Spotty Italian Silk makes the perfect partner!

I used a spotty Italian Silk to line the jacket and it brightens up the whole garment. Beth Wyn Fabrics in Brisbane stock an extensive range of silk prints. Visit Joy and Barbara upstairs behind Roses and they'll be happy to help you!

Latest Jacket added to my collection

My latest Chanel Style Jacket is completed. I used a cream/charcoal/yellow combination and added a lapel to it. I fringed the jacket and embellished it with a yellow hand crochet braid. The Tweed is available at alla moda fabric collection in Brisbane and they stock a lovely range of other Tweeds too. Give Kerrie and Jan a call or better visit them in their shop at the Emporium in Brisbane.

For the enthusiastic sewers I run regular workshops in Brisbane. Please contact me for further details, phone 07 3300 3470 or via facebook. Happy Sewing!

Creative Idea

The pink skirt to match my 'Chanel Inspired Jacket' is completed and I used two remnants sitting in my basket - see image below.

I used the pink Tweed for the main part of the skirt and a remnant of black Swiss Broderie Anglaise for the hip piece. A skin coloured linng brings out the pattern of the embroidery. Now I have my perfect suit to treasure for years to come....

Be inspired!

Happy New New to all my readers

Rita

Christmas Dress

After many teething problems and small headaches my Christmas Dress is completed; can't wait to wear it! If you wish to make one for yourself for next Christmas, let me know. I run regular sewing classes.....

I designed and made this jacket 2 years ago. Just noticed that Chanel used the same fabric in their latest range; now I'll treasure my garment forever!! I do have a short piece left for a skirt. Stay tuned for more creative ideas....

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my visitors!

Create your very own masterpiece in one of my workshops. The jacket can be fringed or decorated with a hand crochet braid. The possibilities are endless! Take part in one of my workshops where you'll be taught the required techniques.

Sewing Instructions, Day 5

Now it's time to do the pockets. cut, interface and overlock pockets. Attach gros-grain to top of pockets and tack in place.

Edge stitch gros-grain in place. Press under seam allowance, tack and hand sew carefully.

Cut lining to fit pocket. Pin to wrong side and hand sew in place.

Once pockets are completed, add a row of chain stitch to gros-grain.

Crochet your braid to chain stitches and neaten yarns at the back.

Position pockets to jacket front and hand sew in place. Sew on buttons and give your jacket a final press. Voila, your master piece is now complete.

Not sure where to purchase your Tweed? Please let me know and I'll pass your inquiry on to your closest retailer. I'd love to hear from you!
Happy Sewing!

Sewing Instructions, Day 4

Today, we're working on the hand crochet braid.

The yarns used in the braid were provided by Linton Tweeds and make the perfect partner. The yarns pictured below were used to weave the fabric.

I found it easiest to make up a sample piece first to test various patterns. This way you can decide which braid will complement your jacket best.

A book called "around the corner Crochet Borders" by Edie Eckman came in very handy. It contains endless border patterns and it shows how to do the corners and many other things you need to know.

First, work a chain stitch all around the jacket edge.

Then start to crochet your pattern to the chain stitches, following the pattern instructions in the book.

Read the instructions for the corners carefully and make sure both side on the jacket fronts look identical.

Add a row of chain stitch to the sleeve opening.

Follow the instructions and complete the opening with your crochet broder making sure the braid lies flat around the corner.

Neaten off the yarns at the back of the braid and press carefully.

Not sure how go about this braid? I conduct regular sewing classes and workshops where you are taught all the required techniques to complete your very own master piece. Please contact me by email ricama@bigpond.net.au or phone 07 3300 3470. I'd love to hear from you!!