I had no intention of making another navy blue 1950s suit so soon after my Christmas suit. This one happened by accident. At first I thought it was black but after I cut into it as contrast for a dress you'll see next week, I realized it was actually a dark navy blue. Oh, well! It is a light cotton blend instead of a wool blend, so I can wear it in warmer weather after putting away my Christmas suit.

And I made it as different as I could. The jacket has contrasting revers and cuffs, and front slashes that made for some unique sewing instructions. Imagine sewing the front darts last! And incidentally, I found I have a terrible selection of black buttons!

I used this jacket pattern, and though I am undecided about whether I like dolman sleeves on myself, I liked the way this jacket turned out. So I guess I have to weigh each pattern's sleeves on their own.

The facing was cut all in one piece, so I had to patch it when adding the contrasting revers – I'm pleased with how it turned out. I wasn't sure how many buttons I would want so it was hard to estimate how much contrast I would need, but it works out well this way and the contrast stops at the bottom of the V. 

The skirt was taken from this pattern and was quick and easy, though I don't like it as well as other narrow skirt patterns so I don't know if I would make it again. 

Once in a while, you have to tell the photographer to behave!

When putting this outfit together, I wore a vintage dickey, matching 1950s bracelet and earrings, and a coordinating brooch.

Also my favorite black vintage pumps and an open crown hat which used to have a giant taffeta bow on the back, but I found it much more wearable when the bow was replaced with a few black millinery flowers garnered from a great Etsy shop.

And…since the weather was balmy and I already had a jacket on, my vintage cape was the perfect wrap.

This suit was actually an afterthought when I cut out the jacket and realized I had enough fabric left for the skirt. I thought, why not make 3 coordinating pieces of different styles so I can wear the jacket with both of them? The more ideas the better, right?

So that's what happened. Come back next week to see part two of this ensemble!