Created this suit for a friend attending a Titanic event at a local museum – she chose lined jacket version A with the plaid skirt. I didn’t like the idea of cutting the plaid on the bias, but was fortunate to find a diagonally printed plaid in the quilt section at Joann’s! While doing research, I found an image of the original jacket that obviously inspired this pattern, and the collar and button closure were different. I did my best to copy the original La Mode Illustree version, but used the skirt pattern. Be aware that the skirt is very high waisted, and if you are above average height you will need to lengthen it – I didn’t do this and had to add a bias band at the hem. Also, if you are hippy, be sure to add to the skirt seams or cut a larger size. You can certainly use the jacket pattern as is, but I made the following adjustments with very little trouble: Narrowed and changed the angle of the large left lapel so it hangs nearly horizontally, made the jacket neckline higher, shortened the plaid collar, shortened the jacket and made the hem symmetrical rather than angled, didn’t use a fold-back cuff but used a shaped cuff facing, and raised the armhole. I’m thinking the sleeves could be changed to a narrower, two piece sleeve, but I used the existing pattern piece. The directions are very clear and give good directions for the skirt pleating. It went together quickly after all of the adjustments were made to a muslin.
Rated 5 out of 5
Trystan Bass –
I made the single-lapel coat in less than two weekends from a black & white stripe wool with black silk for the collar & cuffs. The whole thing went together smoothly, with my main adjustments being to shorten the collar a tad for my height / proportions. I wore the jacket with a skirt I owned. Recommended!
Lisa Prindle –
Created this suit for a friend attending a Titanic event at a local museum – she chose lined jacket version A with the plaid skirt. I didn’t like the idea of cutting the plaid on the bias, but was fortunate to find a diagonally printed plaid in the quilt section at Joann’s! While doing research, I found an image of the original jacket that obviously inspired this pattern, and the collar and button closure were different. I did my best to copy the original La Mode Illustree version, but used the skirt pattern. Be aware that the skirt is very high waisted, and if you are above average height you will need to lengthen it – I didn’t do this and had to add a bias band at the hem. Also, if you are hippy, be sure to add to the skirt seams or cut a larger size. You can certainly use the jacket pattern as is, but I made the following adjustments with very little trouble: Narrowed and changed the angle of the large left lapel so it hangs nearly horizontally, made the jacket neckline higher, shortened the plaid collar, shortened the jacket and made the hem symmetrical rather than angled, didn’t use a fold-back cuff but used a shaped cuff facing, and raised the armhole. I’m thinking the sleeves could be changed to a narrower, two piece sleeve, but I used the existing pattern piece. The directions are very clear and give good directions for the skirt pleating. It went together quickly after all of the adjustments were made to a muslin.
Trystan Bass –
I made the single-lapel coat in less than two weekends from a black & white stripe wool with black silk for the collar & cuffs. The whole thing went together smoothly, with my main adjustments being to shorten the collar a tad for my height / proportions. I wore the jacket with a skirt I owned. Recommended!