I sewed a French aka Chanel-style Jacket! Vogue 7975

[@barbarawarner4645]

Isn’t it lovely to have a near perfect jacket? It’s beautiful and your fit is spot on. This will serve you for years. 🎉

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Barbara! I plan to take good care of it 😊

[@kathycook1815]

Your jacket fits you soooo well and looks so beautiful on you - love the mottled solid color look because it then is so easy to dress down or ever so easily to dress up. Great job!

[@victoriahannah1633]

Catching up my sewing videos. Yesterday March 1 was spent traveling by car from Virginia to Florida. Not a very good trip but thank goodness we are here and enjoying time with family. It was so nice to be able to wear shorts today. Janine the jacket is beautiful. I hope you have many occasions to wear it & show it off. Another thing I did when I retired was I gave myself a year. I didn’t do any major housework or any major projects in the house or yard. I just basically kept clean where meals prepared,where we ate, slept,sat,and personal needs. I focused on myself doing exercises,relaxing, and when I basically started my sewing. If you haven’t donated a year to yourself it’s never too late.

[@JanineSews]

Victoria, that's a long drive! We drove from Atlanta to PA (once) and that was enough for me. So stressful ... I like the idea of donating a year (or even a month or two) to myself. It's been surprisingly challenging for me to slow down the gears but changing the perception of what time is for - not just for productivity - is a way to start. Appreciate you! ❤️

[@CHunterSlater]

Absolutely stunning. A must make.

[@lindahartwick4091]

Janine, your jacket is stunning! It looks fantastic on you. I love your choice of lining, it brings a smile everything you show it. Way to go!!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Linda! It is fun to have a bit of a surprise inside 😁

[@hopemcfall8441]

Janine, you should be so proud of your french jacket...you look amazing!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Hope! 😊

[@lindasutton937]

Perfect jacket. Colour suits you, hangs beautifully, the smile on your face says it all. What more would you want. Congratulations on your couture jacket. Looking forward to your second one 😊.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much, Linda! It wasn't a 'feel good' project but sometimes those are the ones that turn out best. There may be fabric in the closet for a second one 😉😁

[@trudyberry3267]

Well done Janine, your jacket certainly is a winner. Your patience, hard work and focus, definitely paid off and I'm sure it will be a winter staple in your wardrobe for years to come.❤

[@JanineSews]

Thanks for the kind words, Trudy! It was certainly a more fulfilling project than others in the past while.

[@granjan252]

Oh, Janine, the French jacket is wonderful. Win, win, win for all your goals. I think that color will serve you well for years. Congrats on a successful project and the patience it took to get there…..

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@dawnwyda7950]

Hi Janine, Great job on your jacket! I love It! And congratulations on your progress toward retirement.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much!

[@karivanherk5017]

Your jacket looks so good. The colours are perfect for you and the fit is amazing. You should be totally proud of this accomplishment.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much!!

[@Beth_Ann_K]

Congrats on achieving one of your 2024 sewing goals-your jacket is perfect (remember the three foot rule in sewing!). We, sewists, are hardest on ourselves since we work so close to the garment being made. You’ll enjoy this garment for years. Thanks for mentioning Power Sewing videos. Just watched the one on lining knit pants. Wouldn’t have found it without your shout out!

[@JanineSews]

The three foot rule! I'm going to have to remember that 😉 We are absolutely so hard on ourselves. It's a habit we all need to make. (But where the sleeves are attached it's pretty bad - hahahaha)

[@lucysturgess8866]

Wow you should be so proud of the jacket. It’s so professional. I’m sure you’ll wonder what you ever did without it. It’s going to be so useful. Love the pin 😊

[@JanineSews]

Aww, thank you so much Lucy! xx

[@ZeldaSews]

Oh Wow Wow Wow! What a Beautiful French Jacket!

[@JanineSews]

Thanks so much, Zelda!

[@ZeldaSews]

@JanineSews You are very very welcome 😄

[@debrariley2057]

What a triumph, the jacket is lovely and a perfect fit. As you told the story of the over steamed hem, I was literally starting to type “wet blocking” I am also a knitter and it’s a super important part of making any knit wear. Great vlog and thank you for taking time to share.

