Yes, I promised you. Here is it.
A while ago, I bought two jacket patterns and some lovely red polyester knit, not too stretchy, and a green embossed polyester. At least I think they are polyester – I can’t even remember where or when I bought them, let alone anything else about them. But I loved those fabrics and the chosen patterns would be perfect for what I wanted.
I happily sewed the green fabric up, but I unfortunately lost my sewing mojo trying to put the zipper in right. The zipper was so heavy and the fabric so light, after a couple of tries, I just put it aside for another day and moved on to my next project.
A while later, I was happily sewing up my lovely red, unfortunately losing my nerve when it came to the single buttonhole. That single buttonhole was killing me – so I just put it aside for another day and moved on to something else.
I know these are the “Oldest UnFinished Objects” in the World because I bought the patterns brand new, along with the fabrics and started sewing them up right away.
The Simplicity 7311 is dated 1996 (if my eyes can see that tiny print correctly), therefore the green jacket is 19 years old.
And, the Simplicity 9138 is dated 2006, so the red jacket is 9 years old.
Why did I never finish them? I did manage to get the zipper in correctly eventually, and the buttonhole sewn in nicely, unfortunately I lost my enthusiasm for these jackets in the process. I also have managed to gain a wee bit of weight in the last few years and I did not feel like unpicking and fitting two jackets that were already almost finished. What’s the point of finishing them if I can’t wear them?
Here’s the point – apparently they do fit my sister, as is, so they have become part of my “Sister’s Sewing Projects”! Remember The Clark Gable, Picasso’s flowers, and the Snake skin? Renewed sewing mojo given to me by my sister!
When my sister tried the jackets on we decided the only change would be to alter the sleeves slightly on the green one. I just raised the sleeve cap a smidge.
I happily “bagged” the lining on both jackets – something I did not know how to do ten years ago, instead I would have had to do a lot of hand sewing at the sleeve and jacket hems. Here’s the sleeve hems pinned carefully so that when I pull them through they are sewn in and properly finished.
This mess below is a very organized mess – inside out and pinned, the lining is ready to be sewn in. Afterwards, I will pull everything through the hole I have left in the side seam. Then the side seam will be sewn by hand.
Finished green jacket.
Finished red jacket. Well almost finished.
You might have noticed that I did succeed in sewing in a lovely large buttonhole 9 years ago. Now I just have to find the 9-year-old button I purchased to sew on the other side! I swear this is not going to continue to be a UFO!
I am happy to say that this 19-year-old zipper pull has finally found its home though!
Are these not Two of the “Oldest UFOs” in the World? I dare you to prove me wrong!
Oh yes, Dear Sister, your jackets are ready to pick up! Don’t take too long in visiting or I might just lose those few pounds and keep them for myself!
Happy Sewing!
36 Responses to “Two of the “Oldest UFOs” in the World!”
I can relate to the UFO;s. I had to look in one of my many boxes and found that I had your Simplicity 7311, the whole suit all cut out from 19 years ago. Hmm maybe you have given me incentive to just finish it though no way I can fit it.
That is a great pattern, with all its choices! I found I had to alter the shoulders a bit – you can’t find shoulder pads that big anymore to fit that pattern, I think! I always give to charity second hand stores if I can’t find a relative to fit in my handmade clothes. I am sure there is a lovely lady out there who needs a suit – maybe to go to a job interview even?
Your sister must be doing the happy dance. Not only is the style of the red jacket current, but red is the color of the moment too. I discovered a UFO of my own this summer, stashed in a dark corner, a dress I cut out about ten years ago but then lost it!?! I kid you not. I wondered where it went, but eventually forgot about it. The story? My husband (innocently) stashed it in a dark cupboard during a ‘OMG company’s coming’ cleaning frenzy. Unlike your lovelies, the style might be too dated…but I’m determined to save that fabric :).
Oh no! It would be great if you could save your’s too. I can’t stand wasting fabric myself. Let us know if you come up with a rescue plan!
Doesn’t it feel great to finish longstanding lurkers like this? Your jackets look surprisingly current given their history. Your sister is a lucky lady.
Thank you!
I can hear you, ya know, you two. But, that’s okay, cause I am the lucky one. The UFOs look beautiful, I will have to come visit with a half empty suitcase again. I get all the beautiful treasures. Thank you sis.
Oops! Shhh! She’s listening! … Hello Rose! Glad you like them. Also glad that they can go to a nice home!