DIY Shacket: Disaster & Recovery!

[@IMOO1896]

You’ve done a wonderful service to bring the red flags to the attention of those who might make this pattern.

[@karenjones9422]

That jacket looks great because you have the knowledge and experience to know how to fix it that a beginner wouldnt. If I had paid good money for that pattern, I'd be angry that it was faulty and complain to the company. This shows people that sometimes patterns can be wrong and it's not always the sewer's fault if it doesn't work out. Great job!

[@ellenicarr-cv8sf]

I watched this again today to rewatch your collar stand and cuff techniques. I will need to practice these on scrap fabric a few times😊 But I just want to say how impressed I was with your generosity towards the pattern maker in finding and naming positive aspects. Also wanted to say that it’s not just online patterns that can be problematic. I have had some similar weird fit issues with the most expensive (in Australia) commercial patterns also. Some not salvageable at all. And yes a mock up with an old sheet or something would prevent that but sometimes it’s hard to be so patient😊

[@pamelawilson1450]

Catherine, You are amazing. I could watch your videos all day. I'm just starting to sew and have to admit that I find sewing a straight line is challenging. You take care.

[@debm460]

Kudos to you Catherine for staying the course. I would have been upset that I spent good money on an indie pattern and wasted lovely fabric. This shacket would have ended up in the UFO pile or given to charity. After learning and watching channels like yours, I’ve gone back and fixed / rescued my past makes. We’ve all had it happen, thinking it was our fault. Nice seeing your rescue and problem solving. New to your channel, love your style and creativity ❤

[@mirionkelley6853]

Thank you for having such a positive attitude when projects get tricky! You have inspired me to persevere just like you!

[@sus8e462]

"Design Opportunities" not disasters! 😜. I used to tell folks it's not how good you sew, but how good you are dealing with/hiding mistakes... No one else knows what it's supposed to look like! But the sleeve head & length for beginners would scare them away from trying again if they don't realize it's a design issue & not their skill issue (been there myself & why my sister gave up so many projects). Guess the pattern company released this without having tested it? So nice now with great resources like yourself sharing here!! Thanks!

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, yes, design opportunities. It's very true that these opportunities force us to be creative. For me, problem solving and creativity are nearly the same thing!

[@bonnierobbins4230]

Wow! You're a Joan of Ark! Strong and Coragous! I've been in the same bus with that!!

[@lissataylor12345]

Enjoyed your video for showing how to save a piece. I’m surprised you didn’t make a mock up of this pattern with crummy material. That’s a great teaching moment to show new beginning sewers how to adjust patterns to fit. Keep up the good work.

[@CatherineSews]

You're right, I absolutely should have done a mock up, especially since I had suspicions about the pattern right from the start!!

[@hiwall4883]

I came to say the same thing, especially if the pattern is confusing, and you don't have an actual photo of a model wearing it, do a mock up, good advice 😊

[@jacqpot9413]

Sorry you had so much problem with the pattern, but it certainly turned out to be a helpful thing for us to see your rescue. Beautiful shacket!

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, that's a good perspective for me to hear. It's good to be reminded that the disasters are part of the journey! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@janeallen5969]

Your Shacket looks great. I can't recall giving up on a project, but I think I would have said enough because the pattern was really so riddled with errors. Your fabric is unique and I'm sure it feels wonderful. Your ability and skill saved your project. Kudos to you!

[@cynthiafeldberg4782]

Yes, this reinforces my reasoning for spending the $$$ to purchase the item 😅, I simply do not have your patience or skills, but I like to watch what you do.

[@laurajackson6860]

Speaking to the sleeve length, I'd like to mention that when you showed the pattern before you began, I noticed the sleeves looked short and you addressed your concern about the height of the sleeve cap. Your ability think on your feet is a wonderful credit to your experience and expertise. The results are gorgeous! Great video, thank you so much!

[@JasonMoodie]

And again, This is wonderful. I appreciate that you encourage changing a pattern to better fit your needs. Often sewers know how to do something already and are comfortable with how to do it but they get stuck in the instructions. When my students are making, I always call patters "guides" for them to use to get to their ideal. Thank you as always for making these amazing videos.

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you, Jason! Your lovely comments keep me going. I love that you encourage your students to be independent and go their own way with their projects. That's so much better than seeing the instructions as a set of rules that must be followed!!

