Fabrics during a sale and purchased a stash of patterns. I fell off the wagon but I’m dusting myself off and getting back up. I’ve made a new commitment to myself. During the year 2022, I plan to sew at least 20 patterns from my stash. Aaaahhhh!!! That’s right. Today’s post is the beginning of my journey into SEWING MY STASH, starting with a crop jacket from McCall’s 5244 and accessories from Simplicity 4178. That’s 2 down, 18 to go. WooHoo! Let’s GO!
Sewing the Jacket
When I purchased McCall’s 5244, I had plans to sew View A with the folded collar. However, I didn’t sew it right away and the pattern went into the drawer with all the others, where it stayed for several years. When I pulled it out again in January, I was drawn to View B this time. I sat down at my Baby Lock Soprano sewing machine and went to work. The outcome is stunning. Unfortunately, this pattern is out-of-print. I found mine on Ebay. You may also be able to find it on Etsy, Amazon or anywhere older patterns are sold. Try a Google search.
Fabric
This animal print fleece had been in my fabric collection for a long time and I thought it would look amazing with the pattern. I was right! It’s a beautiful paring. It was purchased from JoAnn Fabrics several years ago.
Lining
For the lining, I used a lightweight knit because I wanted something soft. I didn’t want to go with a traditional woven lining. I actually use knit fabrics often to line woven garments. I prefer the soft feeling on the skin.
Notions
At first I purchased black buttons for the jacket, but after placing them against the fabric I changed my mind. I wanted to keep it simple and chose to go with self-covered fabric buttons instead. I love covering buttons with matching fabric because they add such elegance to the garment. To keep the other side of the collar closed, I used a large black snap.
Accessories
As usual, I styled the jacket before I made it. I paired the fabric with several items from my closet, a pair of shoes and a clutch purse. But after finishing the jacket, I decided to take it up a notch. I used the leftover fabric to make a matching pillbox hat and clutch purse with Simplicity 4178. This pattern is a reprint of an older 1960’s pattern.
The hat and purse are really easy to sew. The hat requires two pattern pieces, and the purse is one pattern piece, cut twice. I did cut a third layer of fabric for the purse though, because I added a sew-in interfacing for stability. The extra layer of fabric enclosed the interfacing so that it doesn’t show on the inside of the purse. I added brooches to the hat and purse to dress them up, and the pins can be switched up for variety.
Styling the Jacket
While sewing the jacket, my mind was bursting with other styling options. I always like to see how many ways I can wear the garments I make. This jacket is very versatile and I’m sure I’ll be wearing it for many years. Check out some of my styling options below.
Styling Option #1
Let’s start with a pair of white denim pants that I made with Simplicity 8956 two years ago. This is such a clean and sophisticated look. I would wear this ensemble out to dinner, a business meeting (oh yes, I would), a conference, and out to tea.
Styling Option #2
Next, we’ll pair her with the fit and flare dress I made recently with McCall’s 8138. When I made this dress, I actually wanted to finish the jacket to wear with it. The two pieces together are pure elegance. I would wear this pairing to church, dinner, a musical, and out to tea.
Styling Option #3
For the third look, I paired her with jeans and knee high boots. Now see, this is where I get sassy. I’ll wear this out with a group of girlfriends for dinner and a glass of wine. I can also wear it out to lunch with my sons. I haven’t gone out dancing in a very long time and I don’t like the club scene. But if I were to go out dancing, I would wear this. However, I would probably only get in about two or three dances before taking a seat. I can’t rock it on the dance floor in high heels like I used to back in the day. Hahaha!
Styling Option #4
Okay, now we’re ready for high tea. Oh yes, I paired her with my favorite lace skirt. If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you’ve seen this skirt many times. It belonged to my mother-in-law. When she passed away, I kept this skirt and every time I put it on I remember her. I would definitely wear this to church, a formal dinner, and other special events. I would also wear it on stage at one of my speaking events. However, it would have to be a short talk because my feet don’t agree with pointed-toe shoes for long anymore.
