I usually wait until the dust clears on Designin’ December before I post my Make. This year I had the words drafted and the photos taken and then all sorts of things happened to draw me away!
That’s ok! At least I can take this final opportunity to remind you that you can sew your Designin’ December 2026 entry any time this year, just be sure to let me know so I can share your entry by the time the voting rolls around in December/January!
So what did I sew for Designin’ December 2025? I decided to make my own version of this designer original Polo Ralph Lauren Quilted Jacket. I had a lot of inspiration for this one. Quilted Jackets are quite popular. I thought the Helen’s Closet Wildwood Jacket with the expansion pack, would be a great start, using some drapery fabric and quilt batting from the stash, the lining fabric was dead stock from Our Social Fabric.
Oh! that reminds me I still have to attach my hood from their expansion pack. I made it a snap on, snap off type of thing.
So where did I leave off… all the bits and pieces were put together and the quilting was done. I only followed the line of the flowers and the leaves when quilting. The pockets were sewn on with no fuss. I double stitched around because I wanted their shape to be obvious.
The collar was finished and sewn on to the outer layer and the outer layer and the lining layer were placed right sides together. I then sewed them together at neckline and the hem, making sure the collar was on the inside and the seams all matched up.
I am used to turning out bags through a small hole when I sew them, so it was quite funny to turn this jacket right side out through the large opening where the zipper was to be sewn on!
I wanted to use this cool denim toned zipper tape and pull (it has a Buck on it and is a good size) from The Moody Sewist (one of our Designin’ December sponsors!) but I couldn’t find my kit of zipper stops, etc. so that wouldn’t do. Had to pull out the store bought ready made jacket zipper.
Turns out the layers were just a bit too much to go nicely under my sewing foot. They add up to 2 of upholstery, 2 of lining, one of batting, and 2 of interfacing, plus the zipper tape layer. So I just sewed the zipper onto the lining layer only and hand stitched it to the outer upholstery/batting layers. It worked out much better that way!
Hemmed the sleeves and we were done!
Final photos! I’m very happy with my quilted jacket. I am amazed at how warm and thick it is – just like wearing a quilt!
Let’s see… what’s my next Designin’ December (2026) project going to be? Time to do some research!
*****
What is the Designin’ December Sewing Challenge?
“Why buy when you can make it yourself – better and for less money?”
How can you join in? Check out last year’s 2025 participants and their entries, and the prize sponsors RIGHT HERE!
Start looking for your “Designer Original Inspiration”. Gather up your patterns and fabrics and be inspired to make your own “Designer Copy”. Did I say there are prizes????
If you need some ideas, take a look at my “DESIGNER FASHION” Pinterest board here, OR on Facebook, join the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Facebook Group. Get ideas! Ask questions! Post and discuss your progress! Let’s see your “Designer Original Inspiration” and your “Designer Copy”!
What will inspire you? Remember Designer Vintage fashion is allowed, as is Designer Casual AND Designer Handbags! Good luck in your search!
How to participate in the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Sewing Challenge and be eligible for prizes:
- BLOG PARTICIPATION: Follow this blog and leave a comment that you’re joining in. I’ll keep an eye out for you! Then on your Blog, post a photo of your “Designer Original Inspiration” with the Designer’s name, and your finished “Designer Copy”, mentioning the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Sewing Challenge in your post with a link back here.
- INSTAGRAM PARTICIPATION: Follow me at @lanyoshandmade.nicedressthanks RIGHT HERE! On your IG, post a photo of your “Designer Original Inspiration” with the Designer’s name, and your finished “Designer Copy”, tagging it #DESIGNINDECEMBER and #DESIGNINDECEMBER2026 and @lanyoshandmade.nicedressthanks
- Remember: Use the two hashtags and follow/tag my Blog or IG! Whether you have made it already, are in the process of making it, or plan on making it … LET ME KNOW!
- For the final voting after DECEMBER 31st, voting will take place both on my Blog and on my Instagram, I will repost one of your entries: include your “Designer Original Inspiration” with the Designer’s name, and your finished “Designer Copy”, with a link back to you. Votes will be counted from both my Blog and my Instagram.
Only entries using these above methods will be entered into the Sewing Challenge and be voted on and eligible for prizes. Closing date for entries is 31st December 2026 Midnight PST.
* * * * *
A big THANK YOU again to last year’s sponsors! We couldn’t do it without you!
Helen’s Closet – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Emmaline Bags – one $25.00 CDN Gift Certificate for use on their website here
Waffle Patterns – one 20 EURO Gift Certificate for use on their website here
Itch to Stitch – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Lányos Handmade – one of TWO free PDF sewing patterns from their website here
The Craft of Clothes – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
EK Sewing Patterns – TWO free PDF sewing patterns for one winner from their website here.
Paradise Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Cork and Copper Designs – one $15 USD Gift Certificate for use on their website here
Greenstyle Creations – one $30 USD Gift Certificate for use on their website here
MM Cork Supply – one $20 CDN Gift Certificate for use on their website here
Susan J. Wright – one free copy of their 5th and newest book, “The Privileged Death”, in the Evie Valentine mysteries series from their website here (Apologies, only Canadian shipping available.)
The Moody Sewist – one free copy of the PDF sewing pattern for the “Moody Market Apron” from their website here
Joanna VanderVlugt – one free copy of their book, “Spy Girls”, in the Jade & Sage series from their website here (Apologies, only Canadian shipping available.)
Neighborhood Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Rosey Sews – one of TWO free PDF sewing patterns from their website here
Sew Chic Pattern Company – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Carmen Cose Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
Sew House Seven Sewing Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
DG Patterns – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
J. Desirée Studio IG @sewmuchjazz – one free PDF sewing pattern from their website here
What Designer Original Inspired garment would YOU like to have in your closet! Please share! I’d love to see!
I thank you for joining me in this sewing challenge! Happy Sewing! #nicedressthanksimadeit #lanyoshandmade #sewingchallenge
(This sewing challenge is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Meta, Instagram, or Facebook but is hosted by my blog, Nice dress! Thanks, I made it!!)
Leave a Reply