Monday, January 19, 2015

The Polo Dress Acquires a Jacket/Invisible Separating Zippers


Do you recognize the style of this jacket?  The pattern was used in the Wool Shrinkage post on 11/14/14.  The only differences are the omission of the collar and the replacement with fringe.
The 11/14/14 post discussed my issues with wool shrinkage during the construction of this jacket.













The polo neckline dress was created last fall using the couture quilting techniques taught by Susan Khalje; see the 9/7/14 post French Jacket Sewing Techniques for further information.  I love the dress but I felt I needed a jacket for cool evenings.  The jacket features the same quilting techniques as the dress.
I would have liked to place patch pockets on the jacket, but I felt the hip pockets on the dress would not align attractively with jacket pockets.  The location of the dress pockets is exactly where I want them, so moving them is not a good option. Lengthening the jacket was also undesirable, so no pockets on the jacket.
The bottom of the dress pockets is visible along the jacket hem
The jacket has a deep neckline so I reinforced the curve with fusible tape.
A separating invisible zipper available at http://www.zipperstop.com/product/ykk-3-lite-weight-invisible-separating-3/ was ideal because I did not want the closure to be a focal point.
Invisible zipper installed on the right jacket front
Invisible zipper installed on the left jacket front
The plaid pattern is matched across the invisible zipper
I spent most of 2014 working with fabrics I already owned.  In other words, fabric determined design rather than the reverse.  My thinking was that I had many beautiful fabrics in my stash and I felt guilty not using them.  With the completion of this jacket, I have worked through my fabric stash sufficiently to say it is now a "reasonable size."  When design drives a project, there is usually not an appropriate fabric in my stash and I must purchase the desired fabric.  During 2015 you will see me return to the couture runway and create new garments inspired by my favorite designers.  While budget is always a consideration, I am excited to be able to try occasional new fabrics from my favorite suppliers.

5 comments:


  1. Hi there Ann,

    Beautiful as always. I so look forward to seeing your inspirational work.
    I am playing with the idea of sourcing some leather this year and tackling making a dress. Really hope that I get around to the challenge!!
    Thank you for sharing your work with us, its always wonderful to see work of such a high standard.

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  2. Love this pattern - and never thought to do it in boucle! Both your versions are beautiful. I sewed this in leather.

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  3. Beautiful! And such impeccable work matching the plaid. I look forward to seeing what you make in 2015.

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  4. So pretty.
    My first thought was you were going to wear it like Jennifer Aniston's dress from the SAG awards the other night. Just need the long necklace. ;)

    It looks really beautiful with the dress you made to go under it!

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