Making a Brown Brocade Beetle Blazer

A Brown brocade beetle blazer? A must have surely! Today I'm showing how I turned some more of my favorite teal and brown brocade into a blazer to match the pencil skirt I had made earlier in the year.
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First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@debraking7412]

Hi Bianca, honestly, I would watch you peeling potatoes. I never find you or your work tedious to watch. If you made this jacket in black, I think it would look just as fabulous. Whether you covered it in beetles or left it plain, it would be stunning. I love your sense of style.

[@KlingonPrincess]

Peeling potatoes would be an awesome April Fools video 😂

[@peglamphier4745]

They would have to be the swankiest, shiniest taters ever.

[@Gandellion]

Same here, she could make this same jacket every week and I’d still be here fascinated

[@nurmihusa7780]

Peeling potatoes would never look so glamorous!

[@doblemaltita]

also, learning to work with the different fabrics using the same pattern will be super useful for people like me that are still learning! 100% into doing the same jacket in black and explanining the differences

[@coreygilles847]

I definitely don’t mind you making all the versions of the same thing ❤ it is like watching magic

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I have so many fabrics I'd like to use this pattern for 😅✨

[@nicoleandtime]

More repeats please! I love this jacket and want to make a version to attend a wedding in July and would live to binge multiple videos while I work on it ❤

[@JinnyCJ]

Gorgeous, that beading takes the jacket to couture level. You always know where to stop with the decoration.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jinny!

[@halarkin]

Holy cow, that's beautiful. I have to say, you are such an inspiration. I love your pieces, how your sets are designed, how carefully put together everything is. It doesn't look like it's *easy*, but it does look like it's do-able if one is willing to spend the effort. Thanks for your meticulous attention to detail, and *not* babying us. What you do requires skill, technique, and effort, and you always encourage us that we can do similar wonderful things with the investment of our skill, techniques, and effort. 💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I truly do think it's all do-able with time! ✨

[@stubbletts]

This gorgeous jacket reminds me of the scenes in The Mummy where the characters were devoured by scarabs. Beautiful work as always!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@gavannapatterns353]

Oh it's totally fine to watch you make many versions of the same pattern, this one in lace sounds like a wonderful idea. But this brocade is soooo amazing, and the beading( beetling?) Is just stunning ❤❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! This brocade really stole my heart this last year 😅🖤

[@kymberlys]

I watched the film The Women from 1939 earlier today (fantastic costumes, plus it's one of those with a fashion show in the middle as well) and I couldn't help but think of you, especially when I noticed some truly exquisite dress clips. I love your beading! It always looks so well-integrated and organic, as though the beads just sort of grew there on their own.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! The Women is a fashion favorite for sure! Adrian forever ❤

[@susanpilling8849]

Another triumph! I know what you mean about suits. Like you I own several but spend most of my time in pyjamas. I hope some day soon you'll get more opportunities to wear them. 💙

[@CharredFibers]

Love it!! How about something in a deep midnight blue? You're so creative 😀

[@tiffanytomasino335]

I feel like repeating patterns gives you more time for embellishments, and I am here for embellishments lol. The jacket is very on theme, the brocade is of course shiny, and thank you for sharing ❤

[@paintingwithnicole]

Beautiful as always Miss Bianca!!!! it's always stunning to see your work, and you explain everything so well, it's really helped me understand sewing !!! You look so beautiful, and the jacket turned out stunning. Fantastic as always! You always make me want to sew

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nicole!!

[@ljshaw8516]

Fabulous Bianca. I was watching today while working on my newest ice dyed linen/cotton shirt. You always inspire me to be creative on this end - while you are on your end!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Hope the ice dying has turned out fabulously!!

[@lynn858]

If Bianca is still enthusiastic about sewing brocade jackets, the enthusiasm will carry the videos and I'm happy to spend time watching the lovely things come into existence.

[@saphiabaron1256]

I love your impeccable style and I love insects and other inverts so your beetle, moth and arachnid themed makes just suit me to my core.

[@nanettebromley8843]

That suit is gorgeous. Love the jacket style, fabric and beedles. Would love to see this in another fabric.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nanette!

[@nurmihusa7780]

The subtle color harmonics and dissonances are absolutely stunning with all the embroidery on the brocade!

