Adding an Embroidery Design to a Pattern with Baby Lock Sewing!

When I purchased this Italian Black/Off-White Stretch Cotton Print, I bought a large cut of it because I knew I wanted to make a two-piece.  

The jacket is McCall's 7730 and the pants are Simplicity 8655. I cut the size 14, D cup in the jacket. I like the style of the jacket, I felt that the lines were a little plain. So, I decided it could use a little zhooshing up.

I selected this design -- Midnight Blooms from Urban Threads. 

On my Baby Lock Aventura II, I adjusted the colors so that they would show up on my fabric and compliment the print.

I made a test design and decided where I wanted to place it and using my 6.25" x 10.25" embroidery hoop, I hooped the jacket fronts prior to sewing the darts so that it would lay flat. And I flipped the  design orientation the opposite way for the other side. Instead of using stabilizer, I interfaced the entire fronts.

This project required 14 colors. So, if you're just starting out in embroidery, I suggest you buy a thread kit, like I did, to get you started. I bought the New Brothread 63 Spools Color Kit from Amazon.

I like the way the design turned out. I wanted to do more and get really creative with the placement. But sometimes, less is more. I didn't want to overdo it and end up trashing the whole project. So, I decided that as I get use to adding embroidered designs, I'll gradually become more playful with placement.

For the inside of the jacket, I lined it in an Antique White China Silk/Habotai from Mood Fabrics.

This was a really easy jacket to bag a lining on, even with the vent. I added an embroidered stitch to the lining as well.

I didn't want the sleeve flounce to collapse, because I think that would take away from the design. I added horsehair braid to the hem.

 I absolutely love the fit of these high-waisted cigarette pants (women print pants). I don't think I'll EVER wear pants that don't come up to the natural waist ever again. They're comfortable and you don't get muffin top or butt crack. Who wouldn't want that? I cut the size 16 and lengthened the hem by 3". They're very fitted at the waist. I found I needed to let out the center front and the center back seams a little bit because I wanted to give my invisible zipper a littler more ease.

I love adding separates to my wardrobe. They create a great ensemble and also work with the other pieces in my closet.