In March, I attended a sewing camp led by Susan Khalje and learnt how to sew a classic French Jacket. Since then, I have worn the jacket most of the times when the weather has allowed it. Now, with the autumn approaching I've been itching to make another jacket. And since my blog is receiving most of its traffic on the posts about the jacket, I decided to combine business with pleasure and launch a sew-along!
For my next jacket, I've got inspired by Karl's Little Black Jacket collection and so the name came out naturally: Little French Jacket.
Sew-alongs seems to be quite popular among modern seamstresses but at the same time it's a lot of responsibility. I felt nervous; I've finished only one jacket and was not 100% sure that I could do everything right. And so I reached out to Leisa from A Challenging Sew and asked if she wanted to help and run the sew-along together. Leisa has probably made five or six jackets and is currently working on three jackets at the same time! Her knowledge and experience will be invaluable during the course of the sew-along. Then, I emailed Susan and told her about our venture. And guess what? Susan agreed to consult us along the way! How exciting it is?
The icing on the cake is that this sew-along will coincide with the release of Susan's French jacket lesson on DVD and a pattern of a classic jacket with a three-piece sleeve. She says that the pattern will be ready sometime in October and the DVD by the end of year.
Having purchased Susan's Craftsy class two years ago, I review some parts of it on a weekly basis, because it contains a tremendous amount of useful information. If you know this class, you can confirm! Listening to Susan talk, it's like sharing an apartment with her :) So I am really looking forward to her forthcoming release!
Nothing can replace a live lesson with an instructor helping you with the fitting and personal advice. But we will try, as much as we can, to help you make this classic garment from our different corners of the world.
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| My first jacket |
Attention, ladies: the jacket will include many hours of manual labor!
I also promise that before we actually kick off the sew-along, both Leisa and i will entertain you with useful and interesting information about the jacket!
Please don't hesitate to spread the word! We'd like to see as many people joining in as possible! And, as in the custom these days, add our sew-along button to your blog ;)
Are you ready to embark with us on the adventure?
You can show that you participate in the sew-along by adding this little button to your blog
Wheeee!! Of course, you know I'm in on this, button is already proudly on display. I saw it on Leisa's blog this morning and have been refreshing yours ever since! I'm doing my jacket course with her starting sept 23, and assuming I don't burn out, I think I'll be keen for a second version.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket is great! And I will be surely reading along... I have to make a jacket too
ReplyDeleteSo jealous of your TWO classes! Have you got the fabric for the jacket yet? Or you plan to buy it in NY?
ReplyDeleteI think a classic French jacket is so your style! Give it a try :)
ReplyDeleteYour first jacket looks great, I like the embelishments. *^v^*
ReplyDeleteI've never sewn a jacket before, I think it's time to learn something new, yikes! ^^*~~
Dzięki, Joanna! This jacket is not difficult to sew! Due to all the hand-stitching, the whole process is very much enjoyable! Join in :)
ReplyDeleteI have 1.75m of fabric I'm absolutely head over heels with... but I don't think it will be enough. I'm especially freaked out after reading about your shoulder seam 'adventure'! So I'm thinking I'll buy in NY. I've got 2 days of fabric shopping there before the monday when it starts... so that should be enough to pick something faaaabulous :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm interesting... I might just join you :-) I'm particularly taken with B7115- very cute!
ReplyDeleteOh dearest Inna. I tried to resist you, but damnitall. I'm in.
ReplyDeletexo
Hehe :) I can see you actively pining jackets on your Pinterest ;) It's going to be fun!
ReplyDeletePinterest is the devil. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! It will look nice with your Anna dress ;)
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic! I wish I could join in the fun, but you can bet I'll be following along even if I'm not sewing the jacket. Is it weird that I really enjoy following sew-alongs even if I am not sewing the garment? Who cares, I still love them anyway! haha. I'm really excited for this one!
ReplyDeleteHow does a sew-along work? I've never participated in one before.
ReplyDeleteFunny - I think it has to do with the time of a year - I have just started my little chanel/french jacket... I am not so sure I will be counted. I am using Vogue pattern 8804. I have already busy making a muslin toil...
ReplyDeleteMay I still join? or better just follow the sew-along...
I love the badge ....
Так хочу! Но видимо, буду уже после по вашим следа идти из-за своих переездов! У меня даже тканька уже есть:))
ReplyDeleteBoo! I can't join in because there is no way I will ever need a jacket here in Singapore :-( I will certainly be reading along though!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm in! Still figuring out how to start my blog. No posts yet, but I managed to put the button on it!
ReplyDeleteNo! Booo you! We have another participant from Singapore who'll be actually sewing the jacket! She said that there is a great supplier for Linton tweets and she'll be making "summer" version of it! Come on Beth! Give it a go! It will look lovely with your Anna dresses!
ReplyDeleteПрекрасно! На когда запланирован переезд?
ReplyDeleteWith the amount of wool/tweed fabric you own (yes, I saw it) you can even make two jackets :) At the end of the day, this is not a competition but a process you should enjoy. We will try to share our knowledge and experience of couture techniques applied to the classic dress jacket. In case you go faster, you'll finish your jacket by the time we actually start the sew-along in the beginning of October. And maybe you'll feel more confident in kicking of the second jacket. Seriously! Once you start with those jackets, you cannot stop!