Styling Option #5
And now for the grand finale! Oooooohhhhh!!! Whew! Girl! Oh my gosh! When I tell you I screamed, I mean it. I know my neighbors heard me. I just know they did. THIS is what I envisioned while I was making the jacket. The sheath dress is a classic look. I made the dress recently with McCalls 7531 and a black, crushed velvet fabric. This ensemble looks more amazing than I envisioned. Will someone please tell Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. that I’m holding it down for them in their absence.
I would wear this look to the opera, musicals, fine dining restaurants, special birthday parties, high tea, and other special events. The people at my church don’t get down like this. But I may have to step into the building looking extra one Sunday. Hahaha!
Pick-A-Shoe
Since this is my favorite styling option for the jacket, I paired it with three different pairs of shoes. The first is a high heel sandal. My second option is a red, open-toe pump. I decided to add my grandmother’s red handkerchief. You’ll hear more about this special piece in a future post. And the final option is the matching animal print pump. So tell me, which shoe is your favorite?
How would you style the jacket?
I would love to hear how you would style this jacket. I can see it with so many colors. What color garment would you wear with this jacket?
Sewing with a Purpose
If you find yourself frustrated about your wardrobe and feel the need to change the way you’ve been sewing, I invite you to check out my “SEWING WITH A PURPOSE” series here on the blog. There’s a lot of great information to help you to take back control of your sewing. I say “take back control” because I believe that stashes can sometimes become overwhelming and distracting. Follow the links below for the series. And stay tuned for more “SEWING MY STASH” posts from me this year. Remember, I have 18 more to complete to meet my commitment to myself.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials I mentioned in this post.
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 49 Comments
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I like it with the animal print shoes. Its gorgeous. You look amazing.
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Hi Anita,
I am so happy to see a new post from you. I had been checking daily for a while now. I so enjoy everything you post. I would love to see a new sew along. You are so inspirational, watching you sew makes me want to sew more. And the jacket ensemble is beautiful.
Hi Audrey! Thank you so much for your support. I’m really glad to hear you’re enjoying the posts I share. More coming soon, and a sew along.
Hi Anita! What a fabulous jacket!
Glad to see you doing great things again.
Thank you so much, my beautiful sister!
WOWZA. . . that Jacket, Hat, dress, Shooze and SMILE is worth a million. . . Enjoy every moment
Thank you, Neti! I will definitely enjoy wearing this jacket for many years. ?
Anita, this jacket is so classy and so You!! Without a doubt, you have an eye for fashion. I don’t think I would ever select this pattern but your take it up a notch. Each outfit looks great and it’s not easy to select just one. The animal print shoes are perfect! I like your idea of sewing your stash. It will be an adventure waiting to see what you present this year. I’m anxious to see.
Thank you so much, De! I’m so glad I finally sewed the jacket and can’t wait to sew more from my stash. It’s gonna be a fun year.
All options are gorgeous and they all look beautiful on you
Thank you, Yolanda.?
Every thing looks awesome on you, you so beautifully.
Thank you so much, Debra. ?
Anita, I love that jacket, you can wear something like that, I will have to make it longer, I have made a couple of those hats,
I made that hat and covered a pair of shoes to match.
Hi Sarah! Oh wow, you covered shoes. I’ve never done that before. Awesome! ?
I love it with the jeans.
Thank you Carolyn! That look will probably get the most wear since it’s more casual than the others. ?
Anita, this piece is so versatile and looks classy whatever you pair it with! There are many reasons I enjoy your channel, blog, etc., but the biggest reason is that you bring femininity and class to the pieces you create. They are feminine and flattering, modest without being frumpy, and just classic! Thank you for all you do to inspire us!!
Oh Jennifer! Thank you so much. You just put a huge smile on my face. It blesses my heart so much when I hear that my SEW Sisters are inspired in this space. Thank you for being here. Have a great weekend.
