FBA: This looks crazy. Will it work?

I've decided to try to use the Claire Schaeffer's Custom Couture Collection V8259 pattern. Like most others, I can't find my size in this pattern (14-16), so I have the larger size pattern (18-20-22). My plan is to draft my smaller size based on what I have. Plus, I get to do an FBA for the first time. My high bust is 35" and my full is 40" so this adjustment cannot be avoided
I used Erica B's instructions for doing an FBA on a shoulder princess seam. (Thanks for the instructions, Erica B. Sorry for squatting on your website all evening.)
Here's a photo of the front piece (with button band on the right side). As you can see the original pattern piece is on the left and my drafted pattern is on the right with changes for a smaller size and for FBA.



THIS LOOKS TOTALLY CRAZY. The original has a nearly straight line, but my drafted piece has an enormous open parenthesis.
How will this jacket go together with such a crazy looking front piece?
Should I try to draft this again in a different way?
Or is this ready to try on my practice fabric?
Do I need to modify the side front for FBA?

Thanks for your help!


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My fabric decision is made!

Yesterday I went to Textile Fabric (Nashville) for the first time. Wow! This is the fabric store of my dreams, definitely worth the drive to Tennessee.

I had intended to get a silk suiting for my jacket, but I wasn't crazy about any of the silk choices. I did find a cotton blend I really liked, plus some matching silk lining and pretty trim.

I also got silk thread, pins for silk, and some basting needles (long and thin).

My husband said this fabric made him think of his grandfather's (French) WWII uniform.

I'm very happy with my fabric choices, so now I am focusing on reading and studying the technique and methods.

My dad mentioned to me that my grandmother has "one of those mannequins you pin clothes on" in her basement, so I may have a dress form at my disposal! I plan to drive down there this weekend to check it out. I will be so excited if it's a dress form I can use.

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I'm really not a sewist, but I will play one on this Sew Along

Hello Internet, I've taken the plunge by deciding to commit myself to this Chanel sew along.

I've been thinking about maybe, possibly, perhaps, someday making a Chanel-inspired jacket ever since I read that Threads article about the iconic garment nearly four years ago. However, I never actually thought I'd get around to planning and implementing such a lofty goal.

Here's my To Do list, based on Cindy's list from last month:

1. Buy a silk suiting fabric and a silk lining.

2. Figure out the style of jacket and decide on a pattern or a mix of patterns. I have almost decided on using Vogue 8259 with modifications for the neck and button band.

3. Read up on Chanel jacket making and on Chanel herself: books, articles, and blogs. For someone who hasn't sewn much, I have a ton of resources on hand, including several Threads magazines and Couture Sewing Techniques by Shaeffer.

4. Buy a walking foot. I will call my local Viking dealer tomorrow and inquire about it.

5. Buy a good muslin for jackets. I have no idea how to choose an appropriate muslin. Tomorrow I will be visiting Nashville, so I will stop by Textile Fabric for help. If you have suggestions, please leave me a comment.

6. Find a great looking trim and some awesome buttons. Once again, I'll need some coaching on this step.

7. Get a real dress form.

8. Figure out how to do an customised FBA for myself. Ugh, I need a lot of adjustments here and I've never been able to do it with great success.

I am not a greatly experienced sewist. My mother taught me to sew when I was a kid; she taught herself to sew as a teenager by reading Simplicity and McCalls patterns. I've never had any proper sewing classes or instructions and I don't know any experienced sewists in my area, so I will need your guidance and encouragement to help me along. I'm really just a knitter who likes to play with her sewing machine!

visit me: daily ode of delaïdo