About Me

My photo
Los Olivos, California, United States
You can reach me at fool4fabric (at) gmail (dot) com

Saturday, February 2, 2013

MARNI & ME

I've been dying to sew the Style Arc Marni Ponti Jacket since it was issued; I'm surprised there aren't many reviews of this...it's a cute jacket:




I wanted to intersperse "wear-it-now" sewing with my ongoing "Manteau Auditions". Here's my jacket

                                                             

I used a medium-to-heavy weight ponte from EOS for the body of the jacket, and used a heavy-weight black ponte from Denver Fabrics for the facing and sleeves. I mention the weights of the ponte knits, because I had a problem with the 3/8 inch seam allowances; with the heavier weight fabrics, it was hard to make the seams lay flat, and I wound up topstitching everything in order to flatten the seams. There are many different weights of Ponte knits, and I think this jacket would have been easier to sew had I used a lighter-weight knit (like a Sophia knit) or if I had cut the seam allowances a little larger.
I had trouble understanding the closure (if any) for this jacket, so what worked for me were two skirt/trouser hooks and a button just for show. It needs a cami under it...

I've worn the jacket twice and gotten many compliments on it; I love the fit of it and will definitely make it again.

I've been AWOL for the last two weeks due to an allergic dermatitis outbreak around my eyes. UGLY.
I just finished the patch test for 71 different potential allergens (I haven't been able to shower for 6 days...) and so far, am positive for only one, lanolin alcohol. Unfortunately, it's in a lot of common products, such as cosmetics, cleaning compounds, etc., so I have to start looking closely at ingredients.

NSFW Image!!!!!

It's good I'm fond of polka dots..... and I finally showered this morning...YAY!

Posted by at 11:44 AM
Labels: , ,

57 comments:

  1. shamsFebruary 2, 2013 at 12:00 PM

    I can see why you got so many compliments, Margy, that is SUPER cute and flattering on you!!! I'm glad you like polka dots, because that allergy testing sounds no fun at all!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownFebruary 2, 2013 at 12:32 PM

    Wow, I wish I had your sewing skills. Just beautiful. Hope you feel better soon!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tracy FitzwaterFebruary 2, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    Love the jacket - it looks fabulous on you! I hope your skin problems are on the way to healing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. FarFebruary 2, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    Lovely jacket! You always look polished in my opinion :) didn't know that there's different weight to ponti knits, will look closer next time! I still have some sophia types i bought last year and will attempt my first jacket with those probably :) get well soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:53 PM

      Thank you, Far...I think a sophia type would be great in this jacket.

      Delete
  5. joan71February 2, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    Margy, you wear that jacket well and I like your closure idea. You always look fabulous in your garments.
    I do hope that allergy thingy is resolved soon.....looks very uncomfortable to me. I have some slight reoccurring dermatitis, so i know somewhat of which you speak.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ElizaFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Gorgeous jacket! You sew so beautifully! Yikes, allergies, no fun. Feel better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  7. VickiFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    Cute jacket. Sorry to hear about the allergy, what a pain!

    ReplyDelete
  8. meFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    Love your jacket - looks very nice on you. I don't remember seeing that pattern!!
    I have lots of skin (face) allergies - I use systeme 41 and Dr perrcune - just an fyi
    Marciae

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:55 PM

      Thanks, Marcia...and also for the skincare recommendations!

      Delete
  9. Pam from South AustraliaFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    Love the jacket and you wear it so well. I find it very confusing understanding the different weight of pontes etc. Here in Australia I have been buying a Sophia knit that is like a light-weight jersey and use it to make skivvies etc for layering. It wouldn't be anywhere near heavy enough for your jacket. I am awaiting my first order of StyleArc patterns and am anxious to try them. I'm thinking it must be very helpful to receive a fabric swatch for recommended fabrics. Hope the allergy drama is sorted soon. That testing looks mighty uncomfortable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:56 PM

      I had no idea, either, Pam, that there were so many Ponte weights...have fun with the SA patterns!

      Delete
  10. RhondaBussFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    The jacket is great and I love it paired with those bracelets. Very pretty accent.
    I am so sorry to hear about what you've been going through. Hopefully, they have found the problem and you can be rid of this. Since there are so many people with allergy issues today, more companies are developing products so hopefully your search will not too difficult.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:57 PM

      Thank you so much, Rhonda...there is a lot out there for people with allergies, but you really have to be a detective to find out the ingredients!

      Delete
  11. Megan OFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:31 PM

    Your jacket is beautiful and so flattering on you. I have given up shampoo due to dermatitis and I use only water to wash my face and hair. It has definitely helped and I don't miss he shampoo. Good luck :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. GailFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    Lovely jacket. Have you cut the lapels higher?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:58 PM

      Thanks, Gail. I made no changes to the lapels, but I did put two skirt hooks to keep it closed, one at the waist and one about 2 inches higher...

      Delete
  13. BeaJayFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:52 PM

    Great jacket - it looks so good on you. Beautiful fabric too.

    ReplyDelete
  14. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 2:52 PM

    Thanks, Valerie...have fun making it for your daughter!

    ReplyDelete
  15. OzAnnieFebruary 2, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    Love your jacket Margy. Beautiful fabric combination. I have the pattern and now that I've seen your finished product, I am re-thinking my fabric choice. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Hope your allergy is all sorted soon.

    Annette

    ReplyDelete
  16. badmomgoodmomFebruary 2, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    Beautiful jacket.

    Sorry about the allergies. I am allergic to many things. My husband is only allergic to lanolin. We have gotten rid of all lanolin-containing cosmetics in our house. It's getting much easier to find them. You have my email if you want to get my complete list of things we can tolerate and work well.

