1 Pattern 2 Bodies The Itch to Stitch Andes Jacket

[@ilonkamolano-pena8629]

Being pear-shaped myself, I really like it when you show how the patterns look in different body types.

[@TomKatStitchery]

You are so welcome!

[@suewilbur504]

Wow - I love your jackets!!! It’s nice seeing the same pattern on two different body types.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I"m glad that was helpful! We really love our new jackets!

[@chestnut27860]

Thank you Jenni for the great idea of adding a thread chain leash for those flapping pockets! I made this jacket too because I wanted an all-round jacket that was cute, warm, and waterproof to wear on a trip. I found softshell in great colors from an Etsy seller, KiraFashionFabrics, who sources from G.K. Fashion Fabrics in Toronto. The fabric was great, and my color, Red Clay, is a fantastic color for me (Twilight Autumn). For me, the weird thing about sewing with soft shell was the way the hem fell. It kind of poked out in the back with that curved longer hem, and it had nothing to do with the fit. I wound up sewing several lines of sticking inside the hem area, which weighted and compressed this area, and now it looks great! I also covered the zipper tape with bias tape - just used a sort of Hong Kong finish so I didn't have to add additional topstitching to the front. This also really elevated the jacket!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh that's a great way to finish the hem!

[@dianedoherty3655]

I have ordered from there as well. Sewist should be aware the shipping costs are a lot, plus they also ask for a tip for their warehouse employees. It really added up.

[@chestnut27860]

@@dianedoherty3655 I ordered from an Etsy seller who sourced from them. I agree shipping from Canada to US is pricey, but at least I was not expected to tip. Whitney was lucky to find this fabric in an actual store!

[@millysews5646]

Love the two jackets. Whitney do you have a video showing how you finish off the seams with bias tape?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I don't think I do, but I can film a tutorial on that!

[@Timpsonsews]

Discovery Fabrics is a good place to look for these types of fabrics.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ukiewife]

I was going to make the same suggestion! 😊

[@barbarawarner4645]

What a great way to really review a pattern! I’m loving this. Hope you do it again.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Stay tuned! Team TKS may need matching shirts!

[@maryellenoneill9061]

Hi Whitney, I loved that jacket when it came out and purchased the pattern, I also searched for soft shell fabric and found it! GK fashion fabrics- in Ontario, Canada currently has 23 colors on their website- 13 darks & blues & 10 red/pink/orange-y colors. I bought the purple which is just like the one Kennis is wearing! 🤩. Now I’m motivated to make it. 😉. GK also added some swatches of other fabrics. I am also interested in the bound neckline finish! Thanks for sharing, they both look amazing.

[@susuburleson878]

Thank you so much for mentioning them. I hadn’t heard of G&K before. I’ve been lost on their website for a while now, and I’m sure they’ll be getting an order from me!

[@TomKatStitchery]

That is going to be a great jacket!

[@teresastevens2084]

You both look amazing in your Andes Jackets! No surprises on the alterations between the two of you, however, I so appreciated the tips for finishing the zipper edge and anchoring the pockets which I most certainly will take advantage on the one I’m planning to make just as soon as my fabric arrives from Oregon. Thank you both for sharing ❤!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Our pleasure!

[@patriciaoswalt6464]

You two are so cute in your new coats! Great job!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you! 😊

[@michellelemesurier3106]

Great to see see this pattern made up for 2 different body types.. it is on my upcoming makes list.. FYI "Discovery Fabrics" (Vancouver Island,Canada) has a ton of softshell fabrics..they even have some great prints 😊

[@TomKatStitchery]

Wonderful! I hope all my Canadian friends read this comment and check them out!

[@virginiawildeboer1495]

Nature's Fabrics in the US have softshell in a beautiful sapphire/black combo.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Ooh! Thank you!

[@annescanapico7168]

Hi Whitney, I had a great time at the Expo and meeting you and Jenny was so much fun. You are just the cutest and your outfits were so cute. I always worry that I talk too much so I hope I didn’t take up a lot of your time. I’m the one that came running over on Thursday waving my arms like a mad woman.

[@TomKatStitchery]

It was lovely to meet you too Anne--We had a great time at the Expo and hopefully we can return!

[@jillhanger1500]

Great coats ❤. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️❤️❤️

[@JulieH1958]

The coats look awesome! So good to go through a comparison of both in relation to body type, alterations, etc. they look amazing on both of you 😊🧡

[@TomKatStitchery]

Glad you like them!

[@kaygee8343]

You both look so cute!!! With me, it's Downton Abbey for background noise.

[@TomKatStitchery]

That's a good one as well!

[@nancyhurt7145]

Loved this with both looks! Thanks for showing us the different body types.

[@TomKatStitchery]

You're so welcome!

[@frandaoust1548]

From rainy Seattle, I use Static Guard spray for those days when my cloths stick to me, works great.

[@TomKatStitchery]

That's a good idea!

[@dt126craft2]

I made the Andes in January using a Navy soft shell from Minerva. I had a lot of trouble with the front zip pockets (I suspect that the zips were too chunky, plus my machine objected to sewing them) so I left the zips off and made the pocket openings into a welt-style. Because I had messed with the pockets the pocket bags hung lower than they were designed to so I slip stitched the edge of them to the inside of the zip tape to stop them flapping around. Love the final result and love yours and Jenny's.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Way to make it your own!