[@JanineSews]

Oh Debra, I'm glad you shared that this is done in knitting. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, but it worked. And now I will tuck that info away for the future. ❤️

[@charlotteanderson3727]

Hooray for you! Your Chanel-style jacket fits beautifully and is so flattering.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Charlotte!! ❤️

[@houseinnorthcarolina9439]

Janine, What a nice jacket, and it looks so nice on you. What an accomplishment! I agree with you that it would look sharper with shoulder pads and sleeve heads, but otherwise, perfect.. Love your videos. Thank you for sharing. Suzanne

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Suzanne! I think I have some shoulder pads around and will pop them in before the Meetup on Saturday so I can get some opinions on what size is right. Some of the stylists I watch on YT use a lot of shoulder pads and they sure can make a difference.

[@SuzySunshine]

Janine. WOW, WOW, WOW! Such a gorgeous jacket! And the fit is perfect. Congratulations! ❤ ❤❤ Bernadette

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much, Bernadette! 💐

[@rosannenewman1312]

Great job on the jacket. Ron Collins is the best and I plan to go to another one of his 3 day classes.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Rosanne! You're right, Ron is the best! I signed up for another one of his classes this summer. Maybe I'll see you there?

[@Chris-gh3hg]

Lovely jacket and it looks great on you. I have that pattern and you have inspired me to give it a try this year.

[@JanineSews]

Chris, thank you so much! I hope you will give it a try. As I said, the fitting was the hardest part. The sewing isn't too bad!

[@velosews]

Congratulations on finishing your French jacket. The lining and the trim make it so special. All the fitting work you did paid off #highfive Regarding going to the gym: I still go in the mornings even though I’m not working. It’s ingrained into me because I used to go before work and the people I say hi to still go there as well.

[@JanineSews]

Maria, thank you so much 😘 Good for you for sticking with the gym! In the 'before' times, I used the gym at work. It was wonderful and I so enjoyed seeing people there that I didn't get to see in hallways or meetings. I'm sure you appreciate being able to stay connected with those friends.

[@lorioverman1668]

Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing your challenge with the hem. I really like your trim.

[@JanineSews]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@deidrabenson361]

Congratulations on making a beautiful jacket! Great job!❤️❤️❤️

[@JanineSews]

Thank you! 😊

[@ErinSews]

Wow! Your jacket is beautiful! I’m not sure I’ve ever commented on a video of yours before but I’ve been eagerly awaiting this reveal. Congratulations on such a beautiful garment.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much, Erin! I appreciate you watching and following along ❤️

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

Your jacket is just beautiful Janine! That is quite an accomplishment, wear it proudly! My favorite free indie pattern is the Harper Cardigan by Sinclair Patterns. I love that it comes in Petite, Regular and Tall files.

[@JanineSews]

Thanks so much, Donna! Someone else mentioned the Harper Cardigan. Do you know that I've never looked at their patterns? With two recommendations, I think it's time to check them out!

[@maryknight205]

Beautiful jacket. Ron Collins is wonderful.

[@JanineSews]

I think so too! We're lucky that Ron is still out travelling and teaching sewing.

[@josiejohnston2255]

Your jacket is gorgeous. Love your choice for the lining

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much!

[@SewTexas]

A homerun! I love your Chanel jacket. I have been sewing many years and never heard of a garment flipping out. Great you solved!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you! I showed it to my sewing group today and two or three people nodded their head when I talked about how the fabric misbehaved. 🤣

[@brendaforret9931]

Janine, your jacket is beautiful!! It looks fabulous on you and fits you perfectly. Your Mother's pin is lovely and adds that special touch. Well done!

[@JanineSews]

Brenda, thank you! ❤️

[@deborahchu6603]

Harper Cardigan! I made 3 this winter all different lengths & they get worn a lot! Not a free pattern but I made the Harleson Belt Bag (cross body) by Noodlehead Patterns & it's perfect for a wallet, phone & keys. Your jacket looks so good on you! What an achievement you should be soooooo proud!

[@JanineSews]

Thanks so much for these suggestions! And for the nice words ❤️

[@julianachandler2975]

Great jacket! So glad that you could save it.

[@JanineSews]

Yes! Thank you!

[@helraymc]

Wonderful jacket! Youve done a fabulous job putting it together!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you!

