Wiksten Haori Jacket

I have had this pattern for some time and I am probably the last person standing to finally get around to making it!

These are the fabrics that I chose to use. The left is a glorious, textural, Japanese, azumino momen fabric that I purchased from Fabric&Art on Etsy. The owner, Michelle, offers a varied selection of beautiful fabric finds from around the world. Thisfabric was just perfect for this jacket! The folks at Shibori Dragon, who offer fat quarters of azumino momen in many colors, explain just what this luscious fabric is:

”...Azumino-momen fabrics are piece-dyed in the Azumino district of Japan (momen means cotton) hence the name Azumino-momen.  Before the pieces are dyed, the fabrics go through a process which creates a natural textured finish that gives the fabric a distinctive feel even after washing.  This fabric is a little heavier that regular quilting cottons...”

The fabric on the right was purchased 2-3 years ago from Anne Dawson at The Quilters Studio on Lopez Island. It is a Yoko Saito design from Lecien Fabrics. I fell in love with it, but had no idea what I would do with it...but it was a perfect pairing! 

Both fabrics are beautifully textured and resulted in a jacket that will be especially perfect in Spring and Fall, as well as for our often cool summer mornings.

The pattern itself is beautifully produced, the step-by-step instruction booklet makes putting the jacket together a breeze. This is a pattern that could be made without a lining as a lighter weight summery jacket. The sizing is generous. I wanted a “cuddle factor” so  my result was perfect. If I make a single jacket next time I will probably size down. Wiksten offers finished dimensions for their patterns which I really appreciate.

The jacket is designed for three lengths; short, mid-length, and long. I chose the mid-length, but as I sewed I wondered if perhaps I should have chosen the longest version. Thankfully, I chose correctly. I am vertically challenged at 5’ 4” (and shrinking!) and the long version would have been much too long on my frame.

With the collar turned up...

Just a tiny bit of Sashiko on the pockets in a Superior Brands variegated Kim Tut thread...                                   ....and yes, I do still need to “erase” a few chalk marks!

I could almost wear it inside out! 

I am so pleased with this make. I am adding the new, simple, Wiksten Shift pattern to my “must make” list now. The sizing for Wiksten are inclusive and designed for “real” sizes. 

New Marcia Derse Palette and An Excellent Book On Natural Dyes

Today’s mail brought my latest installment of Marcia Derse’s Palette. I love her solids....they are a bit dappled which makes them even better imho. I get a mailing quarterly...though I am not able to locate a link for you about it on her website. To see the full palette of her colors go here.

She also included a small preview of here new black and white line, Opposites, which will be available in June or July. I want to make a dress of these two fabrics already?

These fabrics are soft and perfect for clothes as well as quilts...or home dec or....you name it!

It was a good mail day!

I am a person who always wants to know the “how” and “why” of things. One of the first books that my father ever got for me was called “How Things Work”. It always helps me to know the reasons that some things work and others don’t. So....I want to mention a wonderful book that I have had since March, but recently decided that it might also be of interest here. 

This book by dynamic dyeing team Joy Boutrop and Catharine Ellis offers all of the what’s and wherefore I could ask for about using, mixing, mordanting, adjusting and printing with natural dyes. It is beautifully presented and contains SO much information! I really am enjoying it...so I expect experiments to begin soon. Here is the Amazon link. Of course it available through many other book stores as well as through Schieffer Publishing....they publish such wonderful books! Catharine Ellis has an excellent blog...full of unique, interesting and valuable dyeing information.

Sample pages from a few spots in the book!

Meanwhile, this weekend is giving me the perfect opportunity to begin working on my Wiksten Haori Jacket. The luscious blue solid is an amazing, textural Azumino Momen fabric Japan purchased from Fabric and Art’s Etsy shop. She is away for a few day but her selection of special, indulgent, fabrics is really worth a look! The lining fabric is also Japanese (from Lecien). I bought it several years ago from Anne Dawson at The Lopez Island Quilters Studio and, although I knew I loved it, I wasn’t sure what I would use it for until now...it is a perfect pairing! Anne is, incidentally, also our teacher for the 1876 quilt project that was featured in Houston this past year. I was a lucky participant in the two year project

So...I will get back to it! 

Are you spending the Memorial Day holiday with fri new and loved ones or cozying up at home with a project like I am? Whatever you are doing, travel safely and enjoy the moments!