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. I didn’t know what to wear since it was still pretty cold here in Chicago, so I decided to make Mimi G’s Simplicity 8174 Moto 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, I used stretch this hot pink 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, 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, simply 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 snug 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 to use whatever it was available at Joann’s.

Overall this is a great pattern, it’s super cute, and I will try to use it again. 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. Remember Mimi G has a video tutorial for those who need a visual.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love it! The back shoulder vents are my favorite feature.

Fabric Used: Faux leather from Textile Discount Outlet. Stretch sateen from Joann fabrics.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes!