I’ll admit to wanting a more everyday version of the French Jacket I made in Baltimore ever since I took photos of it for this blog.
And it just so happens that I have enough of the Octopus’ Garden boucle to squeeze a jacket out of – I recall when I first started sewing that I’d always buy an extra meter of fabric over what the pattern called for, you know – just in case. I absolutely love this fabric so I’m really excited to be working with it again.
So I’m back for another week and another French Jacket! I recall this time last time I was already absolutely sewing fatigued, but this time around I’m incredibly invigorated to keep on sewing. I’m unable to attend the entire 7 days of the class due to a certain little person needing to be looked after, so I was grateful to be able to be fitted on Day 6 of the Couture Sewing School last week. I spent the last afternoon of that week’s class arranging my pattern pieces to make sure I could get the repeat in the right places.
Like my last French Jacket, I’m also underlining this one because once again I’ve picked a lightweight boucle that is see through! This is untypical though. I’m working with a cream cotton voile underneath (last time it was a white batiste).
I’m working with Vogue 7975, but I’ve stolen the sleeve from Marfy 9814. Partly because I really love it, partly because I don’t actually have enough fabric for a full length sleeve! It’s going to be tight….
Day 1 is a bit of a get to know you again, a fabric show off, pattern fitting by Susan and fabric shopping for those amongst us who have yet to acquire some boucle and lining. We went to Stitches to Style – they have a great range of boucles! (and a huge sale on at the very moment – 50% off lots of cottons, linens and silks from their summer range).
Here are a few pictures of the gorgeous fabric choices by my other classmates:
Day 1 saw me finish of my pattern thread tracing, and begin cutting out my lining.
By the end of Day 2 I had quilted all of my jacket pieces and sewn up the sides ready for a quick fit check and adjustment.
Day 3 I cut out my sleeves and got to work quilting them. On Susan’s recommendation I put the cuff on my sleeves on the bias – only just having enough fabric to squeeze this out. This meant also the quilting was in a grid – which gave it really lovely structure. We also put some silk organza underneath the boucle before the batiste underlining for a bit of extra structure.
In the afternoon everyone took a field trip to Jimmy’s Buttons in Fitzroy for trim and buttons – what an absolute GOLDMINE! I can’t believe I’d never been here before. SO many options for trim, my mind was blown!
Day 4 at around lunchtime I was having my sleeves hung by Susan! I spent the afternoon playing with trim options, after a morning visit to Jimmy’s Buttons again after musing on samples overnight, I ended up with some chartreuse green petersham ribbon to go as backing to some vintage Chanel braid that Susan brought from Paris (she hauled a few different selections of braided trim she’s picked up in her travels).
Day 7 – I’ll be popping back in to the class on the Sunday to get a length of chain and have my pockets marked out.
So I’ve still got a fair way to go – sewing on the hooks and eyes, sewing on trim, chain, pockets and then closing up the lining. It’s looking amazing so far!
poppykettle 
Look at those impeccable sleeves, it’s stunning!
Thanks Marianne – I’m really excited about seeing it finished now! The sleeves are fabulous.
I love the colour! You’ve done a beautiful job. I’d love to make a French jacket but I have very little children and I don’t think I’d be able to find the time. Maybe when they are a bit older! Until then, I will have to be content with reading your excellent posts.
(Plus, my clothing is regularly spewed on and cried into no matter where I am. Definitely should wait until they are older to make “good” clothes.)
I feel you Lauren – this is going to be kept waaaaaay away from the little one!!! Time is so hard to find for yourself when you’ve got small children :(
😍😍 gorgeous!
Thank you Kathy!
So many beautiful fabrics and the linings… I think I might pick the lining first too! Such lovely sewing!
Printed charmeuse is just divine isn’t it :)
Jimmy’s Buttons is one of the big things I miss about Melbourne — so many pretty things!
It’s amazing! I can’t believe I’d never heard about it or been there before. I’ve already been back twice since :P Thanks Nyssa!
They all look wonderful. You must be having such fun! I like the 3/4 length sleeve and I think many of Chanel’s jackets are designed that way. Thanks for giving us all an inside look.
You’re right – I’ve seen so many with this style of sleeve, it feels very on point. Thanks Mary :)
I love seeing the choices everyone made. The green color you chose is amazing and I personally prefer the look of 3/4 sleeves – they seem a little more modern to me (I feel like full-length everything can be kind of overwhelming on people who aren’t super tall). I seriously want to take this class every time I see pictures but don’t know if my handsewing skills are up to snuff for this.
You know I’ve never been into the 3/4 sleeve thing on jackets – everything I’ve tried in the past has made me look a little dwarfish and comical. But this sleeve is just divine, and I’m really very excited about it! It makes the jacket look just so lovely.
One of the best parts (or worst parts??) about sewing in close proximity to others sewing the same thing as you is fabric envy! The handsewing component of this isn’t challenging – there is just a lot of it. You don’t see virtually any of it – definitely give the class a try if you can! I can’t recommend it enough.
This is going to be so beautiful when it’s finished. And I love the name you’ve given your fabric!
Thanks Janet :)
Everyone has such beautiful choices. Yours is looking lovely. The shoulders and armholes are such a great fit.
There is nothing quite like it when it comes to fit. It really is universally flattering on all :) Thanks Vicki!
I love your boucle, and it is, indeed, looking fabulous at this point. It’s so exciting to see these pictures – thank you!
My pleasure :)
(It’s just so exciting to be sewing again!)
Love all the fabric choices, so looking forward to my class with Susan. Your jacket already looks stunning.
You’ll love it Barbara. Integrating back into normal everyday life post class will be tough, though! ;)
Gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Me neither. I’m finding all manner of excuses to continue working on it!
Major fabric envy! I can see why you’d want to work with a fun printed lining next time :)
your jacket is going to be gorgeous for sure … the fit through the shoulders and sleeves … and the fabric !
Very inspirational! I, too, am about to start my third Chanel-style jacket. It’s amazing to think that so many different fabrics can make similar jacket styles so unique. Thanks for this. ~GG