Pink Floral Rigel Bomber Jacket

The Papercut Patterns Rigel Bomber Jacket is amazing! My favorites from other bloggers include The Quirky Peach's Floral bomber and Cirque Du Bebe Scandavian polka dot bomber. It seems like the rigel has been slow to infiltrate the sewing / blogging world. I think, like me, many people are tempted by it and planning to make a version up eventually but just a little nervous about the welt pockets and lack of lining. Thanks to peer pressure on Instagram I got my act together. I bought this fun pink floral twill (from Rathdown Ramnants and Fabrics) for a Grainline Studio Moss Skirt, but my lovely Instagram friends overruled me and it was decided that this fabric would become a Rigel Bomber.

The Papercut Patterns packaging was so beautiful and it inspired me to get started straight away. I decided to make up version 1 as I think version 2 would only work in a more subtle fabric. I cut a size XS bust grading to a S waist and hips which matched my measurements. It ended up quite big from my waist down and next time I'll cut a straight XS.  I really like the fit in the front but you can see in the photo below how much excess fabric in the back there is.

To begin with I cut out the main bodice and sleeve pieces as I hadn't completely decided whether I would end up lining the jackets and potentially changing my mind about the most appropriate ribbing. I know others have lined their jacket or wish they had. My jacket insides are far from perfect but I was happy enough not to bother with lining. I used an old men's shirt for the pockets and while I would have liked to bias bind the edges I couldn't be bothered thinking through how to do it. I did bind the edges on the facing to give it a smooth finish. 

The construction of the jacket was relatively easy once I got my head around the instructions. The welt pockets went in without trouble. I adore the open ended zipper. It's so much easier to insert than regular zippers (in my opinion) and it looks so professional! The navy ribbing was easy to use but I'm not in love with how it looks. Perhaps next time I'd use a thick regular knit instead. I increased the cuff length by 2" (1" once folded in half) and my arms aren't especially long. I didn't end up top stitching or tacking the facing down and it moves around a little so I'll have to go back and do this when I get a chance.

 
Overall I really like the way the jacket turned out! I love the fabric I chose but it is a little stiff. Hopefully it will loosen up with time. This fabric would still make a really fun Moss mini. I'm definitely tempted, but my planned Liberty Moss mini is the priority for now. This jacket is very different to anything else I own and will take some time to integrate into my wardrobe. So far I've styled it with Jeans and a simple tank. As it's summer I don't think it will get much wear for a few months. These photos were taken at 9am this morning under a shady tree and it was stinkin' hot!

I will make another version for winter later in the year. For my second bomber I plan to make a lined version in a more subtle grey or navy thick but soft fabric, perhaps a knit or wool. I want it to be the jacket I reach for each day and live in on cool winter weekends. Let's see how I get on.