[@joanneblair2087]

I love your jacket. I find the longer I’m home the less productive I am, so I’m working on that. Izzy sees mad a beautifull crossbody purse from Lavender and Twine. I think it would be worth looking at.

[@JanineSews]

Thanks, Joanne! And I appreciate the pattern recommendation. I've also started watching Izzy's videos and will look for that purse. Part of me thinks that we're being too hard on ourselves when we expect to be as productive as we were when we worked, but then another part has a bit list of things to do. It's a real conundrum! ❤️

[@sew_So_beautiful]

That's the first time I've ever heard of using a chain along a jacket hem to weigh it down. I've heard of metal weights in the bottom corners of curtains, but never jackets. Now I need to look that up. I guess we learn new things no matter how old we get. Your jacket is lovely.

[@JanineSews]

I hadn't heard of it either, until I saw someone else's jacket. It makes sense, and certainly helps with my fabric.

[@craftymystic4868]

A free pattern on repeat for me is the DIBY Anything but Basic tee, and they also have the Anything but Badic Leggings. The tee is, for me,especially good for drapery knits, and will go up a size for a cotton Lyra or French terry. FYI.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much for these suggestions! That's a new company to me. I'll definitely take a look. 💐

[@PracticalStitches]

Wow, you made the perfect jacket. Beautiful ❤

[@JanineSews]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joannebanks2147]

The jacket looks awesome Well done! I have been told that the weighted cord for making drapes put in the hem works for coat making there are a few types. Might be something to check out. It could be helpful for another coat project I see more coming it turned out so well I am a stay at home person What I do is I get up in the morning with my husband for coffee and send him to work I do all my housework or things that I need to get accomplished In the morning I plan our supper do any baking cleaning etc. Then afternoon is my excercise time , then the rest of the afternoon I go to my office (sewing room lol) It's my happy place. I enjoy the time spent sewing it's so rewarding to wear something like your lovely jacket. Definitely time well spent. I don't feel guilty or think that I should be doing something more important. My husband is very good about asking what I am working on. That I spend some of my day sewing. He als knows that when we go to the city a stop by fabricland is always on the list Happy sewing ✂️🧵🪡👚 Thanks for sharing your sewing journey with us Take care

[@JanineSews]

Joanne, it sounds like your husband is a real dear and very supportive. Your home sounds comforting and warm. ❤️ I hadn't heard of using weighted cord before. When I have made drapery panels in the past, I always used individual weights. I think cords would be much more effective. Don't know how soon there will be a heavy coat as a sewing project but perhaps something for fall?

[@nancyhilborn885]

Great job on your jacket! Fits well. Good colour on you. Classy and useful addition to any closet. ❤ it. I have used that T shirt pattern to make a couple of Ts for myself and a few other people with different body shapes too. Its a good basic. I just found the Styla reine shirt pattern which I am seriously thinking of doing as my frugal project this month. I'll be watching the videos for other inspiring ideas.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Nancy! It truly is a basic in terms of colour and style - and that's definitely what I want and need in my wardrobe. That pattern is new to me! I'll take a look at it. Maybe we'll wind up using the same pattern?

[@pamelaliebelt9967]

A make to be proud of! Fabulous! I just made the Sinclair Harper Cardigan and love it, it is a free pattern

[@JanineSews]

Wow, thank you! I think I'm going to have to make that Sinclair Harper cardigan! It sounds like a real winner.

[@RunningWithScissors-th8jo]

Beautiful jacket! It really looks high end!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much, Nancy!

[@jenniferhaefner9132]

Gorgeous!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you! 😊

[@monikawidensky8815]

What a gorgeous jacket. Bravo for not giving up

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Monica!

[@alisonmurray8099]

Love your new jacket ❤

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Alison!

