Purple Elephant Jacket

Since I've been sewing up a few test patterns over the past couple of weeks and I can't post any pictures (not yet at least), I thought I'd share Bean's jacket that I made her in the fall.

I found this purple wool that was an incredible price so I snatched some up knowing I wanted to make a winter jacket for Bean.  As the fall chill moved into winter freeze, I hadn't made the jacket and poor Bean was still wearing a fleece (though bundled underneath.)  So I decided to make a jacket using a pattern and turned to the ladies at Shwin & Shwin (yet again) and their Abbey Jacket. (It's on sale right now, so you might want to grab one - fyi I'm not an affiliate)

Somewhere along the line I bought a half of a yard of this great elephant greyish fabric that I love. (I was apparently on an elephant kick in 2012)  I decided that since the jacket isn't supposed to be fully lined (it's meant for fleece which doesn't need a lining) I had enough to use the elephants for the collar, buttons, and sleeve tabs. 

The buttons were made using the snouts of two of the elephants which were squirting some water. I think they turned out pretty cute.

I am so pleased with the jacket.  The pattern was easy to follow and included top stitching recommendations which I always think gives a more professional look.

We have had so many people come up to us asking where I got this jacket for Bean.  Seriously the most compliments from strangers of anything I've made for her, hehe.

My older sister thinks she looks like a drum major in it, and I'll admit that with the collar up the button placket does look a little Sgt. Pepper-ish.  But then, I think that's the point! (I mean, come on....it's Shwin Designs)

It's held up really well all winter.  We even went outside today in the sunny cold with it.  Bean found our first dandelion of the year, hehe.

**This post was featured on the Weekend Link Party at Happy Hour Projects and at Sew Country Chick's Saturday Sew and Tell!



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