Designer: Rebecca Peck

There are two things I really enjoy, making things and finding a bargain. So, when I was asked to participate in the $15 sewing challenge, I was very excited! My idea was to show everyone that they could make something cute and fashionable without spending a lot of money, but I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to get there. I knew that I’d love to make one of the cute items in Kay Whitt’s book, Sew Serendipity, but I was afraid I wasn’t going to find the right fabric. Well, imagine my surprise when I found this incredible fabric!

It’s called Mod Squad, and it’s from Waverly. I decided then and there that I just HAD to make the “Mod Jacket” from Kay’s book.

From Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt, used with permission.

I was a little nervous, because the book said that I would need 3½ yards of fabric, and there was only a little less than 3 ¼ yards left. The pattern layouts in the book looked like they were generous, so I crossed my fingers and made my purchase. The fabric and interfacing cost me a total of $14.46. I still had 54 cents to spare!

Using my classic Orange Handled Fiskars 8 inch scissors, I went to work on my jacket. The instructions were very easy to follow, and my jacket was finished in no time. Total sewing time was about 5 hours. I did change a few things on my jacket – I opted not to use buttons on mine, I just wanted a cute wrap look with a wide belt. I also used the same fabric for the belt and cuffs, instead of the contrasting fabric listed in the book. I love my new jacket, and I can’t wait for the weather to get cooler so I can wear it!

Here’ my Wal Mart receipt.