Anita you are slaying it. my favorite was your go to pattern. I liked the animal print shoe the best.
Thank you so much, Henrietta! Yep, my favorite too. ?
you look amazing you give me so much inspiration, I stopped sewing because I got frustrated nothing was fitting right, I’m older now and don’t feel comfortable in some clothing. Your style is just up my alley – will have to find the time again to dive in again 🙂
Hey Carmen! I’m so glad to hear that you’re getting inspiration here. That really blesses my heart. I hope you will make the time to dive in and start sewing again. ?
Love the jacket and how you style it with a different look all of them are beautiful. I started sewing in my early teen and stop in my late thirties, not for any particle reason. Recently I was on YouTube looking for how to hem a pair of jeans and keep the bottom stitch intact. Your channel popped up I start watching and love your sewing techniques and how you explain every detail. I’m retired, watching your channel I decide to start sewing again. The best always.
Hi Anita
Well, you did it again!! Each outfit is fabulous but more importantly, you look fabulous in the outfits.
Barb
Thank you so much, Barb! ?
This is great and you’ve styled it well and look amazing!! BUT I must say styling option #1 ????
Thank you so much, Lisa! Yes, Option #1 had me squealing too. ?
The minute I saw the jacket in the first picture I saw it with a black fit n flare dress. Nailed it. Then I thot It’d look adorable with a black or dark brown pleated skirt. I think you read my mind in regards to sewing your pattern stash. I dont know how many I have eliminated but am now not so “stressed” to have to sew with them, just because I purchased them. Love the jacket and each way you styled it.
Oh my goodness, Jayne! A black and brown plated skirt would look awesome with the jacket. Yes, I totally get it about feeling like you have to sew the patterns.
Miss Anita!!!!! You’re out here slaying it in these looks. Beautiful, gorgeous… just Amazing!!!! Loovvvveee the skirt look because I love me a nice lace white maxi length skirt. ??????
Yeeesss, Tina! ?? I will keep that lace skirt until the threads all fall apart. ? I wear it with everything!!!
I just love everything you made and how you dressed them up. You inspire me so much too. You have an awesome body also and everythings looks beautiful on you. I joined Weight Watchers and I am down 5 pounds. I still have 35 more to go. I want to look good in my clothes too. God bless you for inspiring me to sew, dress better and to love my self to want to look my best and lose this excess weight. Just love you.
Oh my goodness Esperanza! I love you, SEW Sister! Congratulations on your 5lbs shedded. I’m so glad to hear that you’re inspired in my space. That is definitely my heart’s desire for everyone who takes the time to visit. Thank you for being here, Esperanza. ??
Ms. Anita OMG you look amazing I love everything, I love all the looks OMgoodness Yass’s , you look Beautiful in all the looks.
Thank you so much, Angela! I love it! ?
You are a beautiful inspiration!!!
Awww, thank you so much, Gayle! I’m very happy to have you here.
You look amazing in every single picture! I found the pattern on e-bay. I can’t wait! Thanks Anita! You are my inspiration.
Yeeesss, Maureen! I’m so glad you found the pattern. Have fun making your jacket. WooHooo! ?
You look fabulous as always ❤️
Thank you, Monica! I absolutely love this jacket.
I love all the looks especially the leopard shoes. You look gorgeous in each outfit, and have opened so many possibilities for me. Thank you. Love this blog.
Hi Marian! Thank you so much. I think the leopard shoes look amazing with the jacket too. I’m glad to hear that you love the blog. ?
Ooohh Anita, what an absolutely gorgeous jacket!! Well done!! ??? I thought it was faux fur, didn’t realize it’s fleece until you mentioned the fabric!
I love anything with animal prints! It looks fantastic every way you’ve styled it!
Thank you so much, Laura! ? The jacket would look amazing in fur too. ?