Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Faux Fur Jacket - Your Opinions Please!

I'm getting ready to sew up my faux fur jacket for the Wardrobe Basics SAL, but I'm on the fence about style and pattern. For reference, this is my fabric.
It is a faux mink from Fabric Mart in a chocolate brown color. I am planning to sew a jacket rather than a vest, and other than that, I'm really not sure what I want in terms of style. I've sewn up a couple of muslins. They are very different, and I was hoping that you would all weight in about what you like and dislike about each one.

The first is Simplicity 2149. It is a hip length jacket with front princess seaming and raglan sleeves.
The fabric kept wanting to curl back, and I need more room in the back, which is why it is flying open at the hips. Still, the shape is there.
The 3/4 shot gives you a better look at the shaping, I think.

The second is Burda Magazine 12/2010, number 117.
The sleeves are a little less extreme in fur, although Mitch got a good laugh at their expense.
This one would need an FBA, so I would have to figure out if I want to add another dart. It obviously wants one.

So, cards on the table, what do you think? Simplicity? Burda? Frankenpattern? Something else entirely?

22 comments:

LauraM said...

I'm thinking the Simplicity one would be easier to do up in the fur; I'm imagining trying to do those Burda sleeves in a fur. It just seems the Simplicity would lend itself better to the fabric, but then you know the hand of the fabric better than I since you can actually touch it ;-)

Cindy said...

I have to admit the sleeves on the Burda muslin are throwing me a bit. I really like the shaping of the first one but I think I prefer the shorter length of the Burda.

Ginnie said...

I really like the first choice. I think it hangs so nicely and it's got a classic cut.

Myrna said...

If you're going to make something fun and different like a faux fur jacket, my vote is to really have fun with it. The Simplicity seems too plain. With the Burda, you could try some sleeve variations if that's bothering you. The length is great.

Sarahbelle said...

For your first foray into sewing with fur, you want to keep things as simple as possible; so that points to the Simplicity.
And yet, I much prefer the shorter length of the Burda.
Remember: the thicker the pile, the less detailing will show, and the less precision is required of the fit. MUCH less precision.

Beangirl said...

I definitely prefer the Simplicity. I agree with everyone else that simpler is better when dealing with fur. But also I just like the cut on you better.

Beth said...

Would you consider the shorter Simplicity? I agree with Cindy about the Burda sleeves.

Lori said...

I like the sleeves of the Simplicity but shorten somewhere between the Simplicity and Burda. Another thought, cut it long like the Simplicty, then you could shorten after you have it partly completed. It may look differently sewn up in the faux fur and then you can adjust the length to your preference.

Lin3arossa said...

I like the sleeves of the burda, actually, but I don't think they're "fur-appropriate". The sleek lines of simplicity would be better...

fadingnebula said...

I'd go with a vest myself, much more versatile. But that's just my personal preference. I have a faux fur vest and I love it.

Joanne said...

I also like the length of the burda but I think the sleeves of the simplicity would work better.

Lynneb said...

I am thinking in a totally different direction...more of a vintage, looser style with 3/4 sleeves. something like a shorter version of Vogue 1083 or 1137. I think your optins may be a bit too structured for the fur.

Marie said...

I like the Burda jacket, with different sleeves.

Elizabeth Made This said...

I think the Burda has a better fit, and with all the weight of the fur, I think that the shorter length could help not overpower you. But I'm totally biased towards Burda. :) It looks like it's going to be super cozy either way.

Mary Nanna said...

I think simple is best when it comes to fur since it makes such a statement in itself. Also as others have said, fur eats up a lot of ease so the simpler the shape the better, especially watch back and neck alterations to avoid feeling pinned in. Since fur bulks out so much too, a think shorter is more flattering.

I am really enjoying some of the interesting fur/fabric combinations coming out at the moment - like the Burberry denim jacket with fur sleeves, or even heavier coats with fur sleeves and collars. They are so unexpected I find the look quite charming.

Witch Hazel said...

The simplicity really has a classic, a simple cut and style, and I think would look great in fur. I also like the shorter Burda body, but not for this fur. I think that would look too specific, like VERY dressy, and lessen your wearing options.

Honestly though, whatever you like best is what you should do. I know, helpful right? lol
Good luck making a choice!

Anonymous said...

I agree! I think the burda looks better, but not the sleeves, especially in bulky faux fur...so what about making the burda as a vest?

Tonia2000 said...

I think the details of the Simplicity pattern would get lost in the fur. If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the Burda pattern with different sleeves. If you'd like a longer length, I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to lengthen it.

Marjie said...

From someone who wears fur and fake fur, go with the first one. The princess seaming will make it lay nicer on you, and a very short jacket in fur isn't really all that nice most of the time. Another thing I like in fur or faux fur is a jacket with a somewhat loose sleeve that has a cuff at the wrist. It gives plenty of bending room, which is a big need, and keeps the draft off your arms. Hope this helps.

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Definitely the Burda or something in a shorter length, unless warmth is important, which seems a funny thing to say about a jacket! The shorter length looks much more up-to-date. Those sleeves would be nearly impossible execute well in faux fur, though, so I'd go with a more boring sleeve. Actually, raglan would probably be easiest.

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

I vote for the first one in fur, although I love the shortness and shape of the second one for something besides fur. (The sleeves in your last picture made me think of Lady Gaga, if that sways you one way or the other!)

CGCouture said...

You have probably already decided, but there are a couple of faux fur coats/jackets in the December 2011 issue of Burda. You might check out #116, I think it would be perfect. http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/012012-fur-coat Or there's #113 which has raglan sleeves and a shorter length. Sorry I can't find a picture of it....