The question is not how to survive, but how to thrive with passion, compassion, humor & style.
Maya Angelou
My latest sewing project: a cropped jacket patterned on one of my favorites, a black crocheted number I bought on sale years ago & wear constantly. I made a "muslin" first out of old t-shirts, and adjusted the fit from there, making the sleeves longer and more tailored than the original and the hem a bit shorter. I {heart} raglan sleeves.
The fabric is a rayon/wool blend from Treadle -- a grey/lavender/taupe on the outside and a lime/chartreuse on the inside (fabulous drape, but maybe not ideal for the bottom of my carry-on).
I assembled both the jacket and the lining by hand-stitching, then lightly painted the verse on with fabric paint. (I considered a fabric marker, but I wanted to stay in my color palette and avoid any bleeding.) I then backstitched the Angelou quote in pearl cotton, finished up with the word "style" on one of the sleeves, and added some leaves in reverse applique, a la Alabama Chanin.
Juliet took photos for me so I wouldn't have to get out my tripod, then I took a couple of detail shots while she wore the jacket. Even at 11, she favors clothes that are comfortable, unique and loaded with self-expression. I'm thinking I need to make another in a smaller size or I might not get this one back (as soon as I think of the right quotation, that is).
WOW ... I am in awe at your work (and patience!). Beautiful!
Posted by: jen | May 28, 2010 at 07:27 AM
gina, your jacket is wonderful! i love how you've so seamlessly blended your style with the alabama studio style. the little leaves dotting the i's are fantastic, as are the words.
about 9 years ago, my mother-in-law refashioned a sweatshirt into a cardigan and embroidered part of a shakespeare sonnet over the whole thing to wear to the shakespeare festival. i had forgotten about it until i saw your project.
Posted by: molly | May 28, 2010 at 11:10 AM
lovely project - very inspiring!
Posted by: Maude | May 28, 2010 at 04:42 PM
That's beautiful...you're so talented!
Posted by: Amy | May 29, 2010 at 07:21 AM
Absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Regina | Jun 01, 2010 at 10:20 AM
What a beautiful jacket. I smiled when I found your blog, because I had read the interview a while ago and admired your wonderful skirt which won the Burda Style contest.
Adding words to the garment makes it so much more special in every way. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience at the Alabama Chanin weekend.
Posted by: annekata | Jun 01, 2010 at 09:08 PM