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It's finally beginning to rain again after a long, hot summer, so of course, I need a new raincoat. And why not a fabulous color to get the spirits up in the gloom.

For this purple coat, I used the new Project Sewing Workshop jacket pattern by Yvonne Porcella - the long and extended front view. The fabric is a Stretch Iridescent Taffeta available in a kit or by the yard from any Bernina dealer or online at www.projectsewingworkshop.com. I thought I might have trouble sewing it since it looked slippery and it stretches, but it was a breeze using my walking foot and a single hole throat plate.

I also used the coordinating Porcella Fabric Trims kit to bind the top of the pocket and the bottom of the sleeves, plus I inserted a bit of flat piping into the collar seam. I used the bold and colorful plaid doupioni pieced with the black and white check to make my bindings. Just as Yvonne does in her award-winning quilts, the addition of the black and white gives everything a spark. I love using the Extra Fine Fusing Tape to "nail" down my bindings before stitching, especially when sewing two slippery fabrics together.

With serged seams and simple double-fold hems on the front and bottom edges, this jacket took no time at all to make, but the look is there. I get compliments everywhere I go - well, only when it's raining.

You can see lots of Yvonne Porcella garment renditions and techniques in my next webinar (Porcella's Portfolio) September 22. Go to Bernina USA for more details.
September 22: 10am, CDT
September 22: 6pm, CDT

~Linda Lee