ModCloth Knock Off - Part 2

10.31.2013

*In the last episode of "Handmade by Heather B," Heather and her trusty sidekick Frogore were engaging in the dark side of pattern mashing, hoping to clone a Modcloth jacket.  Were they successful or did their creation run amok? Stay tuned to find out*

After my second muslin, I was feeling pretty confident that the shape was pretty close to the inspiration garment.  Let's just take a look at that again.
I decided to redraw the back peplum seam a third time and mock up the body of the jacket in fashion fabric.  That way the question of a one or two piece sleeve could be put off as long as possible. I was also hoping that given enough time Frogore might convert that sleeve for me. I should have known better, he only makes candy disappear.

In the end I did convert the sleeve to a two piece in a way that was truly heinous and will not be spoken of again. (No tutorials on that people. I don't want to teach you bad habits that shouldn't work.) The only other tweak made was to take in the front edge by 3/4", for a more pleasing look.

Since the search for jacket weight skull fabric came up dry, I did a bit of stash diving and decided on a lace print synthetic of some sort. At least that's what I think it is since it doesn't hold a crease that well. This mad scientist really should keep better notes on the stash since the "abby normal" brain can't remember jack.  But without further ado I give you.... My Creation! Frogore throw the switch! MUHAAAAHAAAHAA!

First up a front and back collage so you can do a little compare and contrast with the original garment.
Jacket collage
Close up on the buttons and collar.  I must be standing a bit funny because the collar doesn't look even on both sides.  I assure you that despite an "abby normal" brain I can balance a collar evenly.  Just take this fun sized candy bar and nod your head yes.
Jacket 4
Like the inspiration garment, the jacket is closed with self covered buttons.  On the other side is one silver button to keep the overlap from flopping around.
Details Collage
Trying to give you a decent photo of the sleeve head but failing. How about a process sleeve head shot instead?  The only thing I'm not entirely happy with is the support for the sleeve head.  I bought very nice shoulder pads from Gorgeous Fabrics, but the heads could really use more support than that.  What kind of support I'm not sure. Frogore should have done a little more research for me.
Sleeve Head Collage
Here I must be really excited to show you my lining, or maybe Frogore was making funny faces at me while we took pictures. He is quite the cut up.
Jacket 5
Finally cause I like you and Halloween's supposed to be about treats....a nice collage of my decorative seams. I'd offer you more chocolate but it seems to have gone missing.
Seams detail
So what did the towns people think?  We'll some of them weren't too sure of my 80's linebacker shoulder line. I managed to convinced them that it's what all the fashionable mad scientists are wearing this season.  The rest were immediately won over by the snazzy lace print and constructed a catwalk lit with their torches.  I'm currently demonstrating my "Blue Steel" while Frogore pockets their change for the next project.  Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween

32 comments:

  1. You're amazing Heather. The jacket looks spot on.

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  2. It looks great, despite the linebacker shoulders (I kinda like linebacker shoulders... On linebackers that is ;-) ) Cool fabric and nice color of lipstick!
    Enjoy all your Halloween-chocolate, I wouldn't give any to those spoiled children ringing your doorbell tonight, but eat it all myself!

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  3. Love it! I am, as always, impressed by your pattern adaptation skills.

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  4. Another fabulous jacket! Impressive recreation of the inspiration garment. (and your post made me chuckle, too)

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  5. i love the lines on that jacket! great seaming there! glad you made it all work, the fabric is awesome! re: sleeve heads--i use bias cut fleece that you stitch on in place of ease stitches (pulling the fleece as you sew eases the shoulder cap) and fills out the sleeve head. i picked up that trick from one of gertie's posts on coat construction from a couple yrs ago.

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  6. Great knock off.
    As for the sleeve head, I agree with lisa g. I was gonna tell you to check out some tailor books because I wasn't sure if that was right.

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  7. You'd be hard pressed to tell that it's not the same jacket in a different fabric! Great job!! And I totally need a cool (or at least entertaining) sidekick of my own....


    Also? I'm totally jealous of your pumpkin carving skills. I'm doing good to make a simple face most years, and some (like this one) I don't bother at all. *shame*

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  8. Super fab knockoff, it looks great!! But, what does the hubby have to say? I love reading his comments.

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  9. MmmHmm! Looking good!

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  10. This definitely deserves the torch-lit catwalk! I agree with CGCouture that I would have thought this was from ModCloth just in a different fabric. You're a talented lady!

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  11. You did a fantastic job! I think it looks amazing- well done Heather and Frogore! ~Laurie

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  12. Great knock-off!



    For sleeve head support, I usually see/use stiff netting (folded in half with a slightly curved edge like a shoulder pad shape and gathered on the cut curved edge) or the sew-in interfacing gathered and stitched to the sleeve's seam allowance.

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  13. WOW! Heather this is a great knockoff! You did a fabulous job!

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  14. Thank you Sweetie. I will try to be amazing again just for you. ;)

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  15. Thanks Wendy. :) Nom, nom, nom, the spoiled children left me plenty of candy. Too bad it won't go to my shoulder. LOL

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  16. Thank you Lady K. I think you would look awesome in something like this.

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  17. Thanks Rach! I'm glad my antics with frogore make you chuckle. hee hee hee

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  18. Thanks Lisa. I've heard of this technique but have never seen this tailor fleece that is mentioned. Do you know a source or do you use polyester fleece?

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  19. Thanks Trice, I should check out some tailoring books too. Most of my knowledge is me winging it. :)

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  20. Thank you so much! I will tell frog to send you a cousin to be your sidekick. :)

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  21. Thanks Melanie, well this it the kind of thing he thinks is a total waste of money to sew. No pockets, 3/4 sleeves, weird shoulders. Not his favorite. ;)

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  22. Thanks Shar! Come walk the torch lit catwalk with me.

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  23. Thanks Laurie, Frogore says it was mostly his work. :)

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  24. Thanks for the tips Brooke. I should have thought to consult you.

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  25. Thank you Margo. :)

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  26. Wow - impressive job on the jacket! It's a great knock-off. I don't have much experience with shoulder pads. My shoulders are broad enough that I usually remove them from jackets. Heheh.

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  27. Ooooh, yes, very nice!!! Looks just like the inspiration and loving the royal blue lining.

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  28. Thanks Chuleenan, sounds like I just need to borrow your shoulders when I wear this jacket. Problem solved! :)

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  29. Thanks Catja! I will flash my royal blue lining at you anytime.

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  30. i just use poly fleece. that stuff is also great for custom shoulder pads, fyi!

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  31. What a great mash-up jacket. I think the shoulders look just great. I love the fabric you chose and a pop of colour on the inside, just Fabulous!

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