ReplyDeleteA sew-along is usually broken down by steps. Every post describes a step in details (usually with many pictures) and participants are gives certain time to complete it. If for some reasons you cannot follow the sew-along with us, you can always come back and sew following your own pace. I've already posted the schedule, so you can get and idea what to expect from it. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
ReplyDeleteOh, it's really up to you whether you want to participate or not. The whole point of a sew-along is getting some new skills and helping out to explain different techniques etc. But, yeah, who cares! If you enjoy reading them, carry on :) I hope we'll give you the flavor of a classic cardigan anyway :)
ReplyDeleteYou are the best! Looking forward to seeing what you'll come up with :) Please join our Read more about the project on Flickr group . I see that people had started posting their patterns and fabric choices! Exciting!
ReplyDeleteох, он у меня многоступенчатый, первый через 2 недели, потом едем в поездку во францию-италию, потом еду к папе на новый год, а уже в январе летим:) Думаю, как быть с машинкой:))) И тебе удачи желаю с консульством!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I'm not sure I have the time to make one, but I'll be watching anxiously for French jackets to pop up online!
ReplyDeleteIt is a tempting proposition ... but for now I will not participate, what a shame! I have no time for this. I send you positive energy for the challenge!
ReplyDeleteI know .. I am afraid it will be another addiction... :-)
ReplyDeleteJust count me in... I am for sure going to make at least 2 jackets...
I'm absolutely in for this. I'm loving the sew-along schedule. FINALLY, a sew-along that doesn't rush to just "get through it". You should be applauded for taking the time that a jacket like this deserves. I live in Baltimore--so let me know when you get in town
ReplyDeleteI name you officially an independent observer :P
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Maider! Your energy is very important!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! We really did not want to rush at all! A class with Susan lasts 5 1/2 days, 8 hours per day. Besides, every evening after class we took our jackets back to the hotel and worked there for several more hours. In my case, I spent 60 hours, including 6 hours to hand-sew the trim, to finish the jacket. But, as other seamstresses in the class, I was sewing all day stopping only to eat and sleep. So for somebody who works full-time, studies or has kids, coming up with a jacket like this within a couple of weeks is not possible. I hope people won't get bored until the end though :) But we'll make sure to entertain!
ReplyDeleteI would love to join - I have Marfy 2922 ready to muslin. I just hope I have the time to stick with your schedule!
ReplyDeleteWhaaat?! I'd die in a jacket, summer weight or not! She clearly is much more attuned to the weather here than me, because I need multiple showers if I venture out of the air con. Maybe I'm just very sweaty? I might, however, make one for my sister, but things are a little hectic at the moment so we will see...
ReplyDeleteI would love to join. This sew along sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Thank you so much for organizing it. I have sewn three "French jackets" over the past year or two and love them. I used the out of print Vogue 8259. I have several fabrics in my stash waiting to be made into French jackets.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited about your sew along! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love such jackets and somhow I know it will be another addiction 😊
ReplyDeleteI still have to used to this tool.
ReplyDeleteI love the jacket 😊 It will be great addition to our wardrobe 😊
I like the spirit :)
ReplyDeleteI am using phone app and I was not so sure if I posted... Pushing wrong buttons 😒
ReplyDeleteWould love to participate, I have a piece of real Chanel fabric, that has been languishing in my stash for 10 years. It is TIME TO MAKE IT UP! I also am going to Paris for a week with the Tilton Sisters tour the end of Oct. Perhaps there is fabulous trim in my future. I will follow along and try to make my jacket, but life right now is crazy, so I hope I have the time. Dawn
ReplyDeleteSusan Khalje's Craftsy class is my all time favourite. I want to sew along with you - I love your yellow jacket. Will you make pattern recommendations?
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra! Fabric and pattern recommendations are included in the following post.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a blog but I'm in! So generous of you ladies to host this challenging and inspiring sew along. I also refer to Susan Khalje's Craftsy class, and her recent Burda webinar. Your jacket is so inspiring, who wouldn't want to make one of their own. Great excuse to head to the garment district in NY and add some fabrics to the stash.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! I have been considering making a Linton Tweed Chanel style biker jacket using Kwik Sew 3764 and had just started looking for hints and tips when I was directed to your sewalong. My jacket might not end up being a typical French jacket but I am very much looking forward to taking part. (I have just realised I also have Butterick 4028 in my stash which would be very similar to a traditional Chanel jacket if it was cropped shorter, I think I have some thinking and planning to do before the sewalong starts!)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I commented or if it disappeared. Would love to join the sewalong and I'm thinking of using a patterns from a recent Patrones magazine with lots of LFJ patterns in it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh my.. a dvd and a pattern! I have been waiting for Susan to release her video ever since I heard she is planning something like that on Thread Cult podcast by Daughter Fish. So many god news in one post.. I am in! I just bought some fabric in Singapore and was planning making one for my mom. The fabric is actually a while linen buckle (pretty thin, so I was thinking of underlining it, until I saw the video you posted.. maybe some fluid undelining then..?) I was going to use one of these Burda Patterns -http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/short-jacket-022013, or this one http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/chanel-style-jacket-032012, that look exactly like New Look 6028. Are you going to wait for Susan's pattern? Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts/suggestions on the pattern-fabric issue and of course I am in.
