To Begin: Joining the Little French Jacket Sew-Along

Fabric and (possible) Pattern for the LFJ Sew-Along

This is my first post on this blog, and I know it should be an introduction to my point and purpose in starting it, but I don't have time to write that right now.

There's an exciting sew-along in the works!  I've been checking out a lot of sewing blogs recently, and I found an irresistible challenge:  The Little French Jacket Sew-Along!

I follow the blog My Sewcial World, where I found this enticing post.    I have devoured sewing books, patterns books and magazines for years.  (I used to sew quite a bit, and I always thought that someday, I would master some real couture techniques and create some timeless clothes that are truly satisfying to make and to wear.)

More recently, I have found inspirational treasure in blogs, such as Goodbye, Valentino, La Petite Josette, Red Point Tailor and Sewaholic.  I also signed up for the Craftsy class, The Couture Dress!

Following the links at Annika's sew-along announcement post, I found the original challenge, including the schedule and suggested patterns.

Being a bit of a crank, I'm strongly tempted to use a pattern I already own and love, but that lacks some of the traditional elements of a couture piece, such as a two-piece set-in sleeve.  My fabric is also quite ornate, so many of the delicious details of a traditional Chanel-style jacket might be, uhmmm. . .de trop.

The Little French Jacket Sew-Along begins on October 6, 2013, and ends just before Christmas.  There is also a bonus Skirt Sew-Along in January.

All of this nicely coincides with what looks to be a can't-do-without new book by couture master Claire B. Schaeffer.  I may just have to make this book my birthday present to myself!

It's shaping up to be a very satisfying autumn!

N.B.  The Kwik Sew Pattern shown in the photo (K3577) is, apparently, SO out-of-print, it doesn't even show up on Kwik Sew's Out-Of-Print Patterns page.  I found one on eBay

/Cheryl Ann