Make [Believe] Imagine Jacket

Quick Note: Pattern Anthology's Make [Believe] Collection is only available at a special discount for a couple more days! Check out the details here.

The first item I made for Pattern Anthology's Make [Believe] collection is the Imagine Jacket. When I enthusiastically signed up to test the patterns, I did so blindly with no idea what I would be asked to make. So, if you guessed that a fully lined jacked with welt pockets and a separating zipper incited a mild panic in me . . . well, you'd be right! 

But once I'd calmed down (and recovered from an excruciating trip to the fabric store with all three of my children) I started putting the jacket together, step by step, following the many photos included in the directions. It worked! At the end of the project, the result was a nicely finished jacket, custom made in the fabrics and colors that my son proudly selected. The only hiccup in the process seemed to stem from my unfortunate combo of outer fabric with stretch and lining without stretch but I channeled lessons learned from Project Runway and made. it. work! Overall the lining, that I had been so afraid of, actually saved me from tedious hemming and other sewing steps that I hate and made a nice accent to the collar of the coat.

So, the bottom line is that, despite my anxiety beforehand, I really love this pattern. (Check out some of the special options for girls too - so great!) If I'm going to spend time on a project (as opposed to buying ready-made), I want it to be something special . . . something worth the investment of time, money and energy and this jacket fits the bill. 

Make [Believe] Explorer Hoodie

I really love dressing up each of my two girls - and they love it too! If I weren't constrained by budget and common sense, there are all kinds of crazy ensembles that they would look adorable wearing. With outerwear, practical and neutral are usually the order of the day and even sweatshirts tend to be a little bit understated so that they don't clash with most things in their wardrobe. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but it's not always fun. 

Enter the Explorer Hoodie from Pattern Anthology's Make [Believe] Collection. This hoodie is fun! As a true California Girl, I love a great hoodie and this one doesn’t disappoint. Relatively quick and easy to sew, with options for zipper placement and hoodie ruffle, the Explorer Hoodie may have eased me out of my outerwear rut.

When selecting the linen (linen blend?), I chose something that my daughter and I could both love without worrying about something that could be worn with every. little. thing. No regrets! My other daughter liked it so much that she’s requested one of her own (most likely in another fun print). And truly, since we live in Southern California, a lightweight layering piece, such as this, is sure to see its day in the sun.

Disclaimer: Although I tested the Explorer Hoodie in linen, woven fabrics are no longer suggested for this pattern. But don’t let that discourage you - the knit versions that I’ve seen are amazing (and look very cozy).