Chanel, the Speedy Way

This time I'm doing things a little faster and it's mainly because of the fabric I chose. It is so thin and lightweight and made up of mostly ribbon yarn, making it impossible to deal with without fusing it first- and I fused the entire piece before I cut. This one is for DD, who just turned 16 :)) She's not a die-hard preppy anymore, but she is so excited about this. The fabric is from Mood in Los Angeles. It's really a great store with so much to choose from, but I dislike that they never have a clue about the fiber content or where it came from.

Below is the pattern I'm using:

BWOF 04-2008-120

I obviously omitted the collar, and also the slanted front. It will have three quarter length sleeves and pockets.

I had decided not to use fringe this time around but I couldn't find the right trim. So, I bought some B & W hounds tooth, cut strips on the bias and added the only trim I could find that worked. I wanted it to be controlled (aka not my usual frilly fiesta :)) so it's pressed down and cut short-short.

The lining is quilted on as usual; Lindsay T, it isn't hard and doesn't take a lot of time AND since you got the magnifiers, threading the needle for hand stitching the lining seams in place will be a piece of cake ;)

This is my third Chanel style project and it is true that it gets easier with practice. I haven't needed too look up anything so far, it's all in the memory bank.

I'm tempted to make myself another one, but that will have to wait until the Balmain jacket is done.

DD also wants a ruffle blouse. I've been looking around for something like what Chanel is showing in their fall collection but no luck so far. If anyone has any ideas please share :))

Some Juicy Details

Just a couple of shots so I can do a review. Thanks for all your lovely comments. This was a successful project and I'm grateful for that considering the PRICE of this fabric!

I'm now making a jacket (and probably a skirt) for me-myself-I, and will post shortly. Nothing complex though it has a few tricks (welt pockets and bias contrast bands). The first one to correctly name the BWOF pattern I'm using will get a nice surprise: Fabric for a jacket from F & S of her/his? (lol) choice within reason of course- they do have some stuff way past the 500/yd mark :) And Nancy, you're not eligible cause you already know :))

I'll go by the same rule as Cidell did in her recent giveaway: You must have commented on my blog at least once, and you must promise to make this jacket within the year 2009. I will pay for the shipping as well- even to Australia :))

Okay, if you bothered to read this far, forget about the coat pictures and go check your BWOF mags. :))

Here is a link to a photo of DD doing a marvelous pose in her messy room :))

Christmas Morning

Thought I better post a photo of DD in her Bubblegum 4 Christmas dress or I'd forget. This one was taken on Christmas morning, yet she always manages to pose somehow, I mean, in the midst of presents and all... It fits her perfectly but the lace frayed... oh well. 

The coat is coming along and I've made several changes along the way. I'll post on that later. Cindy wanted to know how I make the fringe: Here is a link to my Chanel jacket fringe. The only difference is I cut a double layer of boucle this time because the fabric is lighter, and I also did not use any yarn to cross over.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We did, but... I'm absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, ready for things to get back to normal, whatever that may be :)) All I know is it includes school. Thank heavens for teachers!

Coat on the Fringes

Youngest DD's current fave color is baby blue...

I had no idea how hard it would be to find a plaid boucle in baby blue. But I persevered. Tucked in the upstairs room at International Wools & Silk I found a stunning piece- at $69/yard! What's a mom to do? Well, this mom brought along dad, and ... problem solved. :))

I've been working on the muslin for a few days, and last night's fitting was acceptable. It's SO hard to adjust on this little cutiepie because, aside from the fact that she's six, she is soooo full of life. Her name actually means Life, so at least I got that one right!

I wanted the shape of this Juicy Couture coat...

... and I found this pattern: BWOF 5-2008-133. It's the only princess line pattern I've seen for little girls. I'm using the shell for the empire top, and the two-piece sleeve- great sleeve btw! The notched collar will be draped on the form.

And here's a sneak peak... I started with the fringe :)) It's a double layer of bias cut fabric with a very narrow silver sequined trim in the center.

I'm dying the silk charmeuse lining baby blue and will quilt it on, and use a silver chain at the hem. I have not selected the buttons yet.

Yes, I'm Still Sewing Chanel :-))

It's a busy time at this household. Oldest DD just left for a new boarding school and she's super excited, as she should be. Idyllwild Arts Academy offers everything an aspiring artist would crave, and I'm truly happy for her.

Youngest DD just started second grade, and she is as proud as can be :-)) She is also into performing arts and will attend her first acting class this Saturday.

As far as DH and myself; we're doing two workshops at the moment. Baby It's You, here at the Coast Theater in West Hollywood, and Million Dollar Quartet at the Goodman in Chicago. We'll be leaving for Chicago next week I believe, DH has a co-director on that production, and most of the cast has been with the show from the beginning so it's more important he spends the brunt of his time here in LA.

And as far as the jacket... I hope to take it to Chicago because it's quite warm. All that's left is the remainder of the fringe and the buttons, so it shouldn't be too hard. I added some Madeira Lana thread to the fringe on the organza because it was too black/white without it. Here are some sneak previews :-) I think, hope, pray- I will adore this jacket. 

Also, Thank you Sigrid, for providing the info on the Chanel YouTube video. It was fantastic watching it in its entirety. So inspiring. And wasn't it fascinating how they all buzz around that room, wearing lab coats! Makes me re-think my working wardrobe...

And the Chanel Journey Continues...

Getting closer but I'm taking mine time with this. The jacket fits well, and I'm now working on finishing the interior. I took a break and made the trim- just couldn't wait, too exciting! Below are some more construction pictures as well as the trim. The facing needed extra care; I had to stay stitch the shoulder/collar seam in addition to fusing the cut point. If you're making a Chanel jacket for the first time, skip anything with facings. And as little plaid/match-up as possible. Unless, of course, you're like me, and just can't be truly happy without some serious challenges :-))

First up, the facing buttonholes...

... the lining seam construction (they are all done this way) and sleeve vent...

... the fringe...

... and finally the organza (which will be the ruffled trim)...

I ended up using silk organza as interfacing for the front/collar. It turned out to be just the right 'hold' without adding stiffness. Thank you Marji for all your help, and Lindsay, if you do go ahead with that jacket, make sure to turn to Marji if you get stuck.

And if you love Chanel, be sure to check mem's comment in the previous post; a priceless story about the woman who makes the Chanel trim. Thank you, mem!