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Saturday, August 16, 2008

USA Pride Jacket

To show my national pride (and prayers) I just finished this red-blue-white (well, silver) jacket. It pretty much follows the Yellow Jacket in my Transformed pattern. The prints on the shoulder (which extends to a similar shape on the tucked and shaped back) and the pocket are pieced from men's old ties. One tie was cut into 3/8" bias strips for the 'connecting piece, topped with red furry yarn couched down. The flattering princess lines are just that combo of tie bias and yarn. A strip of Snap Tape (limited quantities available at http://www.londas-sewing.com/) surrounds the base of the neck and the sleeves. Jumbo Snaps (1.5 sets) create the base of the focal point. The face-framing collar is created by utilizing the lower band of the sweatshirt, interfaced, and lined inside with another striped tie. I seamed it on the center back inside so that the stripes nicely chevron.


Posted by PicasaP.S. I refrained from adding an elephant somewhere - but that is my personal sentiment - based entirely on the sanctity of life issue.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the American pride jacket...it is unusual but not too far out there.... thanks sew much for your site! God bless

Anonymous said...

Love it. So professional looking. I could see it worn to the office.
Wanda

Anonymous said...

your creativity amazes me!
kathy

Anonymous said...

Love this jacket...very elegant sweatshirt.
I also liked your comments on the "10 Things a Woman Must Have in Her Wardrobe". Especially jean comment. Just because you can get the zipper up doesn't mean you should wear the jeans.

Anonymous said...

Londa - I really like the inspiration of using old ties. I've always loved the silk ones! They are made from fabrics and patterns that are just not available to the home sewers. This is a great idea to recycle some!

Nicole

Anonymous said...

I really like the recycling of men's ties. They are usually made from unique patterns and fabrics. The only drawback is the dry-cleaning factor; but when you put this much work into a jacket, dry-cleaning is necessary. Thanks for inspiring others.

Nicole

Londa said...

fYI - I try to wash everything that goes onto my jackets before attaching - though sometimes the creative urge is too demanding to stop and do that. IF I've washed everything - Plus the very strong attachment of them to the jacket with couching, fusing with Misty Fuse (softer, maleable - love it over Wonder Under) I feel very safe in washing delicate - cool, and with a towel or to to 'cushion', drying just a bit and hanging to dry. Haven't ruined one yet...
Londa

Anonymous said...

Londa, I love the new jacket. I visited your booth and took your class in Chicago at the Sewing Guild Conference. I am retired Navy and really enjoy doing patriotic garments. I have done some sweatshirt jackets but just with the cheap ones and some really simple designs. I can't wait to 'advance' to your patterns!

Anonymous said...

I have to admit that I like the black and white much better than the patriotic. The Black adn white posted at the end of July is sophisticated and stunning---something I would wear to the theatre or out to dinner, whereas the red/white/blue is simpler. However the princess seam on the patriotic looks incredibly flattering----I would love to know how to do it---and the curved edges really transform things---I could see a great use for the Bernina binding attachment for the edges (my dealer talked me into one and I am still trying to find good places to use the investment, as it is much better on curves like this than corners.

Anonymous said...

love all your ideas! This one is great. I bought a pattern from you at the ASG conference and I am anxious to find time to make my own creation!
Carla

Anonymous said...

Hi Londa,
I really enjoy your email. This is the first time I have visited your blog. I have read all the entries on this particular blog tonight. I must say that you are so creative and I am very appreciative that you share your ideas with others. I also am glad to see and read the Christian comments you include. I have written down some of the links you included for further study. Thanks again. Julie