One of my best pieces in the wardrobe is my French jacket.
It is perfect when traveling for business as it is easy to transform from casual to business look.
Continue reading “French Jacket – Perfect Business Wardrobe Essential”
Couture Endeavours
Continue reading “French Jacket – Perfect Business Wardrobe Essential”
This old picture reminded me that I still have to shorten the sleeves.
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The heavy storm we had in the Netherlands last days – with very heavy wind and rain – has caused some issues at home. It is really so exciting finding out – when going to bed – that your bed is full of water (we had in the end the dreamed water-bed) and inside is raining almost the same as outside. So instead of making a buttonholes I was dealing with water, insurance and trying to find company to fix the roof. All still in progress. Fortunately it stopped raining.
There was small bright point in this all – the important element of my French Jacket has arrived – a chain. Nice, heavy – perfect to give a needed shape to the jacket.
I just did not have energy to pick up on the buttonholes. As I still have to figure out what kind of trim I want to use it was perfect way of keeping me busy.
I started with bias fringe trim. I like the fringe trims – but not on my garments. I prefer simpler things. I was thinking of buying a trim but I could not find anything I like. Maybe I will visit one more shop.
The pattern of the fabric gave me an idea of waving a self-made silk trim through the fabric. I came out with two versions:
It is very minimal but I like it. I like the single line better. I still have to find out how it will go on bias parts (sleeves).
Another option is using the selvage of the fabric with silk string. I have to try this one as well.
Let’s try to make a nice silk string. I could use pieces/threads from other fabric in different shades of blue… hmmm.
Meanwhile I picked up few more patterns to add to my RPT Couture Etsy shop. Anything for you? Just keep an eye on the shop – it will be listed soon.
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First, let’s meet my new help … the Bernina walking foot.
During the week, after work, I have managed to cut off all lining pattern pieces from the silk Charmeuse. I still have piece left either for the next jacket or top.
After managing few household ‘issues’ the rest of the weekend was mostly preparation for and quilting of the pattern pieces.
Now having all quilted the next step is making of buttonholes – all 9 of them, by hand. I love it!
I will have some time to think about a trim…
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Recently during the fabric market I have bough wool fabric in my favourite colour – dark blue.
Together with Silk Charmeuse – silk I have bought via website the HelloSilk (you find more information here) will make perfect French Jacket – needed addition to my wardrobe.
First I have tried on my muslin to check what should be adjusted. It still fit well. I took the paper pattern pieces and iron them gently… even gently ironing make them difficult to use.
I decided to transfer them to heavy cotton muslin fabric.
When all was ready the real wok started. I really enjoy this process. It will be very slow sewing project.
At this moment the pattern pieces are traced, cut off and ready to be assembled.
I really can’t wait to wear this one and start working on the next one.
These are fabrics for the next French Jackets:
This one will be for jacket and skirt.
Meanwhile I am adding more and more patterns to my RPTCouture Etsy shop. I just want others to enjoy self-made garments .
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If you ever thought of making one – just go for it! I would suggest to follow instructions from – Couture Sewing – The Couture Cardigan Jacket by Claire Shaeffer though.
There are more other resources which I listed in this blog.
If you think Vogue patterns are too complicated I would suggest to use this Simplicity 4991 pattern. It is very simple pattern – no darts, only one-piece sleeves, and you can skip collar as well.
I used this pattern making this blue jacket from boiled wool. The jacket is very comfortable and I am thinking of making a new one day.
Meanwhile having still the piece of cotton bland tweed in my stash I decided to use it to make a jacket based on this Simplicity 4991 for my mother.
This time I did not use the quilting technique – I used couture techniques. To keep the loose woven fabric in place I underlined it with silk organza. I still have to check if it fits my mom… that’s why I did not make a buttonholes yet.
As you probably have noticed I have skipped the collar and I lined it completely.
Sewing this jacket I had a feeling I will use this pattern again.
It is really wonderful to start sewing again!
The last touch – pockets, buttons – which probably I will make myself – and a chain of course. It already looks and feels great.
All work is done under close supervision and approval of Meisje.
It was suppose to be a sewing weekend… I have not too many sewing plans but one – go further with my French jacket.
Seeing all fabulous creations on blogs I just want to sew!
After being sick for few weeks and away for my work I cannot get back to my routine… the short, grey days are not helping at all 😦
I am making small things to keep me in some mood but it is not what I would like to be doing.
I have finished the next hat for my mother… she likes – fortunately, as this one is made from the fabric she bought for it.