Amy Butler: AB043HR (The Rainy Days Hooded Raincoat and Runabout Jacket)  - Type:Outerwear  | | Viewed 183 times
| 12 more reviews | Review rated Very Helpful by 3 people | | Reviewed by: | CMae | 
 | | About CMae | | Member since: 9/30/11 | | Reviews written: 8 | | patterns reviewed: 8 | | |
| | Posted on: | 12/27/12 5:46 PM | | Last Updated: | 12/27/12 7:39 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Amy Butler Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Recommend, with Modifications | | | | Fabric: | Cotton - Laminated [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: From Pattern envelope:
Brighten the day with these sweet jacket designs - in laminated fabric for a lightweight, lined raincoat, or in home dec fabric for a sunny day runabout. With two pocket styles, a generous hood & tons of great finish details, you can liven up your outerwear with bold prints and a fresh take on everyday wear!
Pattern Sizing:
Xs-XXXl, varying lengths
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I didn't really follow them - I used them more as a reference - but overall they are a bit wordy. More pictures, less words would probably work better.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
What I like about Amy Butler's patterns is that with a few simple darts she can make a shirt or a jacket become a very flattering feminine style. The patterns aren't overly complicated in design so construction in pretty straight forward.
I liked working with the laminated cotton, no need to finish seams!
There has already been a lot said about this pattern and some of the other reviews were very helpful. I've noted the helpful suggestions below in the alterations section.
Fabric Used:
Shell:Laminated Cotton
Lining: Cotton and Ambiance Lining
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Size up! Good suggestion, I sized up one size and still the jacket is a close fit (S to size M). I think one should also consider your fabric choice when picking your size. I used a laminated cotton, so there is no give. If I used a heavy twill or cotton, there would be more natural give in the garment, making the slim fit more comfortable for wearing ease.
Line the arms with a slick fabric, or traditional lining - priceless! Do it! The arms of this jacket are slim - and you will be much happier with the finished product when you can easily slip your arms in and out.
Now about the arms, I measured the armhole before cutting and compared to another jacket that fits me comfortably - this jacket armhole was 3 inches smaller! So I added 1 1/2 inches on each side of the armhole. After I adjusted the armhole, I measured the sleeve cap and found I only had to add maybe a 1/2 inch total (1/4 inch to each side) to the width of the cap in order to fit the larger armhole adjustment. I read in other reviews that several people had trouble fitting the sleeve into the armhole- and my adjustments would confirm that the sleeve cap is probably too generous and can be made smaller to fit into the original armhole of the pattern.
Wonder Tape is your friend! This is a wash away tape that was great for holding the hem in place and the patch pockets on the front of the jacket.
Two rookie mistakes I made -
Button placement: I forgot to start my button placement at the fullest part of my bust, so I have a little gaping at the bust.
Attaching hood: when I was attaching the hood I came up about a 1/2 in short on each side - my right/left side front was a 1/2 inch longer than my hood + needed seam allowance for lining. I just cut off the extra on the front - but what I should have done was made more slashes along the curve of the hood so that it would stretch to fit the full length of the neckline.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I like the slim fit and feminine shape of the jacket. I would like to make it in a heavy cotton or twill.
Conclusion:
More info from my blog here:Sew Carrie
Once you have this jacket fitted to your liking, I think you can easily have a rain and town coat. I also think you could build variations from the body of this coat.
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4 Comments
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Very pretty! It looks like it could be reversible!
12/27/12 8:21 PM
Carrie this coat is very nice. Thank you for you post and review.
12/28/12 0:42 AM
It so pretty! I like it!
12/28/12 8:46 AM
I've had this pattern for some time and bought two pieces of Amy Butler laminated cotton for it but based on your review and others, I would make a muslin first out of something stable (to get the fit right)... Too bad the sleeves are so small! Made to fit firm young bodies perhaps...?? Not me anymore!
12/28/12 2:50 PM