Thursday, March 29, 2012

Chanel Type Jacket for Tamara

It's been a while mostly because it took me forever to get Tamara's jacket finished and then I made her two skirts both of which gave me problems.




So Wow! This jacket did end up being a challenge all right!
I've used this pattern twice before so it should have been a breeze,right! Not so!




The problem was with the sleeves.I've found them to be rather wide on my two previous jackets so I decided to use a different one piece sleeve  which I cut on the bias. Well they were way too tight and I didn't decide this until I had the jacket completely finished, yes, lined and everything.

Finally after my slim GD, Jessica ,tried the jacket on and announced that if the sleeves were too tight for her, they would be too tight for Auntie, I had no choice.

It took me another four hours of work to take those sleeves off, recut them and sew them back on,etc. But it was worth it.







As Little Riley would say  "Tadah!!!" Here it is.


And Yes that is a matching purse but no I didn't make it. I bought it at Fabricville when I bought the fabric.















A close-up shows you the beautiful fringe which I used for trim. Guess what ! It was the selvage ! Wasn't I lucky and for once it was the same on each side so I had plenty. I used a zipper closure.





For the lining I used a beautiful brocade from my stash, probably a little heavy but I was trying to use as much from what I already had as possible.



As for the two skirts, I'll show them to you but they sure didn't photograph well.

This one is Vogue8461 which DD has been wanting me to make.
The fabric is faux linen because Tamara can't stand wrinkles, especially in a work outfit. I was convinced it was too small.


Next is Simplicity2475, one of the Amazing Fit patterns. This one ended up too big because I accidently used the curvy pattern pieces. I had to take out the zipper and take in each side after it was finished but not yet lined.She is wearing this one in the pic below. And I was worried it was still too big.

But guess what! Everything fit perfectly ,according to DD. Here she is looking beautiful,IMO, in her new spring suit.



What do you think?

I have a few other things to show you because I found I had to take a break now and then from he above torture and ended up with a couple of new pieces of my own at about the same time I finished Tamara's suit!

More later from



17 comments:

Sharon said...

Wow you daughter is so lucky, that jacket is just perfection and those skirts looks so good. I'd say your daughter looks stunning.

Julie Culshaw said...

That jacket is lovely, Diana. And you did a beautiful job with the matching on that back seam. Good job. And good for you having the patience to redo the sleeves.

ReadyThreadSew said...

Gorgeous jacket and it looks fabulous with the skirt. And I have to say that is a genius bit of marketing by the fabric store/supplier selling the bags that match the fabric. I wouldn't have been able to resist.

Shannon said...

What a beautiful jacket - so chic and sophisticated! I did a double take when I saw it - I have the same fabric and I had always planned on making a Chanelesque jacket. At least now I know it would look great!

Lori said...

What a gorgeous suit, the Chanel jacket is stunning.

Aminat said...

Wow, that is one fabulous jacket she got, ..Great job on the craftmanship...

velosews said...

You've made an amazing suit. She looks great.

Judith said...

Super outfits - the jacket is amazing!!! Love the fabric, especially with the matching bag...

gwensews said...

That's a beautiful suit. And wow, a handbag to match? Wow. Your daughter is beautiful.

Mary said...

Beautiful, Diana. What a stunning outfit.

Audrey said...

I wondered where you got such perfect trim for the unique jacket fabric. The selvedge huh? It looks great. Your DD looks fantastic in the suit. It has a great fit and the color is really flattering.

Vicki said...

Just so beautiful Daughter and suit. Love the bias sleeves. I want my mummy to make me one!!

Linda T said...

Beautiful suit on a beautiful lady. Sorry you had so many problems. Sometimes the sewing gods just throw us a curve!

Lisette M said...

What a stylish outfit! She looks very Chanel.

Gail said...

You've done a great job with the jacket. I have this pattern and haven't been able to get it right. I'll take a closer look. Love the idea of the matching purse. You should take a look at Moonshine bags. I made a great bag using their pattern.

pdiddly said...

Wow lucky daughter - the matching bag is very sweet too. You are so dedicated to redo the sleeves too.

Chantal said...

How I wish I could sew like you (or take a course with you!!!!). You are my inspiration. I'm a self-educated sewing passionated girl and I miss so much tricks and "savoir-faire".. but looking at your work is so cool for me. Thanks!