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

Your jacket is absolutely stunning! I love the lining, the trim and the fit. Such an amazing job - well done you! So funny because I’m working on that Big 4 tee (I have the old McCall’s one) right now and not having a good time with it. 🤣 Congrats on joining a gym - that’s fabulous! I really need to focus on getting in shape and losing the weight I’ve gained over the holidays but it’s so hard to find the time. I mean, I would have to give up some sewing time for it so… decisions, decisions… 🤣 My all-time favourite free pattern is the Harper Cardigan by Sinclair. I have also had success with the Uvita top by Itch-to-Stitch. Hope you’re having a great weekend!! Xx 💞

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much, Izzy! ❤️ I appreciate the pattern recommendations, too. You are the third to mention the Sinclair Harper and (hanging head in shame), I've never looked at their patterns! I guess it's time. The Itch to Stitch one is new to me, too. I'm actually working with tissue paper for that McCalls/Butterick pattern. We shall see if spending this extra time is worth the effort. Have a great week!

[@retiring_type]

Wow! Your jacket is brilliant. Congratulations on a major project well done.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you!

[@jburd07]

standing ovation on that jacket, bravo

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much!

[@jimack7817]

Bravo, Janine! So glad you had the patience to finish and it looks good. The trim was well selected to suit the fabric and lining is lovely. I think you are right about the shoulder pads; even a 1/2 to 1" pad would really lift the shoulders especially in the back. Had to look back a few times to see what you meant. Have always loved the Chanel jacket (and skirts). Next time a muted tweed and / or a patterned tweed? Regarding shoulder pads for any other jacket you may make, you may want to look up the technique which Peggy Sager uses. (Silhouette Patterns). I learned this technique back in the 70's from a friends mother who had worked at one time in the "rag trade in NYC". Used it since then on most of the jackets and coats I have sewn. Makes such a difference. (You would also need some tie interfacing) Cheers and happy sewing. Joan

[@JanineSews]

Thank you, Joan! I did pick up a piece of fabric when we were in Olds and as much as this made me crazy, I think that fabric would be perfect for a lighter weight jacket. I'll look for Peggy Sager's technique for shoulder pads. There was a sewing stylist who spoke to our group in Atlanta (Nancy Nix-Rice) and one of the products she carried was shoulder pads. She would pop them in and out when styling people and it certainly could make a big difference. Thank you so much for the suggestion!

[@Southlagal26]

Janine, your jacket is beautiful! Congratulations!!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you so much!

[@cindymitchell6525]

Gorgeous and amazing tips. Thx.

[@JanineSews]

Thank you!

[@sewndebisdream6953]

So cute!!!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you!

[@cindyhmcdaniel4977]

Beautiful grey fabric.

[@nancynewman6592]

What an amazing make! And thank you for the lesson learned about heavy steaming for the hem. Question: Did you pre steam the whole piece of fabric before you cut it out? Would you recommend even heavier steaming as in trying to shrink it all? Seems daunting!

[@JanineSews]

Thank you kindly, Nancy! I pressed the whole piece of fabric with steam before cutting. But I didn't give it as much steam as I did on the hems. The ladies in the Atlanta ASG chapter used to take fabric to the dry cleaners to be steamed before cutting and I probably should have done that. That's what I will do next time. My iron gets hot but cleaners have those big tables and probably can do a much better job. (I worked in a dry cleaners when I was in high school and we actually had a rack where we hung clothes to be steamed. Very efficient!)

[@mamasaidsew4843]

congratulations. I just found this pattern this year and am finishing mine hopefully this month. I am waiting on trim. Your jacket looks really nice. Great job.

[@JanineSews]

Excellent! What type of trim are you planning to use? Hope all goes well and you're wearing it soon.

[@mamasaidsew4843]

@@JanineSews Trim came in today. I have one that's 1/4 braid and one that is 1/2. Hoping to work on finishing my jacket this weekend.

[@pattybunch5738]

The jacket fits perfectly! I got my French jacket out I made a few years ago and my body has changed so much, my shoulders are so round now, I’ve just had my 71st birthday , and it rides up in the back. It just isn’t wearable now. I think I might try another if I can find a sewing buddy to help with fitting. I’ve got to get sewing a harvest apron for my daughter from some of my mother’s everyday clothes. There’s directions online for that. That’s my plans until gardening time!

[@JanineSews]

Patty, your apron project sounds much more fulfilling than starting on a jacket. Although I know you'll make time for it when you're ready!