[@JocelyneRichard-h6z]

I'm learning so much from your teaching. You're so talented. Hello from Québec !!! Thank you so very much !!! ❤

[@carolcreations26]

WOW, kudos for all your efforts with that pattern. You really persevered. However, think I will have to pass on that one. Love your videos.

[@gbarnett9470]

Loved the thread flip idea. I have thread matching issues. So glad pocket got moved to match too.

[@linkay6]

That turned out really cute! Thanks for showing how you solved the problems.

[@ElizabethSampson]

I love the way you were able to think through how to fix this! It turned out great!

[@CHrisPetE056]

🎉great job. First of all amazing recovery from the sleeve issue. I probably would have tossed it all. I get so frustrated when things don’t work out and I have never really had the courage of trust in my knowledge of sewing to recover the way you did. You have inspired me so much and all i want to do is sew. I have been watching your videos on my lunch break at work. Thank you. Happy new year.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Christine! I'm so happy to learn that you and I have lunch together regularly! How lovely 😍

[@lindabrookes8389]

I have just discovered you, your videos are just the right speed, not too much chatter and your tips are amazing, thank you so much. Also your recovery tips are just what we all need!!!

[@CatherineSews]

So happy you found me, Linda! Great to have you on board!

[@rowinamediastini7839]

All things you made, they looked easy & smooth as it is... and the highlight is, you gave me a strong motivation to have courage to try something, whether to create a new garment or to renew an old one 👍👍👍 !! You also teach us very detail & clearly, you are simply the best for me !!! Thank you so much, now I have gut to start renew my old stuff as I never learned how to sew with sew machine ☺️😊... You gave me so much inspirations & sew tricks, that make all easy and all made sense 😊👍 !! Thanks to youtube too, that I could learn many things through it 😉 !!

[@madilee-jasper2453]

Enjoyed this as I have the others...helping me challenge myself, tho' this project may have to be left until the skill level has grown. Many thanks, hope one day you become a positive influencer on youtube as there is much on yt that is rubbish, and good people like yourself are needed, Have a great one!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you, Madi! I cannot even tell you how much your comment means to me! I hope you keep sewing, building your skills, and keep watching! It's wonderful to have you on board!

[@nancylorenz5082]

OH MY! You certainly had problems with that pattern! What a great job you did saving the shacket! I know it was a problem for you, however it was really good for us to see your solutions. I so enjoy watching your videos! ❤️

[@patriciaoswalt6464]

The neckline seems a little large as well, even for a shacket. I guess the pattern is for a Tyrannosaurus rex, with the short arms and a big neck. Love the fabric, it was great seeing you do your magic!

[@vickiewilliams3259]

What a great rescue! I think I would have given up when the sleeves turned out like that. Loved the video - you are a great sewist and I really enjoyed watching you make this shacket.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for the lovely comment! That makes the struggle worthwhile, lol.

[@mrgarner4796]

I love the finished shacket. You worked through the curves and challenges beautifully. Your commentary as you worked through the construction and the tips were outstanding. Great video.

[@PatternStudio101]

Love this fabric!!! Color and softness. It looks great on you 🙂

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Jin! I'm happy with how it turned out but I think the patternmaker would benefit from watching your channel, lol.

[@musikkfamilien]

I love the fabric! And your extention looks like it supposed to be there. An uniq jacket, Christine!😊👏👏

[@philiptipping6738]

What a shame, the material is so lovely, Great save. Lovely techniques for us to try to. Cheers Mary

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Mary! So glad to hear that you like the techniques I showed in the video. It's quite a long video, so I appreciate you watching and am happy if you found it worthwhile!

[@joannemcd1257]

Beautiful shacket!

[@AngeVPV]

I would never be able to figure out how to recover from the disaster. Great video!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much for checking out my channel, Ange!

[@faithmathingsdal79]

Whoa! What a nightmare! Great save!!!

[@carolynhoppe3196]

Excellent Video. I have made three shackets using 2 free patterns. It is interesting that I have run into the same shoulder issue with these patterns. I gave the garments away since they were too big for me in the shoulder, upper sleeve, and chest area. I have bought a pattern this time and I am going to try it again. I will use some of your techniques.

[@CatherineSews]

Right!? I think some of the patterns just grade the patterns up to be very oversized without considering how the shoulder will hang on a smaller frame. The cap of the sleeve should be lowered for that dropped shoulder. Good luck with your next shacket attempt--third time's the charm!

