Romantic title. Well yes, a title to match my romantic notion that I could create the perfect faux Chanel jacket!While I am not entirely displeased with the results, my jacket is far from perfect. The outside binding and pocket welts are still pinned in place and will be handstitched in place tonight. I have not yet cut the sleeves as I wanted to match up the horizontal stripes correctly. The sleeves and sleeve linings will be inserted by hand.
My favourite things about the jacket are the black boucle trim and the lovingly handstitched lining which gives a soft luxurious feel. It is rather heavy - Sydney winters are not particularly cold - there maybe only 10 days a year I could wear it!
One of the major difficulties I've had making the jacket is the fabric - which is a very loose weave wool acrylic mix that literally unravels under your finger tips. I had to add about 3 inches to the seam allowances to accommodate fraying, trimming them back just before joining the quilted seams together. Next time I will use a good quality wool. Unfortunately I did not have enough of this Japanese silk to line the sleeves. A plain lining in very pale grey satin will have to do.
This long cardigan coat also was completed and worn several times since my last post. It is self drafted except for the pleated sleeves from are from a woven jacket BWOF 11/08. I love this coat, worn over dresses. It is made from beautiful Mela Purdie double layer crushed jersey. The sleeve cuffs and pocket trim were cut off a moth eaten jumper that belonged to one the girls.
I'm also fond of the faux leather buttons that look rather like raffia place mats. I wanted to post a photo of me wearing it, but mini-me always has bet
ter things to do. Note...learn to use the self-timer!
Next up. Mini-me (who is now taller than me when I wear heels) has been invited to a Year 10 Formal at a boys school. This is the Aussie equivalent of a Junior Prom. I have drafted a pattern for a short dress with low cowl back, draped cross-over front and short gathered skirt. The test fit for the bodice fitted well, so we are fabric hunting on the weekend. Her dream is navy blue or steel grey silk, but dreams can change can't they? I have the whole of August to finish it.
Your Chanel Jacket is coming along very nicely and your long caridgan looks so comfortable and classy.
ReplyDeleteNice to see your Chanel jacket - looking good! I am soon going to start mine but still trying to decide on trims. We have similar fabric - mine is also loosely woven and I will be fusing almost everything!
ReplyDeleteYour jacket is looking lovely and that silk is beautiful. Also love that cardigan!
ReplyDeleteLove the Chanel! Black is so versatile!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to get wear out of it, come and visit me! In my neck of the woods you could wear it daily for three solid months. (Some would say year round.) Love the cardigan too.
ReplyDeleteSydney winters not cold?? Man, I'm freezing and I'm only a few minutes up the road!!! Chanel Jacket is looking great!!
ReplyDeleteYour jacket is coming together so beautifully! I am very impressed with all the care you are taking in the construction and I love those faux leather buttons.
ReplyDeleteI love that jacket, he is one of my projects for next winter, here in the island I could use it from November to May, the lining is pure luxury
ReplyDeleteVery lovely! You're making great progress!
ReplyDeleteI really like the channel jacket too. And the cardigan is nice too.
ReplyDeleteYour chanel jacket is looking very good. Nice details. The cardigan is a good piece to wear throughout the year. The buttons are a great find.
ReplyDeleteYour Chanel looks great! Looks like you have enjoyed the cardigan.
ReplyDeleteI tried to email you with answers to your questions on my blog as I was afraid you would not read them if I answered there, but I don't use the right type of email. The linen will work fine if it will drape in that back area. From other blogs, the complaint some have had about fabric is that stiff fabric will stick out on the sides. As far as the back pockets are concerned, I see no reason they couldn't be straight. I double checked them before sewing as I thought I may have made a mistake with my placement marks. I decided to go ahead and sew them as Burda designed it - I was not up to doing anything differently at that point! It is a cute skirt - I have worn it several times to places I know I won't see the same folks!
Love your Chanel! The cardi is good for several seasons of the year.
ReplyDeleteI think the Chanel jacket is coming along well, but can definitely understand your frustration with the tempermental fabric. LOVE that cardigan coat!!
ReplyDeleteI've had a heck of a time finding fabric I like for my Chanel -- it's hard finding anything but acrylic, too. I'm considering taking the leap and ordering something online...
ReplyDeleteSo good to see your Chanel in progress! The cardi looks really comfortable and those buttons are very cool --- love how you salvaged some of the pieces from a moth-eaten garment! My heart always sinks when I see a moth hole in a garment. Navy blue or steel gray silk sounds fantastic --- hope those dreams don't change!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a fantastic job on your chanel jacket and the trim is perfect for it. I was looking at boucle today at Fabric.com in the hopes of doing a chanel jacket.
ReplyDeleteYour sweater looks so warm and comfortable and don't you hate it when dd doesn't understand how important a photo shoot is...lol
Your Chanel jacket looks fabulous! Reminds me I should put up a picture one day of mine I made last year... Like you, I barely wear it!
ReplyDeleteAnd your cardigan looks like the kind of wonderful versatile and useful garment one could live in... gorgeous!
You are working on a Chanel jacket too! It looks great. I know what you mean by the unraveling fabric. I feel like I am over handling my jacket what with all the hand sewing, and that it will be a misshapen ravelly mess when I get done. I can't wait to see the dress you make for "mini me" It sounds lovely from the description.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket is really looking nice. This is one project I have not yet tackled - the Chanel jacket. I'm sure you're goiing to love it when it is finished.
ReplyDeleteit would be nice you can also present us a business suit or tuxedos that made in the fabric as what the the first photo shows.
ReplyDelete