[@reneemorgan9320]

Those look so good!! It sounds like you two had so much fun at the expo! Perfect timing in weather too for a jacket like that. 🌱🌷☔️

[@TomKatStitchery]

These jackets were PERFECT for the expo!

[@christinewhitehair6889]

Your jackets are great! Perfect rain coat. I live in high mountain desert ( 10 inches or less a year) so don't think I'll be making one. Wool is my fabric of choice for jackets. Although I'm making a linen/cotton one now . Very similar to this pattern. Nice review.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you!

[@marilynhardman5239]

These jackets are gorgeous! I’m going to try and find some Softshell fabric! Great tips and suggestions for the pattern. 💐

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you! 😊

[@mcomeslast]

Pirates rocks, lol.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I always catch a scene that makes me laugh.

[@robinduggins2561]

I wish I had that pattern when I recently made my jacket. My jacket is very similar but doesn't have the high neck. I hacked my jacket from a different pattern that I had on hand and because the fabric I used was fleecy on the inside I came up with the same back neckline treatment even though I did line the hood because I have curly hair and fleece and curly hair don't mix well, talk about frizz and static electricity especially in the winter.😂

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️❤️❤️

[@brendahunter7298]

Wow! I do love this jacket.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you/1

[@angiemcconnell9070]

The jackets looks so good. I bought the pattern and haven’t had time to search for soft shell. I am a calm summer so I will have to check out the link. Thank you!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Definitely have a look at the link. They had the two summer colors there at the shop!

[@karolmolpus9536]

Interesting fabric, hard to find! Turned out well!😊

[@TomKatStitchery]

Check the other comments for some soft shell sourcing!

[@brenholmes4894]

I have this pattern and fabric ready to sew this up. I just need the time!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Crossing my fingers that a rainy afternoon comes your way!

[@brenholmes4894]

That's no problem here in the UK!

[@norakathleenbertoglio4414]

Cute jackets!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you!

[@kahoelzl]

I really like those coats! I have a similar store bought style where the fleece grabs at my clothing as I put it on and I wondered how easy it would be to add (on the pattern, not my store bought coat, because that would require deconstructing) something like a ribbed cuff with a thumb hole? Nothing too long and sticking out of the coat, because I wouldn't want it to get wet, but just something to aid in putting it on. Too fussy?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I think you could add a cuff inside the sleeve, but if you're not wanting it to pop out, I think you might need a lining inside the sleeve as well. It might be easier to just interline the sleeves with a slick material so that it slides on and off the arms a bit easier.

[@katiekhan65]

Love the jacket! I live in Arizona, we are done with the cold weather, will put on my to make list for next fall. Need to find something to carry with me in the car during monsoon season however, I need to protect from the rain while remaining cool. Any fabric suggestions?

[@TomKatStitchery]

Your question made me do a quick search and I found a fabric store called www.seattlefabrics.com with a large selection of outdoor fabrics. Seattle knows rain! I'd check them out!

[@kevinorr6880]

I really like that pattern for both of you. What similar pattern would you select for a man? I'd be interested in learning how to make on for me.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sure! I think S9052 or I AM Patterns Men's Jacque Raincoat are similar styles. I also found this really good one on Etsy, but the instructions are in German, which could be a deterrent if you haven't sewn a coat like this before: www.etsy.com/listing/778136470/softshell-jacket-mens-sewing-pattern-gr?gpla=1&gao=1&&Cj0KCQjwncWvBhD_ARIsAEb2HW8XirqnQxDYJE2HGSYCYyekiLdvLGYfMwWpfabKo496MPSdWj_brHQaAvASEALw_wcB_k_&:pla-322726483898_c__778136470_535822062&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRLn9m6X6_djYxUiehW4DyP8y&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncWvBhD_ARIsAEb2HW8XirqnQxDYJE2HGSYCYyekiLdvLGYfMwWpfabKo496MPSdWj_brHQaAvASEALw_wcB

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh great question! I did a quick search and Wardrobe by Me has a Fleece jacket you could make from softshell!

[@merrylsearle881]

Is it advisable to prewash soft shell ? I have the jacket pattern and you’ve inspired me to make one.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I think it's really up to you. The fabric really doesn't lend to shrinking, but if you want to be on the safe side, you should wash it.

[@Seejaysew]

Hi Whitney - lovely jackets. This video is so timely. I have some softshell fabric in my stash, and living in the Pacific Northwest a raincoat is a necessity! I’ve been meaning to sew it up, but have been a bit apprehensive. Now you’ve given me the confidence to get on with it! Just one question, what needle did you use to sew it and did you need a walking foot?

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good! I hope you do make it up! I used a microtex needle (Schmetz size 14 as my soft shell was thick) and I did use a walking foot.

[@cecilehoare3053]

Did you say what type of needle you used? I bought some but my needle skipped stitches so I gave up on what I was making out of it. It's in the naughty corner!

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 I get that! I used a Schmetz Microtex needle in size 14 for this one and didn't have any issues.

[@judiththomas6763]

#thestyledmagnolia. Nearly every print can be ordered in soft shell

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh--that sounds like a fun thing to browse through. Thanks for the tip!

[@kendradecker8712]

“Three Indiana Jones movies.” ⏱️😂 So fun to have matching jackets. They look great! Thanks for all the info.

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂 Jenni asked how long it took me to sew them both up and that's all I had in reference to time.