[@adamswiggan]

I love when people share disasters.

[@djdj-sr8dy]

Thank you so much for your excellent tutorials. Great explanation and superb techniques for me as an eager to learn to sew.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much for watching and for the lovely comment!

[@lauraflores3678]

Are you able to show the process of putting on the welt pocket on the actual shacket, please? I’m having trouble with stitching it to a piece of fabric as opposed to the actual jacket…. Thank you so much! I love all your videos…🤗

[@arlenemurphy804]

Looks great.

[@kathrynevans3835]

You are amazing. I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you so much. ❤

[@CatherineSews]

Aww, thank you, Kathryn! That's so sweet to hear.

[@jcrefasi1]

Too much of a beginner to altering patterns to tackle so many issues within this one pattern.😢 I will save your video in my files so when Im brave enough to tackle this I will have your instructions❤

[@Maplecook]

Never heard of a shacket before today!

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, when you know, you know!!

[@BratBustersParenting]

Well done.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for watching and for the nice comment.

[@ddsmiles6382]

I have two wool coats and I’d love to see a video how to just update them a little. I’m fixing to watch this one.

[@ddsmiles6382]

The jacket is really really sharp. It came out so nice. Great job

[@NabilaLiving]

Many thanks for sharing dear Best wishes 👍

[@johnettehaines6291]

What a bummer it is when you're not able to get more of the fabric you're using. I have had that happen to me. However, I do love the color. I haven't seen anything like it at JoAnns . Is that a sweatshirt type of fabric? I keep a knitting needle by my machine for pushing out corners or points (I lost its mate LOL)

[@valeriecoopet9897]

Maybe I missed it, but did you let the pattern make know about the issues with the piece?

[@Dranma51]

Where did you find that fabric?!

[@annseabolt6645]

One thing I did notice is the neck opening seemed too large.

[@katieduffy593]

Did you have a cold when disaster struck? I felt so sorry for you!

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, you made me just go back and check and I think I was just having problems with my mic. I always have some kind of technical difficulty going on!

[@DenBank1]

So, what's the source of the disaster? Was it the pattern flaw? Why would a pattern be flawed? I am a beginner sewer.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, it was the pattern. It was not professionally done at all! I tried to be nice in the video, but there were a lot of red flags that should have made me more suspicious. I've had really good luck with buying PDF patterns online, so I wasn't cautious enough!

[@DenBank1]

@@CatherineSews I am scared to buy ready made pattern now. Lol. Might as well do it other ways like use own clothes for pattern or learn diligently how to make patterns. Love all your thrift flips. My resolution too is to buy second hand and learn how to alter them so they will fit my size and style. Thanks again.

[@lucilledaub5991]

I don’t do centimeters. Never learned centimeters in school. I use inches.

[@lisajacobs1212]

When I saw the pattern I assumed you wanted a very short long-sleeve. Guess not!

[@susuburleson878]

What a terrible pattern and instructions. You did an excellent job, in spite of it all.

[@tracybarnes6608]

Don’t they have pattern testers for these problems. I would contact the pattern company so people less experienced don’t waste their money.

[@BritInvLvr]

Wow $14 for a pdf pattern? ! That’s a ripoff. I’ve had so many problems with pdf patterns. I’m glad it’s not just me.

[@joanstrzelec4302]

I would never buy a pattern from then again if I were you. Can’t believe all the serious problems with the pattern you should warn us were you got it, and it wasn’t cheep either. I used to sew all my clothes and loved doing it, but with the cost of fabric and patterns you can buy outfits and spend a lot less in most cases. It is a shame because I know a lot of people feel the same. Put that being said I love how it turned out but most of us would not have the skills to save it and it would have been money down the drain.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, you're absolutely right. I did mention the name of the company and all of the problems with the pattern. It just was not professionally done at all! I didn't want to be mean or overly negative because I think it's basically a young woman just starting out, but you're right. I'd hate to see someone waste so much money on the pattern and their fabric!

[@mdteders]

@@CatherineSews This is a good example why I do not like the 'Fake it till you make it'-mentality; especially do not fake a skill you charge for...

[@sandybrownonyt]

Ooo! I don't want to hear that word s.....ket.

[@J.MELISSA]

This is why I will never buy a PDF pattern.