Progress on my jacket project is extremely slow but steady. I’ve managed to throw together another hunk of muslin to quickly test out the basic shell of my men’s jacket pattern. At this point I’m just making sure the collar/lapel pattern pieces actually work together. I’m not concerned about how the collar notches look or how the lapels roll/lay on this test garment. This was my first attempt at making a notched lapel and found it somewhat difficult. I haven’t consulted my tailoring books yet (I should have), but I’d love to hear about any good online resources for notched lapel construction.

From here I need to add some shape to the side seams and center back seam, decide what I want to do for darts, and start the lining pattern.

men's jacket pattern test in muslin

I made a quick list of projects that I hope to complete in 2012. My main focus here is building a wardrobe from scratch so I’m sticking to the basics: shirts, pants, and a jacket.

  • This jacket is a priority, but I may end up making some of these other things below first.
  • Another pair of selvedge denim indigo jeans. My last pair is still doing great, (they are only a year old) but I want to have a fresh crisp pair in the closet
  • A pair of natural selvedge denim (light canvas color) jeans for spring/summer
  • Chinos
    -Light gray
    -Dark gray
    -Khaki
  • At least 2 heavier weight winter shirts
  • At least 2 light weight spring/summer shirts

It seems like a fairly short list for an entire year, but this is more than I completed in 2011. Who knows, maybe I’ll pick up the pace and get even more done!