I like to wear blazers to work. This is one item that has been particularly hard to shop for because I like fitted jackets and manufactured ones are almost always too busty and short-sleeved for me. They also tend to be too expensive. I had several ill feelings while making this. The pattern has eleven pieces. Once you cut them out, you have 37 pieces of fabric, lining, and interfacing. The instructions go on for five pages, giving 90 steps with diagrams. It’s approximately as thick as a newspaper. I made this from clearance and free fabric because I wasn’t sure if it would fit. I don’t like it. Scott said it looks like an Oldenburg sculpture. It has a soft, rumpled look that is unusual for something that should look structured. Additionally, I hate the combination of yellow and blue. I didn’t think the lining would show, but you definitely catch glimpses of it up the sleeve as I move about.
Scott suggested that I embroider something on the collar to bring the eye up. I made tiny stitches in a scattered pattern in several shades of blue similar to that of the fabric. I did this because I wanted to add texture to the fabric without doing something too decorative, like distinct shapes. It gives the illusion of sweater pills.
Claes Oldenburg, Floor Cone, 1962
9 comments:
Your blazer is amazing! I am extremely covetous of your lapels. I have tried jackets, and smooth, appropriately pointy lapels are the hardest part. Well done.
You are way being way too harsh on this blazer! Maybe I have terrible taste, but I think it looks great. Tell me again what's wrong with it? I can't compute the sculpture comparison.
Personally, I never like to wear blazers because I feel like I don't have a full range of motion in my arms and shoulders - unless I buy a size too big and then it starts to look frumpy. A well fitting blazer still always gives me the "fat man in a little coat" feeling. Hey, is this comment the first time the word 'frumpy' has been used on the blog?
Ann S.
One more thing:
For some reason in the photos that fabric looks like suede. You know, the washable suede stuff. And then the stitches you added to the lapels can start to look like little rhinestones. So even though I think this blazer is really great, one of my fav. things you've done so far, my only criticism is that it photographs a little "country."
Ann S.
To my other sister-in-law, thank you very much. The lapels are topstitched very close to the edge. I don't know how anyone gets a collar not to look like a pancake without doing this, but I can guess it involves some kind of tailoring technique. Those diagrams of handstitched interfacing scare me.
Were you upset that someone has already claimed your first name as their blogger display name?
To Ann (another sister-in-law) -
A bedazzler was considered among the range of decorative possibilities, but I'm glad I didn't invest in one, as I now see the country reference. The fabric is not suede-like. It's just a woven cotton similar to a dish towel. I kept feeling a circus/ringmaster sensation each time I tried it on.
I do also hate the limitations on movement that blazers cause, but if the fabric has some stretch in it and there isn't a lining, it's okay. I don't know what else to wear, but now that I'm going to be thinking "fat man with little coat" every time I wear one, I better look for other options.
I see that vests are becoming popular again. Any thoughts?
To Ann again,
I believe you are the fist one to use "frumpy" on the blog. It so happens that that was the secret August contest. Congratulations on another win!
Prizes will be sent shortly.
Which is worse - frumpy or dowdy? The first person to answer that question will also win something.
Hey Keiler, I agree with your S-I-L's that (at least in the photo) the jacket looks great! I would like to see a close up of the lapels.
I think that frumpy is worse, because it conjures up an image of someone who looks and acts old way before their time. Dowdy just refers to an unpolished look...to me dowdy doesn't extend to the personality the way frumpy does.
Three things. 1) I know you guys know a lot of Wendys, so I thought if I used my real name you wouldn't be certain it was me. 2) It was funny that you mentioned circus ringmaster because I just finished Steve's circus ringmaster Hallowe'en costume and that struggle was what made me appreciate your work. 3) I forgot what number 3 was.
Wendy,
I'm eager to see your costumes. I wish people could post photos in this comments box.
Julie,
Your clarification of dowdy & frumpy is exactly right!
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