ReplyDeletesorry for the typos :) some are my impatience and some are just plain bad french! boucle *
ReplyDeleteNot to worry! You are free to go as fast or as slow as you want!
ReplyDeletePlease sing to our Flickr group and show us off your fabric!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Thanks :)
ReplyDelete1o years!? This fabric definitely deserves a better treatment :) I hope you that by the end of this year you'll make a gorgeous jacket!
ReplyDeleteLucky you to be able to head to the garment district (I presume you live in NY). I would love to be teleported there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in! This biker jacket made of Linton Tweed boucle sounds like a very ambitious yet interesting plan! If you feel confident enough I say - go for it girl!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I wish I could get a hold on this Patrones issue...
ReplyDeleteI know! I am excited myself! Your patterns choice is great! But I think you have to decide depending on your mother's style etc. If Susan's pattern is ready before the sew-along I'll work with it. Otherwise, I'll pick something. On Friday Leisa will post about the fabric choice, so hang on for a little bit longer :) But a classic French jacket does not have any underlining, even very thin. The underlining defeats the whole point of the classic jacket - movement and flexibility of fabric. So if you find your fabric very thin, I'd suggest you to pick something else.
ReplyDeleteI will be following you at RedPointTailor. I will be using the same pattern and have already seen some comments about the sleeve being cut slightly off grain (comment attributed to Claire Schaefer indicated that is correct) and maybe something with the pockets. I'm really looking forward to this, but will be interested to see how you find the pattern.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about this sew along. I have been collecting Chanel jacket patterns (more by accident than design) and it's time I actually put one together. I have two fabrics I've pinned on Flickr that I think would be great, but will be choosing the solid. No need to add another challenge by sewing with plaid my first time out. LOL
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me a little about the toile? Is it sewn as the shell only or do you actually add a lining as well to mock the finished jacket?? (I'm sure you are going to go into that ... I'm just interested in getting ahead of the game a little if I can.)
Thanks so much for putting this sew along together. I'm really looking forward to watching everyone's progress. It's reassuring to have you guys offering your expertise as we go along.
Cheers!
Ramona
Threadtime.wordpress.com
It looks like a good idea to use the same pattern as RedPointTailor ;) You can always exchange your ideas about working with it.
ReplyDeleteWhy would you want to add lining to the muslin? No, no! The muslin for the jacket is exactly the same as any other muslin. In our sew-along, we will show the "couture" version of it. In case you followed Susan's Craftsy class, you should know how to do it. Otherwise, you'd have to wait until October when this topic will be covered. But if you want to create the muslin your usual way, please go ahead!
ReplyDeleteIt really is exciting to see what everybody will come up is! We all have different styles, preferences of fabric and colors! I apologize that the sew-along will take so much time, but we did not want to discourage novice sewers but offer plenty of space to finish and check all steps.
Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to hear! I've made a couple coats in my younger days when I had faith in my measurements and didn't make muslins. Not so much any more.
ReplyDeleteI have taken Susan's Couture Dress class and loved it. Thanks again for the quick reply.
The sleeve length of the original jacket is between 3/4 and full length. My preference is full length because my arms are loooong and even when I wear 3/4 sleeves it looks weird. It really depends on your personal preference and your style. And yes, we will all end up with a great staple in our wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteThe sleeves look and feel strange being in such strange lenght for me ... however as my mother said - they are perfect for leather long gloves :-)
ReplyDeleteBTW... I am going to make another jacket based on V7975 for my mother... I hope I will manage to make a toil and have first fit before I leave.
ReplyDeletehaha :) I've just sent you an email (check your mailbox) in which I mentioned that you might sew two jackets! :) What a lovely daughter you are! You know, when I browse online fabric stores something inside me is itching to buy fabric for the second jacket.. Dilemmas!
ReplyDeleteRE: gloves! I've never thought about it! Your mum sounds like a real lady :)
Great! In any case, only the sky is the limit ;-) Three more weeks to go !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to join I've been thinking about making a little jacket for a long time. Looking forward to starting
ReplyDeleteGreat! Welcome! Don't forget to share your fabric and patterns with you on our Flickr group
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely....this was the perfect excuse to visit MOOD...Working on my muslin this weekend..I am so excited. Thanks for including me.
ReplyDeleteGrrrr I am so jealous that you have such an easy access to Mood and Co ;)
ReplyDeleteSo glad i found this, I am planning a little french jacket right now :)
ReplyDelete*(*´∀｀*)☆ Yuuuu!
ReplyDeletecan't wait to keep track of you and leisa as you embark on this most excellent project!
ReplyDeleteAre you going to make more yourself? :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to join also. Am I too late?
ReplyDeleteThis is great, I will be looking at your archive as I try to make my own French jacket! I will be tracking my progress (slowly) on my blog at http://chasecoco.blogspot.com/
ReplyDelete