12 April 2008

Orange You Glad You Asked? - Part 4

I AM DONE!! Obviously I am excited that I managed to finish sewing for SWAP 2008. With all that has occurred in my life lately, I had several moments when I didn't think I was going to be able to finish, especially when I managed to pick up a nasty spring cold this past week. But, I persevered and I got all 11 pieces sewn. Now, I just need to get some pictures taken and sent off to Julie of Timmel Fabrics. Now, I finally have time to blog about the garments you haven't seen yet.

I began work on this terracotta wool blend suit ages ago (see previous posts here, here and here). I adore the colour of this wool bend fabric, but man oh man, was it ever nasty to work with! There came many-a-time when I considered balling up both the skirt and the jacket and having at them with a lawnmower! This fabric was difficult to ease and getting an invisible hem was a nightmare (see here). Also, I found out the hard way that this fabric would take on an almost irremovable shine when faced with a hot iron. Aarg!!

But, never one to given in just because of a few setbacks, I managed to tame this fabric beast (with a ton of swearing tossed in for good measure). You have already seen the skirt, but I would like to show you all the jacket to match.

Here's the front of the jacket, which has bound buttonholes and handsewn patch pockets. I had a difficult time choosing just the right buttons, as many of the ones I had in my button stash just weren't right. Finally, I settled on these wine-coloured shank buttons. I was sure that the colour wouldn't work with the jacket, but when I put them together, it was like it was meant to be.









Here's the back of the jacket, showing the small kick pleat at the hip. You can also see the two piece sleeve and the back shoulder darts which I love.













The inside of the jacket was lined from edge to edge using a Anna Sui silk charmeuse that I picked up for a song from Fabric Mart. It feels so delicious and it makes putting on the jacket so easy. I may never line my clothing with anything other than silk charmeuse ever again!












The sleeves (left photo) have bound buttonholes to match the front of the jacket (right photo).

12 comments:

CraftRage said...

Oh WOW! The inside is as lovely as the outside! Beautiful!

Alexandra said...

Gorgeous! Those bound buttonholes are just perfect! Beautiful lining, too.

Anonymous said...

You not only finished, but you finished without lowering your standards. Those are the most perfect bound buttonholes! Amazing.
How did you do the lining up without a facing? When you get a chance maybe you could do a tutorial?
Can't wait to see your full swap.

Nancy Winningham said...

This looks beautiful. Congratulations on finishing with such beautiful garments. Can't wait to see the whole thing

Vicki said...

Congratulations on getting it all done in time! The jacket looks gorgeous!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Shannon ~ I NEVER doubted that you wouldn't finish!!!! But I am dying over here waiting to see the finished collection...could you pleeezzzeee just throw me a bone and take a picture of all the pieces AND then go back and tell us all about them!? I've been waiting since December/January and the stress is KILLIN' me!!!!

Linda L said...

Lovely jacket and the lining looks like it would feel fabulous!!!!Glad you were able to complete the SWAP. I know you have had some trying weeks during the process. Looking forward to seeing the entire collection!!!!

Dana said...

Amazing! The jacket is beautiful, the workmanship is just amazing!

Clare said...

Congratulations on finishing the swap. Your jacket is a credit to your skills - well done.

Summerset said...

The lining really takes this jacket to another level - really beautiful!

I thought of you the other day. I wore my dragonfly (order Odonata) skirt to school last week in honor of the chapter we're currently studying in Biology, the arthropods (which I've subtitled "Adventures in Athropods"). It brought your atom skirt to mind.

LauraLo said...

It was worth it struggling with the fabric! The colour is absolutely beautiful, the lining is such a nice surprise and the entire jacket is beautifully sewn

Tany said...

First let me congratulate on finishing your SWAP!!! You did wonderfully well and this jacket is no exception! It looks great with all the nice details, both outside and inside (I LOVE the lining!)