[@armedvsokord]

Just beautiful. I don't really have much more to add. All your projects are amazing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sweatpantgardener]

soooo many beetles they are beautiful! I love your vision and creativity! Your hard work in the beading truly shines, just like their beautiful wing casings.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@anitahebert1511]

Wonderful! Have you ever read Pattern Magic by Tomoko Nakamichi? On the cover of Vol 2 is an amazing accordian (jabara) sleeve puff that Im sure you could use to great effect. ❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Anita! I have seen those books yes, but I figured they were too sculptural for my more simple shaped fashion leanings 😅

[@creepycutiecrafty]

Beautiful work, and the finished jacket definitely has a wonderfully stature, a powerful outfit indeed! I love the beetle details, the variety and complexity draws the eye in. With the pattern on the fabric, they’re almost camouflaged, so I could imagine a viewer being shocked when they get up close and realise what they are!😮 I could definitely see the same jacket in production again. The variations you’ve created with this pattern already shows how versatile it can be. Amazing video.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I want to try and make a coat-dress length of this pattern sometime too 🤩

[@creepycutiecrafty]

@@TheClosetHistorian that would be amazing

[@gloamishvonsatyrburg4635]

Gorgeous!!! Your work just gets better and better!! Couture and you are nearly indistinguishable. So glad to follow you!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@pennydreadfull]

Gorgeous!! Still hoping to make my own beetles soon!❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@luminariastormreaver]

Keep making whatever inspires you. They are all beautiful and well made. Your creations motivate ME. I might not make the exact thing you do or in the exact same way, but your thought process, construction methods, and fabric choices encourage me to create BETTER!❤❤❤ Trop stylé! 🔥🔥🔥

[@knittingmoose]

Did anyone else see the Mood Black Friday sale having a bunch of shiny brocades and immediately think, "Oh my, is this targeted at Bianca?" Just me? I love your work. It is always so beautiful and your patter is so calming. I love listening while I work on my own projects!

[@brittany45]

Bianca, I've been doing some research on vintage machines and I found a scanned booklet (originally from 1945) that states that 12 stitches per inch is equivalent to 1.2-1.5 mm stitch length on a 'newer domestic' and 12 spi is "the proper stitching length for lingerie and fine fabrics. For regular outer garments a stitch length of 8 or 10 is preferred." I hope this little tidbit is as interesting to you as it was to me.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Stunning! The beading is really amazing. I'm good if you carry on with the same pattern. It's so beautifully done. Your videos are wonderful.

[@allangradus1917]

Hello Bianca, If you are to make the Jacket a third time in black. What about a Dior new look inspired silhouette? Cream wool suiting skirt (Venetian wool) with black brocade jacket or alternatively a matching brocade circular skirt and just change up the collar a bit with exaggerated pockets on the jacket?

[@dawsie]

I ended up buying extra fine silk pins, the draw back with them is the do bend a bit more. I love brocade but not a fan of synthetics 😿 I saved for months for my dragon brocade all silk, but not cutting into in now as I’m in the middle of losing weight have to lose another 20kg just so I can get a new right knee😹😹😹for now I am working on some up-cycling outfits for a friends daughter, which reminded me of why I don’t do this kind of work😹😹😹 Would love to see a lace version of the jacket. 😹😹not weird really there are some bugs that make me run for the hills where others don’t bother me. We are coming into what’s called the “Christmas beetle” season you have to watch where you step there that many of them, these are black beetles I love this jacket, sigh where I live is just too hot too sweaty to dusty for such an outfit even when I lived in the city it was still too hot😹😹yep not a fan of the swimsuit I avoid any activities that requires said outfit😹😹😹😹 Would love to see it made in black as well in lace I think the lace would be the ultimate challenge for sure. I have been collecting lace outfits from the opportunity shop or as we call them Op-Shop, but only buying the ones made with cotton, linen or any natural fibers. I got really lucky and found a real silk lace outfit that has been saved for something special. I prefer natural fibers as they don’t generate static like synthetics do, last thing I want to do is zap my computerised sewing machine😳 yep I have been known to wipe the data of tapes when I use to work in the computer industry 😹😹I had to wear a special strap around my ankle at all times at work gees such a fashion statement 😹😹.

