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Monday 4 April 2016

French jacket: the trim



This is the rough version of what will probably become the trim of my jacket. In my previous post I described how I wanted the vibrant colours of the lining to become part of the trim. I spent most of the long Easter weekend hand sewing and testing several ideas.

I started with a lightweight navy ribbon.




I used a chalk pencil and a quilters ruler to mark every half inch.




Using the narrowest satin ribbon (3 mm wide) I then made tiny stitches on the marks. This was a very slow process, as the ribbon had to be pulled through with extreme care to prevent damaging the base ribbon.




After many hours of peaceful stitching with nothing but the sound of singing birds in the garden to distract me, I finished all 4 meters.

The leftover lining, two strips of 2.25 m by 7 cm wide, didn't give me much to play with. I sewed tiny tubes and turned them right side out.




Together it looked like this:




Obviously I have to polish it up a bit. Some of the stitches got twisted during the threading process and in other parts the seam of the silk isn't in the right spot yet. I will go back and make it decent later on. I'm happy with the outcome. It's lightweight, flexible and will add a colourful touch to this summer jacket!
I'm taking a step back from the trim to pick up working on the sleeves.




Final decisions, like will I keep it straight and graphic, or add a more fancy effect,




whether I'll add fringe, and if so, how wide, straight of grain or cut on the bias, it can all be decided later. For now I'm happy with the options.





Back to more thread tracing and quilting!

14 comments:

  1. WOW! This looks like such an elaborate and creative trim! I am looking forward to seeing the jacket!

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    1. Not knowing where to go with the trim was obviously blocking me more than I thought. I'm relieved and happy to work on the jacket again!

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  2. This trim is stunning and will look fabulous on your French jacket. What a lovely simple idea which will be so effective. Thanks so much for sharing your creative talent.

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    1. I've been stubbornly searching for a simple trim that would allow me to weave the silk in, it took a while before I gave in and tried to make it myself. There is not much available here, other than cheap glittery stuff or home dec quality!

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  3. Very creative ideas. This jacket is going to be stunning.

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    1. Hope so! So much hand sewing, so little time ;)

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  4. Your trim is lovely - and so creative! I am following your progress excitedly, as I am intending to make a jacket over the summer (though mine will be white - not nearly as colorful as yours!). TFS

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    1. Oh, that's fabulous! ! I've been looking at some beautiful Linton tweeds in ivory just this morning. Do you blog, or are you on IG? I would love to follow your LFJ journey!

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  5. Brilliant idea, Marianne. I love your trim paired with fringe, but whatever you decide will be perfect, of that I am sure!

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    1. Yes, I agree about the fringe. Still not sure how to choose the right width, maybe I will get a better idea once I've basted the sleeves. Suggestions are welcome!

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  6. I love this. Yes it has been lots of work, but the effect is amazing. I love it.

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