She Used to Call Me Lady Jane & The Chanel Jacket

An Afternoon Motor Tour

  After a lovely afternoon touring our local countryside, Husband and I returned home. Tired and relaxed, I turned on television. Our local PBS station is re-airing the Downton Abbey series during one of the endless pledge drives. Oh my, .....two of the channel regulars dressed in pseudo-period costumes. Someone should have said something. The Fashion Police are overwhelmed. Their chatty enthusiasm touts the wonderful attributes of this amazing series, despite their attempt to dress the part. One of the well intentioned ladies said she felt like "Lady Mary."

That reminded me, my Mother really never understood my need to sew, design, create. Because I always wanted more than wearable clothing, she felt I was reaching too far. Then she and my Father bought me a new sewing machine. I suppose they were tired of my subtle whining and the glazed cow-eyes I wore when staring at rows of fabric, patterns and thread. With a bit of humor she would say, ..."Are you satisfied now, Lady Jane?"

June/July 2012

In Couture Corner, Behind the Seams, Claire describes her history with the Chanel brand and touches on some of the design details specific to the Chanel Jacket. 

 Lady Jane? Her Scotch-Irish background would shine through periodically. If I were Lady Jane I would not be sewing my own clothes, now would I? So what is a girl to do, Lady Jane went shopping for some new pattern inspiration. I know, I know, how many patterns do you need? My original purpose for the trip was to get Vogue 8804, the new Claire Schaffer Chanel jacket. Gwen from All My Seams is putting this jacket on her "bucket list." I have considered it as well and decided to think more seriously about it. Vogue Patterns Magazine is featuring a 6 part series, by Claire Schaffer on the iconic jacket.

V8804
Claire Shaeffer

Would you believe this pattern has sold out at two large local Joann's? I ordered it on-line from the Vogue Pattern site.   here
I have the magazine and will think on it. Thanks Gwen, I need one more thing on my list!

In the meantime, not to waste a trip, Butterick patterns were on sale for $1.99. In the next post I will describe these and my plans. These are plans of course, I need to be more diligent about my sewing time if any of these are to see completion. So, now the question to myself is "...are you reaching too far with this project Lady Jane?"


 To view Claire Schaffers beautiful examples,  The Chanel Collection

Expert Claire Kennedy, using,  Burda WOF 4/2004 provides a photo chronology of her process. Burda WOF version of Chanel Jacket

Gratuity Moment: taking time to break the routines, enjoy the sun and ride with the wind.
By the way, we are considering a motorcycle, the Can-Am. What do you think? Matching leathers and helmets? Helmet Hair!!!




*the above Motor Car is one my son thought we should buy and restore, we did not. But I still think it is very charming in a rather romantic way.