I rejected the pattern for the Chanel jacket soon after cutting it out because of the bust darts in the front. The darts starts out at the armhole like a princess seam, but taper to nothing at the pocket level. They work great for bust shaping. But the Chanel type jacket requires the lining to be quilted to the fashion fabric and I didn’t know how to do that with a dart like this one. Quilt first and then make the dart or make the dart and quilt shaped pieces together.I went ahead and finished the jacket because I still liked the style and the fabric I was using. A nubby, multi colored woven cotton , purchased back in 2007 from Fabric.com. I bought the fabric because I was inspired to create a look with fabrics similar to those used for the jackets and dresses in the Burda WOF March 2005 magazine feature “Enjoy the Mix”…of elegant boucle and casual denim.
Is fringe on jackets still in style? I saw a boucle jacket with fringe at a White House/Black Market store just last week, and another fringe trimmed jacket in a catalog this week, but it is not quite the fad it was about 6 years ago. I don’t care. I like it.
This jacket was a lot of work; creating the fringe, basting it in place, attaching and top stitching the contrast bands, and making the welt pockets. The work went on and on. But I am pleased with the result. It is my happy jacket; brightly colored and trimmed with fuzzy fringe.
Thanks to everyone that suggested fabric and trim stores in Toronto. I have saved the info for my next trip there. All I saw on my recent trip was the inside of the office where the project team was working and my hotel room. Sigh, no play time. There is a daily 2 hour direct flight from Richmond to Toronto, and I am thinking about an extended weekend getaway trip for my husband and myself. I will have to keep my eyes open for discounted fares.
Work continues on my Chanel jacket. The lining is quilted to the fashion fabric. The lining seams have been hand stitched closed. The next step is to attach the sleeves to the bodice.
Wow, the jacket looks fabulous. It's definitely a great success; won't you please show us a pic of yourself in it?
ReplyDeleteI love that jacket! I think you should have taken complete creative ownership of the boucle/denim mix. It's really adorable.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting interpretation! You do such nice work.
ReplyDeleteI remember that spread in Burda! You have done the spread justice with that lovely jacket. I totally understand why you call it the happy jacket...because it's soooo pretty!
ReplyDeleteGreat jacket! It looks very couture.
ReplyDeleteI love that pattern and the finished jacket is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteLovely!!
Toronto sounds like a very nice place for a getaway weekend.
It is a very happy jacket. Great mix of fabrics.
ReplyDeleteThat is one terrific jacket! I love it. It's unusual, cutting-edge and very upscale RTW looking. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteThat is a happy jacket! I think fringe is fun. Can't wait to see the Chanel!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely jacket. That's a disappointment to hear that you didn't have a chance to get out and about in Toronto -- but now you have a destination for a weekend getaway, and this jacket will be perfect for wearing to brunch and shopping. :)
ReplyDeleteThe jacket is a great mix of fabrics and trim--really cool interpretation of the style.
ReplyDeleteGreat jacket! I love the contrasting color and the trim!
ReplyDeleteClever trim. You've given me an idea for rescuing a wadder.
ReplyDeleteYou have really captured the casual chic look of the modern Chanel jacket. And now you're making another! Very impressive. I hope you get lots of happy days in your happy jacket.
ReplyDeleteI think that fringe on jackets must still be in style. While I was killing time at Heathrow airport, I wondered into the Chanel shop. The sales lady was very inattentive so I had a good look at the jackets (at £2K per jacket it is as close as I'll ever get!) Most of the jackets had fringe-y trim made from the fashion fabric.
ReplyDeletePerfect Chanel interpretation. Even if the original Chanel is characterized by its lining and the stitching to the outerfabric, I do think this is no requirement to have a 'Chanel style' jacket. Great work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful jacket. The fabric combination is great. I think a weekend getaway to Toronto would be fun --- a lot of shopping and great restaurants to try.
ReplyDeleteTHAT is fabulous. How inspiring! Very nicely done.
ReplyDeleteOh. Nice jacket.
ReplyDeleteOh Wow! I love this jacket!.The colours are fabulous !
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