    BTW, I am so allergic, that they had to wipe off some of the pricks after a few minutes because I had swelled up beyond a 5 on their 5 point scale. I even swelled up to the "control" of plain glycerin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 6:50 PM

      Thanks, bmgm...I will email you...I need all the help I can get!

      Delete
  17. JudithFebruary 2, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    Love the print on this jacket - you will be able to wear it many ways! Similar to Pam (from South Australia) I also haven't come across many different weights for Ponte - thanks for pointing this out.
    Good luck with the allergies - nothing worse when the eyes are taking the brunt of it...J

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 6:54 PM

      Thanks, Judith...you got it about the eyes....

      Delete
  18. gwensewsFebruary 2, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    Cute as heck jacket. It looks great. Hope you find a way to cope with your allergies and alleviate the miserableness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 6:54 PM

      Thanks, Gwen...if it's not one thing, it's another!

      Delete
  19. thornberryFebruary 2, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    Oh my, that allergy photo! At least they're getting closer to finding out what you need to avoid. Your jacket looks wonderful. I've got the same one cut out in a stretch woven, which I'll find time to sew up over the next few days. It's inspiring to find out that someone else has already made up the pattern with such success! If it fits me well, I'll do a ponte version next - in an appropriate weight, I hope!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 2, 2013 at 6:55 PM

      Thanks, thorn berry...good luck on your jacket!

      Delete
  20. DixieFebruary 2, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    Margy, what a nice jacket you've made. I really like the style, and the fabric is right on trend. Very chic!
    I hope your allergy testing gives you the answers you need. That's a lot of dots on your back!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2013 at 5:00 AM

    Margy..lovely jacket fabric/pattern match..as always! You are my muse..we share the same coloring and I love your fabric choices... always interesting! Hope the allergy situation is getting under control..isn't it astonishing the ingredients in products once one starts to read?
    Fran G

    ReplyDelete
  22. LouisaFebruary 3, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    Oh poor Margy! I had the prick test once and even though I know I'm allergic to more things now, I've been avoiding it. Hope you can find what works for you.

    Your jacket is totally lovely on you - as always!

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    Love your jacket and be careful of wools some have a lanolin component -so watch that too !! Good luck. Allergies are no fun.

    ReplyDelete
  24. MargyFebruary 3, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    Thanks, Anon.!

    ReplyDelete
  25. MyrnaFebruary 3, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    The jacket is gorgeous and - as usual - you look fabulous in it. Thanks for the inspiration.

    I'm allergic to many things and recently started using organic coconut oil. It came about as a fluke which I talk about on my blog in tomorrow's posting but has been a wonderful find. It's anti fungal, anti bacterial and the base of all soap and can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer, deoderant, and hair conditioner. My face is clearer and no longer painfully dry and I've almost eliminated the callouses on my feet. My elbows and knees are soft. I've healed some difficult blisters. And I've worn it as a deoderant for three months with no problems even when exercising. It's working for me so I thought I'd share in case it might work for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 3, 2013 at 5:54 PM

      Thanks, Myrna...and I appreciate your sharing what works for you...

      Delete
  26. carolinascallinFebruary 3, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    LOVE the jacket - I've been eyeing that pattern since it came out :) Good tips on the weight of the knits, too. I think it looks great, and would probably travel really well! Great job...might have to order that one now :)

    So sorry about your allergic reaction! Those tests are not much fun. When I'm not sewing, my "real" job is Consultant/Business Mgt for Rodan + Fields Dermatologists (they're the ones who created Proactiv). They have a wonderful line of skincare that does NOT include Lanolin alcohol :) Here's my site if you're interested: radiantyou.myrandf.com We offer 4 basic skincare groups that treat anything from wrinkles to adult acne, sun spots to sensitive skin! It's modeled after the way the Doctors handle patients in their own active dermatology practice.

    Please don't hesitate to email me or call me if I can help you (you've given me such great inspiration through your blog - call it giving back!). If you'd like a free mini-facial to test reaction, message me on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TotallyRadiantYou Hope you're better soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 3, 2013 at 8:06 PM

      Thanks, carolinascallin...interesting about your "real" job...I may take you up on the free mini-facial offer. Thanks so much!

      Delete
  27. pdiddlyFebruary 3, 2013 at 1:28 PM

    Margy another beautiful item that fits into your wardrobe perfectly. Love the design and fit on you, and you always accessorise your outfit impeccably.

    Fingers crossed your test results are conclusive and that you don't get any more reactions - bet your shower felt like the best one ever.... Hope you are now feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargyFebruary 3, 2013 at 8:07 PM

      Thanks, Pauline...you are looking so good on your latest blog posts...!

      Delete
  28. Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)February 3, 2013 at 5:38 PM

    I love the fabric combination you chose to make this jacket. The black & white is perfect for highlighting the style details. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  29. O. JollyFebruary 5, 2013 at 8:05 PM

    That's a really great jacket and very flattering on you. Excellent fabric combination!

    I wish you all the best with your allergy.

    ~ Olgalyn

    ReplyDelete
  30. velosewsFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    I hope you can manage with your new found allergy causes now.
    Love your jacket. It's a great fit and you've used the fabrics nicely. Stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Tim feisterFebruary 13, 2013 at 1:55 AM

    Seriously, people. Bit of perspective might be in order. Just to add insult to injury, Marni Ponti Jacket! Take a leaf out of my book and do your job properly and stop adding fuel to the fire of stupidity already burning.

    ReplyDelete
  32. PoldaPopMarch 22, 2014 at 11:42 AM

    I love your jacket! I'm just about to start on my own Marni, and I hopped over here after reading your review on Pattern Review. Thanks for the head's up about the weight of the fabric!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)