After I finished my last project - which I have worn quite a few times now! - I decided I would make up this fine wale corduroy I had in the stash.
I got it with another jean jacket in mind (and because it was on the sale table of course). It is a print and the contrast between the black and green makes it look intense. Because it is SO green, I thought it would be cute for wearing at Christmas with something red. Or black.
Since it is a print, I have had to cut out each piece of the pattern (my old tried and true Vogue 7610) in one layer only, so I can make sure the lines of houndstooth print are all straight. I am just glad they are tiny enough that I don't have to think about trying to match them vertically or horizontally. It was fairly tedious and made my back ache, bending over the table like that for hours. Or what seemed like hours. Anyway, it is all cut out now except for the interfacing and now I can finally assemble it.
Working on this jacket has got me to thinking yet again about this jacket I cannot find but want to make. I have it in my head that I saw a photo of such a jacket in a Laura Ashley catalogue back in the 80s. My sister used to work there - they had a store right here in Ottawa with the most beautiful home dec fabrics and the clothing too. I even sewed for patrons of the store who wanted stuff that I called "soft furnishings for the home" made but couldn't do it themselves. Anyway, I only remember this jacket from this one catalogue. They had such beautiful stuff back then, when it was still family owned. Something has happened to them in the last 10 or 15 years and they aren't the same at all.
This imaginary jacket was a dark green wool, hip length jacket that might possibly be called Edwardian. Except when I look up Edwardian jackets, they don't look at all like what I have in my head. So I have decided that after I finish this jean jacket, I am going to design my imaginary jacket. It will be a first - I have always used patterns. And I will use pieces from my existing patterns to help me. But I am quite excited about this! I will make a muslin too - another first for me. And when I am ready, I plan to go see what Darrell can find me in the way of a beautiful fine dark wool tweed. Mmm, I can taste it already.
11 comments:
I just spent the day cutting out a new Santa suit for my hubby, the "real one." He needs it by Tuesday so I have to keep moving on it. The fur sure makes a mess!!
I have a hint for you-go to one of the bed and bath stores or Walmart and get a set of bed lifters, the kind you put under the bed legs to make it higher. You can get them for under ten dollars and they will save your back!! I went back and got two more sets so when my hubby cuts up wild game, he can save his back and I can sew in peace without his borrowing my lifters.
Have fun with your jackets. It's fun to make something for yourself once in a while-a midwinter lift.
Thanks for the tip Marty! I have never heard of bed lifters but you can be sure I am going to check them out! And I have made a couple of faux fur things and you are right - it can be a mess. Good luck for Tuesday!
Glad to see you back Julia, I love watching your projects progress. They are always beautiful ! Can't wait to see this green jacket done.
Oh, a winner again! This is gorgeous Julia! A trip to Darrell's??? I just might be your ride for that one!!!
Thanks Claire! Good to be back. :)
With the snow that is expected soon, your coat will be finished just in time! But you know, you can never have too many coats in Canada! In my opinion.
Carmen, you'll be the first to hear when I'm ready to shop at Darrell's. I think we should go before I'm ready for the tweed though, because I feel like I should tell him my "news" soon. You know.
Nice to see you sewing again. The imaginary jacket is going to be fun to watch. I have a lot of imaginary clothes, too, but I can't sew, so I just keep hunting for them...fruitlessly
Xup, nice to be back! I will be blogging about the imaginary jacket in detail, starting with sketches. Fun stuff!
Great how-to. The photo details are really nice.
Thanx Jan. Very cute sewing mouse at your web site! One year, I may embroider by hand...
I'm not sure if this blog is still active, but I stumbled upon it somehow and noticed the part about the edwardian jacket - which I am also on a quest for. I found a vogue pattern (V8281) that is nearly perfect. I'm making it in a purple velveteen, without the ruffles. Just thought I would recommend it!
Danielle
Thanks for the tip Danielle. I went to check Vogue patterns online and saw your jacket. I want more fullness on the form of pleats in the back and mine will be more of an outer jacket, rather than one worn indoors like a suit jacket.
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