Field trip to Jimmy's Buttons

 In my last post I mentioned the chaos of Jimmy's Buttons.  When my friend Ros sent these photos from our field trip with Susan Khalje I couldn't resist sharing.

It clear from the photos that Jimmy doesn't worry too much about customer or staff safety, but friends...take the risk...there are treasures in that cave!

 

Chanel update

Don't we look fabulous?  This was our status at 3pm on day seven.  As you can see my lining was yet to attached and I was still attaching the trim.  The photo doesn't do justice to the exquisite fabric used by my colleagues. My favourites were Poppykettle's stunning teal and blue tweed and Marion's beautiful pale blue silk and wool. 




Only the pockets to go now, but my progress may be interrupted by the urgency of finishing a dress for Sydney Frocktails on 18 February.  I've left the pocket templates in place to give you a sense of what the finished product will look like.  The braids and buttons were purchased in Alveiro,  Portugal.  The shop was an absolute treasure trove of braids and buttons.  I would have bought more if not for the "cash only" requirement.  

Don't say cheese, say Chanel

What better to kick off the sewing year with a Susan Khalje French Jacket course, with 12 sewing soul mates!  I took the course in Melbourne and can't speak highly enough of the experience.  Susan is a generous teacher and the small class size ensures that everyone receives one on one fitting and instruction for the trickier parts of construction.

After seven intensive days in class and about 4 hours since I returned home my jacket is nearing completion.  I still have about 3-4 hours of hand sewing including the pockets to go.  These photographs  show some of the journey from fitting, cutting, quilting to attaching the lining.  

Also wanted to talk about the wildly eccentric Jimmy's Buttons - his shop is such a mess - disorganised boxes, buttons all over the floor and the crazy Jimmy himself.  But amongst the chaos are absolute gems.  I bought 5 mts of beautiful black and gold trim for another jacket, some great black lace and an interesting bronze beaded piping for a neckline, all for a song.

More posts are on their way.