[@julieinnis2219]

Hi Janine, thank you for sharing your French jacket journey with us. Your jacket turned out beautifully and is such an achievement. Did you hand sew or machine sew the lovely trim you added to your jacket? Also thank you for the referral to the sewing channel - I subscribed straight away, as like you, I wish to continually improve on my sewing and fitting skills. I look forward to your next sewing adventure. 🌸

[@JanineSews]

You're very welcome, Julie! I sewed the trim on with the machine. Initially, I had planned to sew it on by hand but the pattern instructions said to use the machine and who am I to question Vogue! 🤣 I pinned the trim first and used the walk foot. The only fussy places were the ends where the trim met and there I hand stitched, then added a bit of Fray Check.

[@julieinnis2219]

@@JanineSews Many thanks for responding to my query 🌸

[@SunShine-000]

Exceptional job on your jacket! Lovely, functional and a classic. Regarding bag making, have you noticed Wandee Easy Sewing channel on KZbin? She makes gazillions of them in all shapes and sizes, and of course, free! ❤ Suzanne

[@JanineSews]

Thanks for the kind words about my jacket, Suzanne. I've never seen Wandee Easy's YT channel! I'll definitely take a look. 🙏

[@jennetthamilton971]

I really like the Stellan tshirt by I think it's French Navy pattern company. Although I changed it about. It has a dropped shoulder that doesn't really suit my narrow shoulders. I also made a fanny pack from free pattern. Of course I can't remember the name of the company that released it. It's not very big, has a nice shape, holds my phone, sunglasses, and I added interior pockets for cards. I will send you the info later today. Your jacket is stunning. The fit is perfect! Where on the body of thr jackets did you start the trim, how did you join the ends, and did you sew it on by machine or hand? I just finished a jacket I call the Burberry/Chanel mash up. There was so much hand sewing on it, but what a sense of accomplishment when. It was finished, I'm sure you feel the same. Now it's time for some easier, quick sewing. What better time than the frugal sewing challenge. Congrats on joining a gym. My friend is motivating me to just start an exercise plan, other than walking. I'm also joining a chair yoga class with a friend and my sister. I have to get out of the mind set that there are things I have to do on the weekend! I'm retitled, that is no longer the case.

[@JanineSews]

Jennett, thank you for that recommendation and also for the bag pattern! More new-to-me patterns! The trim: I started it about an inch to the back of the side seam so it is sort of behind the arm. I stitched as far as I could, left tails at both ends, then hand stitched to finish. That worked okay. The trim unravelled as soon as it was released from the tape so it's not perfect. To make it look a bit more finished, I added Fray Check and hammered it down as flat as I could. If you look closely, you can definitely see it. So I hope no one is looking too closely there - lol. The sleeve trim join was on the underside. Hope you like the chair yoga class! That sounds relaxing but I bet it will be work. 😊

[@janfranklin2114]

I’ve been watching those Power Sewing Videos….she’s so mean to him 😂 . Your jacket is beautiful and I love that fun lining. I’m glad you were able to fix the jacket, kudos on that fit. I think my favorite free pattern is the Sunday V neck tee from the Friday Pattern Company. I can use up off cuts I have for the sleeves and neckband. It’s a great around the house, and even pj top tee.

[@JanineSews]

Ha ha ha! Ron has some really funny stories that he tells about Sandra. It sounds like they are really dear friends. Thanks so much for the pattern suggestion! I'll take a look.

[@janfranklin2114]

@@JanineSews I watched a Power Sewing video yesterday, you can tell she just loves teasing him. Very much the big sister vibe in the jabs.

[@cindyhmcdaniel4977]

Quite professional trim

[@JanineSews]

Thank you!

[@karenbudnick]

I wouldn't trust any dry cleaner with your beautiful jacket. I'd spot clean, brush and air it out.

[@JanineSews]

Karen, I'm going to avoid the dry cleaner! I'll be brushing it and letting it hang out between wearings. Last year I learned a hard lesson when I wore my good winter dress coat to a restaurant and the server spilled a bowl of gravy on it. 😡 So when I wear this jacket, I'll try to keep it away from errant plates!

[@pambrown8378]

I'm in Tucson, AZ and we no longer have Fabricland. They closed years ago. They had good fabric.

[@JanineSews]

Pam, I didn't realise that Fabricland was in Arizona. I saw that JoAnn's stock is desperately low. It will be tough if they close. Hope you have some independent fabric stores within a reasonable distance.