For my 40th Birthday I bought tickets to the Bon Jovi concert. I really hate crowds, but John isn’t getting any younger and neither am I. So I had to do it. This was probably the fifth concert I have ever attended in my life. I didn’t know what to wear since it was still pretty cold here in Chicago, so I decided to make a moto jacket. I chose Mimi G’s Simplicity 8174 to make the jacket.
This pattern has many pieces and requires a lot of topstitching. I picked a faux leather fabric, since I wanted the leather look without the price tag, and I used stretch sateen for the lining. I used a teflon foot along with a Microtex needle. Mistakes were made on the topstitching but I let it go for once. I usually redo what I don’t like, but the thought of leaving holes kept me from doing it.
I skipped the side and shoulder tabs, because I just didn’t want to topstitch anymore. I cut a size 8, next time I’ll cut one size larger since It was a bit small and I would like to wear a chunky sweater in the fall. The back has a cute shoulder vent that didn’t look quite right. It was probably because it was a bit small. I couldn’t find any cute zippers online sadly, I had no other option but Joann’s.
Overall this is a great pattern, it’s super cute, and I will use it often. The weather was close to the 70’s the day of the concert, so it was perfect. Even though my heels from hell gave me blisters I had lot’s of fun. John is still cute and he’s super flexible..lol.
Simplicity 8174.
Pattern Description: moto jacket and knit dress. Moto jacket features assymetric side zip, and the dress has the option of contrasting front pocket and sleeves. Also available as a printable pattern.
Pattern Sizing: 6 -14 and 16 – 24
Difficulty: Intermediate.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Pattern alterations or any design changes: I skipped the side and shoulder tabs.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were. But if anyone has any trouble understanding, remember Mimi G has a video tutorial.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love it! It’s very cute.
Fabric Used: Faux leather from Textile Discount Outlet. Stretch sateen from Joann fabrics.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes!
Photos Courtesy of ANGEL.