Tag: sew

My First CHANEL like Jacket


Finally finished the CHANEL like jacket. It took over 15 hours to create. Lots of hand stitching! More details here http://sipthediva.tumblr.com #picstitch #diy #seamstress #makingsewingsexy #sew #sewing #CHANELlike

Pattern Used: Vogue 7975 view B

Fabric: Lowest Price Fabric — no longer available; Boulce tweed

Part of this jacket is quilted by machine the front and back, partially hand-stitched lining obtained from G-Street.  The lining is very pretty with small paisleys, medium weight that covers the inside seams very well.

This fabric is very delicate as it frays as soon as its touched and / or stitched.  In essence the whole jacket receive interfacing including the sleeves.

Would I sew this again? Probably not as it did take over 15 hours plus to create. Including three hours of cutting!

I love it though and I cant wait to wear it, I will be wearing it with a similar blouse once I make it LOL

My jacket was also featured in Michael Levine’s newsletter on October 7, 2013. Yeaaah for me!

Update March 11, 2014 — Initially I said I would not make this jacket again, but since doing more research on this jacket I would certainly sew it again. In fact I have chosen the fabric for a summer style and conducted more research on the construction of it. I am sure it will take a lot longer than the originally as there are more techniques to incorporate to create this jacket.

Of course when I go to NY I can never stay on course with my list.. I always vear away and purchase other and extra fabric lol the prices are just fabulous.. Anyway this leopard print fabric was obtained at MOOD Fabrics.. Its a beautiful crisp hand knit, but it is a bit on the thin side.  I purchase another piece blended knit for the lining.  The pattern was easy and it sewed quickly.. more details below.. Soon as I get to wear it I will post a photo..lol

Project Review Detailed
Pattern Description: One style of pullover, close-fitting dress.  Designer – Tracy Reese
Pattern Used: Vogue 1314
Pattern Sizing: Cut a 12 for the top, 14 for the skirt
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done? Yes, just like it!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were clear.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing it constructed well
Fabric Used: 100% Boiled wool
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Had to alter the hip area
Would you sew it again? Maybe, I only wanted the pattern for this particular fabric.

I am falling in love with the idea of creating things with leather.  I found this piece of leather at G Street Fabrics in Rockville, Maryland. They are having a fabulous sale right now that can’t be passed up! In fact I am eyeing a Bernina machine that is on sale as well.. anyway I needed a good size Black leather clutch for a long time and to see this piece of patent embossed piece — was a must have.  It was a really large piece in which I utilized a great space of it, I lined it with a cotton/silk lining and interfaced the lining versus the actual piece of leather.  Although I did do a test piece of leather and I fused the interfacing to the leather, I thought it would be better to do the first option.

Stitching this required longer stitch lengths, and a walking foot.  I used Gutterman’s polyester thread and a regular all-purpose needle.

I measured the size I wanted onto pattern paper, then transferred to to the leather, the interfacing, then the lining.  I also cut a square lining pocket for the inside just to give it a more “professional look.”

I then measured the front 10” from the bottom and marked it with chalk, I stitched down that line. Then measured and marked another 10” to the back section and stitched down that line. The rest of 5” is the flap.  I then stitched up each side 5/8, tacked each end.  Then stitched around the flap, trimmed close to the edge of the stitching.  I then cut a 1” strip the length of the flap folded it over and stitched across the edge just for decoration purposes.

I used fray check around all the edges just so the little lining threads do not fray.  I will be looking for some other kind leather edge sealer to put on the sides.

Let me know how you like it .. subscribe to the blog or send me an email 😉


Living in the DMV area we have sporatic weather changes! One day its 90 the next day it could be 40! However, a cape is a good cover-up for going out, or if you are shopping in the mall.  Its easy to throw over your outfit for warmth and still leaves one very stylish.  I admired a Red cape that someone else blogged about and I was going to use a different pattern, however when I saw this pattern McCalls 6209 I knew I had to create it.  Then when I saw the fabric in Metro Textiles I knew exactly what I would create.. if fact I have enough fabric left over for a beautiful pencil skirt!

Project Review Detailed

Pattern Description: One Hour Various Capes
Pattern Used: McCalls 6209
Pattern Sizing: I cut the size small and it was still plenty big!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done? Yes, just like it!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were clear.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing it constructed well
Fabric Used: 100% Boiled wool
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None at all
Would you sew it again? Perhaps make a cape with the hood in red..

This fabric was a dream to sew! It cuts with ease, drapes nice, does not slip when you stitch it or slip when the serger touches it. Its nice and soft and feels good on the body — has good body for sewing.

Project Review Detailed

Pattern Description: Very Easy Vogue Top (quarter and long sleeves), pants and skirt
Pattern Used: Vogue 8935
Pattern Sizing: I cut the 8 top and the 14 skirt adding about an inch in the hip line.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done? Yes, I would say so
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were clear.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing it constructed well

Fabric Used: Jersey knit with lycra from Chic Fashions fabric house
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Yes I used the shorter top with long sleeves
Would you sew it again? Maybe I am not sure why I would need two of these sets..

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