Well over one year ago I thought I would like to see if I can still sew for myself and make a wearable. I used to sew all my clothes and my daughter's clothes and even shirts for a previous husband. Then I merely sewed home dec things and then only crafty things. I thought I had lost my seamstress knowledge. So I bought a new pattern and after I fainted at the price I began to review it. What on earth are they talking about? It was like a foreign language to me. Some sort of "Project Runway" pattern with way too many combinations to consider. So I put everything away in a drawer. On top of all this I had spent the same amount of money on the pattern and fabric that I could have merely paid for a new jacket and been done with it. LOL
So last week I was determined to tackle my jacket pattern and accomplish what I knew I could still do. I actually took the time to make a muslin. Very glad I did this as the pattern sizes have shrunk terribly and I needed a much different number than I would have ever guessed. Hmmm...
I loosely layed out the pattern to see if I had enough of my fabric. Yay!
I am using a quilted fabric that is reversible and the photo does not show the beauty of this paisley and floral stripe with a hint of gold.
Yes, this is the completed inside of the jacket. I wanted to do a funky finishing treatment so this is the ribbon "lining" I hand stitched for the neck, yokes and hem. The rest I merely serged as it won't ever show while I am wearing it.
A wonderful wood button that mimics the swirls in the fabric. Now you can see a hint of the gold. Under the button is a large snap to hold the jacket closed.
My completed and ready to wear 3/4 length sleeve jacket with a fun flirty loose swing to it. I love how I used the paisley side for the yokes and sleeves and then the floral stripe on the front and back sections.For me this is such a huge accomplishment as now I know I can still make something beautiful and wearable. Now days the costs of materials is so high that it doesn't pay to sew the ordinary everyday wearable however it is the knowledge that I made it myself and it is just how I want it to be.
I feel "sew" very much accomplished. :o)
What do you like to sew? Have you purchased a pattern recently? I think my Grandma and mother would faint to see the prices as they are today.
Happy week to all...
You certainly have not lost your touch. I love the jacket and the fabric you chose. The ribbon made me smile with that extra little touch. Buttons too!!!! Yes patterns and material have gone through the roof. I usually dye my own silk ribbon but last week I was in a pinch and went to buy some 7mm silk ribbon. My mouth just dropped open at the price. It had doubled. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteJust adorable. I am wondering if I can sew a straight line to make a sachet!
ReplyDeleteSuz
Oh what a wonderful jacket! It's a great shape and I love all the extra touches - such as the ribbon and the matching button!
ReplyDeleteI do admire your sewing skills, the only patterns I buy are old ones for cutting up for collages and such like!
Thanks for sharing x
well done my dear friend. what a fun jacket for this time of year. i guess sewing clothes is like riding a bike...we will never forget. enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYou know! I ,too did not sew something wearable, for many years,now---maybe think I will not try,-
ReplyDeletebut your jacket looks wunderfull-you still master that.
Hugs,Dorthe
Sherry, you are an inspiration! Fantastic job and such a great shape.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute jacket! I love the 3/4 length sleeves. I bet this will love fantastic layered over a black turtleneck. Looks like you're all ready for the Fall season.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket turned out great! The fabric is beautiful...and, I know, expensive! As for the pattern, you need to shop for them when they are on sale..usually .99cents or $1.99...gotta look at JoAnn's and Hancock Fabrics if you have those shops in your area!
ReplyDeleteAngela
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ReplyDeleteI just buy this adorable little sewing kit, I have two sewing machines...three beautiful full size sewing boxes..and I don't sew anymore! Then I come visit you and see this ...adorable creation you have made?
ReplyDeleteI need to start sewing again...but what? I MUST think on this.
Hugs,
Mona
WOW! Love the jacket and the fabric!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Love the jacket and the fabric!
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping in and saying "hi". I love your jacket! I bought a pattern and fabric for a purse that I'll be making. I agree the prices for patterns. They are so high - $9.00 and I have to enlarge the pattern.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, is that jacket ever adorable! You certainly have not lost your touch! The fabric is so pretty. I bet you can't wait to wear it...if you haven't already! Great job!!! xo Paulette
ReplyDeleteThis is GORGEOUS!! I am smiling for your jacket joy! (I used to sew when I was younger and my grama was alive. I am now terrified of sewing machines,but, some day... someday...) ♥ Kathy
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! And you were smart to do the muslin mock-up first! Because....they HAVE changed the numbers on the patterns!! Like you, I used to make most of my clothes and today just sew home dec and for my Etsy shop and craft projects. I'd love to have the time to make clothes again because there are so many beautiful patterns.
ReplyDeleteLove your jacket.
Diane
This is absolutely fabulous! You are so talented to be able to sew like this- I have never really tried sewing from a pattern, although I really should give it a go! This jacket is inspiring! :)
ReplyDeleteI bought a pattern for an apron and gasped at the price! But I hate the long ones they sell now - I wanted a smock-type apron that would cover my "slop-zone" and not be down to my knees. I love chef jackets but the sleeves would hot, and likely annoying. So I will make one and hopefully it will work. But I hate sewing things that have to fit. Quilts don't have to fit, except for a bed, maybe, and even then, beds come in all shapes and sizes, and as long as they are pretty, who cares if they fit???
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! That fabric is exquisite. Very clever/creative of you to use paisley on the sleeves and the floral on front and back. It's a great look. You deserve to be proud!
ReplyDelete- Susan
Wow, these are seriously beautiful! That fabric is unique too.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend! xx
OMGosh!! Your blog is just soooo much fun! Lots of reminiscing going on here. I used to make ALL my own clothes for years and years. Love how you made a muslin piece first, I could never be that patient! Love that beautiful paisley fabric, so cool and the gorgeous jacket you ended up with. What a fab piece to wear! keeley
ReplyDeleteI happen to even like the muslin pattern jacket. It looks bohemian and chic. Looks like you can sew anything and it looks great. Happy to find your blog. I'll tell you about my sewing ability in a blog post some day! hahahaha
ReplyDeleteLovely garment....did you by chance know a lady by the name of " Gypsy"...her real name was Jean ...she was a beautiful seamstress like yourself..and often made garments like this.
ReplyDeleteShe unfortunately died of Cancer this past Spring...I miss her lot.
Rose
P.S. BTW....I am your latest follower.
ReplyDeleteRose
Absolutely beautiful - I saw the muslin inside and wondered what was following....and what a great feast for my eyes!
ReplyDelete