I’ve made it a weekly habit to reveal my latest vintage sewing projects on Mondays through my social media accounts.

This week’s reveal was a little half assed. Last week sewing got put to the side to spend time with two close friends over different days as well as our favorite neighbors too. It was so good to see some favorites up close and catch up in person. I worked on last week’s project when I could.

1939 Butterick 8578 / 1941 McCall’s 864 similar jacket patterns.

I selected an easier pattern. Not only because I need some lighter weight jackets for the warmer season ahead. But I also need projects where I can practice lining things. I’m getting better every time and on paper and in instructionals, it seems like an easy logical thing to do. I just have moments of broken brain sometimes. Thankfully there were no problems with this lining.

The two patterns pictured above are almost identical. The McCall’s 864 pattern is the newer one coming from 1941 and it also offered an embroidery option too. In the envelope there is a design transfer and embroidery instructions. I will definitely check that out later. Hopefully I can find a spring color of wool, like yellow or green to do the embroidery on.

For this jacket I used the Butterick 8578 pattern. From 1939 and had been well loved as it appears to have been a classroom copy at one point in time. There are very faint writing in pencil on all of the pieces. Only one piece of this pattern was missing. The pocket bag, which is very easy to draft up a replacement.

“Eleanor Folline (?)
Per 2 - Clothing III
Room 10”

I choose a very fine merino wool in a medium gray color from my stash. I paired it with a black acetate for the lining. Both fabrics are vintage. I haven’t actually completely finished this but it is wearable as is. I need to add the pockets, button closures (I was actually leaning towards not doing that) and finishing the detachable hood.

The almost completed but wearable as is jacket.

I loved how it came together. The front facing and front panel is an all in one piece. The lining easily went it and was easily attached. I even did the era correct thing and added the shoulder pads to give it the iconic late 30s/40s look. It’s easy to toss on and wear. I didn’t do any adjustments to the pattern aside from adjusting the size down just a bit to fit my frame better. But I’m pleased with this and I will definitely make more in this style.

More sewing projects to come!

xo-Thea