Hello Everyone!
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Did you know the hardest part of refashion blogging is not the sewing? The hardest part is blogging and putting together your steps together coherently so others can follow what you did! It is especially hard for me because I tend to be a bit of a multi-tasker. At any given moment I have 5 or six projects in the front of my mind and 5 or 6 in the back simmering. I can’t quantify what makes me attack one project as opposed to the other, and sometimes I walk away to think it over before I know how to keep going with it. This leads me to forget if I took pictures of my steps. Then there have even been projects that were too hard for me to go back and figure out the steps, so you don’t see them.
So, for this project I am going to try something new. I will post the steps of this refashion as I complete them. At the end I should have a finished coat. This I have to tell you is scary for me. Will it be a success? Or will it be a flop? Stick with me and we will find out!!!!
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It all began when I saw this article about “Contrast Coats” in the magazine InStyle.
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This got me thinking about all of those great men’s suit jackets I see in the thrift stores. I purchased the two you see below at the American Way Thrift Store for a mere $5 for the two of them. The black one is wool and the herringbone jacket is a silk weave. Both are “about” the same weight.
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The next thing you see is my plan. I guarantee it will probably change from this, but what you see is the way I am thinking of combining the two. At this point I am not even sure where I want each to go. Gotta step away and think! 🙂
Mary you are so talented, I can’t wait to see the progression and end results. I look forward to your post and am hoping that I can tackle a few of your projects over my Christmas break.
Are you a teacher too Debbie? I have so much I want to do and not enough time!!! I am very nervous about this project but it is the only way I will ever be able to show it. It is too much for one post!
not that you asked, but I would put the herringbone in the center part, as well as for the bottom extension … or .. if the black is better for the collar, make the cut away above the pockets (in a curve?) to include the herringbone in the side insets and sleeves and still put herringbone for the bottom extension.
You will have to see what happens. I can only tell you that what I wanted was not possible! I had to adapt. Part 2 is coming soon!
Can’t wait to see your finished project! I’ve had my eye on the suit coats too just wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, now the brain is a buzzing. I too am a teacher looking forward to seeing for me on Christmas break. I teach anUpcycling Textiles class at a HS and love guiding my students but never enough time to see for me.
Thank you for all the inspiration you share with us. I often share your posts in class.
Wow! I am so honored to hear this! Things like this really help keep me going. I love doing this but it gets hard at times with my teaching job and everything else I have going. Thank YOU for the inspiration today!
I meant sewing for me!
I’m really looking forward to reading about your works in progress, Mary! I think the gap between posts will give me time to do my own creative thinking as I see what you’ve started and consider what might be possible to do next. I also love to read about how people think through their projects, and why they do what they do. That herringbone jacket is gorgeous!
Thanks Jo, In this busy season I hope I can finish it before Spring LOL! I hope this gives everyone insight into my crazy thought patterns!!! 🙂