Mystique's Leather Jacket: Construction part 1

*Heads up, this post is full of "sewing talk".....if you aren't into that this might be rather long for you*

Greetings,

So. I have been on the hunt for a good leather jacket for a while.

Everything I wanted was too expensive ($600 and up....) apparently I have good taste. lol. I just can't justify that kind of money on a jacket right now.

I love black leather.

However, I wear black....very often. So the black clothes + black jacket might be a bit harsh. (Not that I would mind looking like someone from the Matrix)...I just wanted something a little less harsh, for wearing with my "normal" clothes.

~ The Inspiration ~

Thus, I decided on Mystique's Gray Leather Jacket from X-men First Class.

This jacket had everything I wanted. A bit of a retro vibe with a sophisticated "Super Hero Chic" twist. The trench style is perfect with a fitted waist and shorter length.

This way I can wear my black skirts and boots...with a jacket that has a bit more "color".  Actually I would copy her whole look...but with a longer skirt of course....and dark brown hair, but whatever. You get the idea.

* side note: I really liked the fact that the Jennifer Lawrence who plays Raven/Mystique isn't some skin and bones little thing. She actually is shaped like a real girl! She is even the same height as me...kind of fun. Anyway...back on topic.

~ The Construction ~

Pattern Design....

ok, I got a bit lazy on this one.

I didn't want to start from scratch! lol. I would rather just find a similar pattern and alter it. (it isn't like I am making a pirate dress or something...) I figured there would be some kind of pattern out there to use as a starting point.

After a really long search I found this pattern. (apparently Trench Coat patterns are harder to find than I thought!)

• I am going to use Marfy Trench Coat F1751 see it here

•  (these are designer patterns that come with no instructions or pictures...and you can only buy 1 size at a time) Being this was a European pattern you have to do everything by centimeters. I was in between size 42 and 44 so I decided to go with the 44 (which is USA 36 in) I figured I can make it fit me just how I want anyway. I just bought the pattern so it isn't here yet. :) 

Alterations for Design:

What I need to change on the pattern....

• Shorten the length to be like Mystique's
• Make the collar a bit smaller.
• Adjust the button placement.
• Add a back "yoke" maybe....(the movie one has that, but I need to test it to see if I even want that added to my coat)
• Add Belt loops right on my waist.
• add a coat "pleat" to the back.
• Possibly adjust the shoulders as well.
• add some secret pockets to the lining!....so much fun.

You might be wondering...."why would use that pattern if you are going to change it so much?"

Well...the base of the pattern is perfect. I haven't used that company before and I wanted to try something new. The reviews on this pattern company look really good.

I can also use this pattern for a lot more coats! The length would be pretty for a new winter coat.

I will be working on a drawing of the coat, but I haven't finished that yet. I will post it on my next update of this project.

 At least this jacket will match my school shirt too.....

 

 ~ The Leather and Fabric ~

Yeah! Leather...I love sewing with leather. I know...it is a dead animal, but it makes an awesome jacket. I have used it a number of times, but not on anything that wasn't "historical" or "pirate-ish".

So this will my first "modern" leather jacket. Exciting isn't it?

The leather hide I am going to use is called Slat. You can see it here...

The leather company I really like...and highly recommend is over here Great service and really nice leather.

I need to get some buttons, but that shall be the easy part. Maybe some cool metal ones with an "X" like design? Not sure yet....

For the lining...I think I want to use a dark gray silk of some kind. I shall just have to go and feel all the silky linings until I find one I like.

I shall post pictures once the leather arrives!

Thanks for reading!

Any questions or comments just let me know.

Comments

[erin]

so cool! this is going to be an awesome jacket!

[Fidelia]

Wow! ::Inspired:: Man, I'm going to have to make one now! I love X-men first class. :) Where did you find that t-shirt? it's awesome. :D Prof. X was definitely my favorite character. xD

~Fidelia~

PS: The detailed sewing posts like this one are awesome. Keep up the good work! You definitely know how to write an interesting post!