As we gathered on a chilly spring weekend in Baltimore for our annual early spring retreat, Rain or Shine Variations of the Tabula Rasa Jacket seemed to be on many agendas. It is also a great way to focus on more openings and closings before tonight’s virtual class for Fabric Mart (still time to register). Its center front openings make this variation perfect for light weight coats and jackets for transitional weather or if you live in a warmer climate.
What Makes the Funnel Neck Work
We assisted several of the students in creating funnel neck versions of their Tabula Rasa Jacket destined to become a vest or a light weight jacket. Check out the directions in the funnel neck fit and fun post for moving rounded back darts into the back funnel neck pattern and facing.
Remember that the funnel neck needs to be well interfaced so it can sit tall and create this graceful shape. Make an interfacing sampler to help decide which of our four interfacings will stabilize the neckline perfectly. One student this weekend who was making a silk ikat vest with the funnel neckline chose to use Envy Silk on the fashion fabric and French Fuse on the facings.
A few days after Easter, just in time to inspire us on retreat, Debbie sent these great photos of a funnel neck she had cut out at a Sew Successfully retreat in 2022 and recently found the time to stitch together in her new sewing studio. In fact, she is the gal in the photo above adjusting her pattern before she cut out the fabrics. She says she loves that the collar can either stand up in the funnel position or roll down into a shawl collar. She cleverly placed the frog closure so it works in either position. She wore this cheerful top, made with fabric from Threads and Ewe, for Easter services and to host of a luncheon for friends and family after church. It is always fun to have something new for any new season! It is especially sweet if it is a project that has been awaiting your attention and finally there is time to stitch it into a new favorite.
Whatever the Spring Celebration, Fit for Art Is Perfect
Carrie and I were both sporting Rain or Shine coats on Easter Sunday as well. The photo is at the top of the post! Carrie’s Toile Spring Jacket is a Rain or Shine jewel neck variation with a zipper front and detachable hood. It is made from a pair of irresistible toile prints; read about the construction process in the linked post. My coat is the Gold Bee Quilted jacket made from cotton canvas using the funnel neckline and it is closed with vintage buttons and fabric loops.
Create a Look that Is All Your Own
Therese was modeling several zip up jackets at the retreat that were made with the Rain or Shine zipper opening and jewel neckline, perfect for mild temperatures. One of her jackets was sewn in a novelty Mylar type fabric and the second a cotton tweed that had a fun Channel look.
What is your favorite way to close a jacket for chilly spring or fall days? I bet you could incorporate it into a Rain or Shine Variation of the Tabula Rasa Jacket or Vest. Read about Carrie’s Lined cotton Ikat vest with the funnel neck front in our post about lining a vest. It will take you to the free downloadable directions for creating a vest with the Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern.
Tips to Get Started on a Rain or Shine Jacket Journey
Sign up for the Tabula Rasa Jacket On-Demand Class to prepare your jacket pattern for a customized fit in any of these variations. Perhaps you can mark your calendar for November 15-17 for our next Baltimore Sew Successfully Retreat where you can work on any Fit for Art project that suits your fancy and enhances your wardrobe. Watch our mailings for information about registration. We would love to have you join us.
Watch social media this week to see more Rain or Shine fun!
RAE
So honored and delighted to be featured here!
Do you have tips for shaping this Jacket for slimmer people?
It looks like pyjamas on me. Would love to put darts in.
Hi Fay, The Tabula Rasa Jacket does have bust darts, one in the A/B front and two in the C/D front. There is also a PDF found in Helpful Hints, Jacket Help called make a trimmer fitting Jacket and it gives you several suggestions for shaping the jacket in the seams and also for adding additional darts through the body. Good luck.