Vintage pattern, McCall 8944, published 1936

February 21st, 2009 in reader's closet

Pattern_Nut, member

14 users recommend

My first try making up this jacket. I chose seersucker because it was economical and replaceable--but those stripes help make an exciting garment positively pulsating.

I love that the back of this jacket is as interesting as the front. Again, the stripes accentuate the lines so well. Since making this jacket Ive watched mid-1930s movies with a hawklike eye for both mens and womens jackets with details like these.

The flap is merely decorative--no pocket. Buttons, from a New York garment district shop, sold to me as 1930s period but a button expert said theyre more likely 1970s. The middle button had a broken shank. I put duct tape on the back and sewed through the tape to anchor button to the jacket. Im VERY careful fastening that button. This jacket really deserves bound buttonholes. Next time.

The jacket is illustrated with darted sleevecaps but my teacher and I took out the darts, as you can see.

My first try making up this jacket. I chose seersucker because it was economical and replaceable--but those stripes help make an exciting garment positively pulsating.

Photo: Cynthia De Grand

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The words "dapper" and "natty" come to mind when I wear my 1936 seersucker jacket. This was the first project my sewing teacher helped me with, six years ago, when I was despairing of ever understanding how to fit and sew the vintage patterns I found so enchanting. This was a character-building project that took a lot of patience, starting with the two (or was it three?) muslins to get the fit exactly right; continuing with interfacing, building chest pieces to support the shoulder and front; notched collar; and lining. The delightful result was worth the effort. And I have plans in the works for a couple more of these jackets, which will be much faster to cut and sew next time.

Pattern or design used: Vintage pattern, McCall 8944, published 1936

posted in: vintage, jackets, collar

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Comments (8)

Pattern_Nut writes: Paulette--I bought this pattern on eBay. Have you checked eBay? From www.ebay.com go to Collectibles--Sewing (1930-now)--Patterns. You can set up a search for this particular pattern number and get e-mail alerts about auctions. From eBay's Patterns page also see "Matching eBay Stores." I especially like All Original Patterns Vintage4Me2. If I were you I would contact this vendor, explained what I was looking for, and see if she could keep an eye out for patterns for you.

If you should sew up this pattern I hope you will share the results with us!

Posted: 10:05 pm on August 14th

PaulettaLoveToSew writes: Where can I get this pattern? I would love to make it as it is. Couldn't find it anywhere on the Internet. Help?!! Posted: 11:23 am on August 5th

Pattern_Nut writes: Thank you, sewdizzy. This was my first project with my sewing teacher but not my first jacket. The excitement of seeing this come together greatly outweighed the patience.
Posted: 9:20 pm on March 23rd

_nikki_ writes: Wow! I love the back! Posted: 12:00 pm on March 23rd

DesigningPat writes: Totally love this jacket, especially the back. Lots of patience and love expressed in this piece. Thanks for sharing. Posted: 10:19 am on March 23rd

sewdizzy writes: Wow, this was your FIRST? Such patience! It is a very impressive piece, and I cannot believe how perfectly you've whipped those little stripes into shape. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing! Posted: 12:02 am on March 10th

CHL writes: Nicely done. The lessons learned were well worth it! The seersucker actually enhances the vintage look in my mind, but with a fresh eye. thank you for sharing. Posted: 1:15 pm on February 26th

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