[@PressedBread]

I started cracking up at 18:00. You're talking about knitting needles. I am almost always knitting while I watch your videos! You're one of my chosen mirror buddies! (The concept is that it is easier to do things when you are with someone else; they don't have to be working but I find it more enjoyable to craft while watching crafting videos)

[@theplussizecostumer]

A jacket/suit in black would be fabulous, but doing one in lace would be more than fabulous. When you mentioned that you might make one in lace my ears perked up. I hope you can do it. I, for one, would love it if you did.

[@beatricenowell8207]

I've never found your videos to be tedious and I repeat/binge watch them anyway because I always see something I missed or forgot the first time. I hope you'll make as many jackets as you have time to complete. I'm looking forward to the black one.

[@Sbarellata]

Honestly, a black wool version with deep red lining peeking through here and there, sort of Crowley from Good Omens style? I would kill for it!

[@samh.3421]

I love that you keep using beetles even though they creep you out. Iconic. Beautiful. I'd be happy to see more variations of this jacket, the lace idea is intriguing!

[@annechenlowey7462]

You mentioned a lace version - I immediately thought of one of the first of your videos I saw, the spiderweb lace over orange taffeta.

[@katharinebloodgood8457]

Ooooo, swirly marble black blazer would look gorgeous with white pearlescent beaded moths/beetles! I loved how using the same palette with this one made the beetles look kinda like the large textured scales on an alligator, but a stark contrast would also look gorgeous!

[@monikasturm2575]

On toile 3 of my sloper and i do recommend people go through this process since it trains your brain to seeing garments differently. Taking a break until i get the pattern shears since standing and reaching over my white table of backache drains my energy and mental capacity to figure out just where i need to adjust the pattern. Also yeah got rid of that back shoulder dart i don't like the look or feel of it.

[@bnhietala]

This is fantastic! And, yes! I'd love to see more versions of it! Especially if there's embellishments involved! 😁

[@charliemum]

It's an absolutely stunning suit 😍 If your looking for pretty beatles you should try looking up flower beatles and emerald tree roaches some of the most gorgeous bugs I have ever seen, assassin bugs are a good one too 🙂

[@MODAmyra]

Just sumptuous & wonderful, Bianca!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@ianflynn3262]

Gorgeous! What about a teal or peacock linen for summer? With actual beetle wings!!!

[@katynosework]

I do not have an eye for these things but you have inspired and educated me in my shopping. I try not to be your doppelgänger but you have increased my passion for fashion!

[@suzannewch7202]

OMG! Your creativity and talent are just mind blowing!…….

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I don't sew very often, but my mother's Singer from the 50s still has the original belt and it still works great.

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

"Asked, after a lifetime study of the creation, what he had to say about the mind of the Creator.... 'He replied, *'an inordinate fondness for beetles.'"*

[@maryjackson1194]

Bianca, I use my stiletto to draw out the pins as I sew -- it's a lot faster than pulling them out with my fingers.

[@susanperna4722]

Our dutiful teacher, Miss Bianca, is so honking good at her job.

[@teddybearbones]

You keep saying Flanges as Philanges, and now I wanna see a finger bone peplum

[@emilysullivan4031]

I watched this while wearing my handmade blue beaded beetle brooch.

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

Hello I sew over pins. Is the mug I'm patiently waiting to buy

[@cb-wi1cq]

if you make this in lace I'll cry! that'd be sooo pretty

[@chrysanthemum8233]

I think a brown wool one with silver bugs would be fabulous

[@AuthenticWe]

Your skill level and sharing abilities are top to none other... As said before, to have a craft weekend with you would be benevolent in my life 🖤🖤🖤🕷️ Hope your move goes smoothly if you haven't done so already. Happy crafting

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@funkypunkypine]

Speed demon 😂 Yes, would love to see this in lace! And this jacket: it's downright luscious 😍 I'm beyond impressed with how much time you've put into the beetles, too

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Beading beetles was my "break" after silk flower making this year 🤣🐞

[@e_viola]

I love seeing your flower tattoo while you sew

[@aliciafarnham5616]

Oh yay! I've really missed your uploads this past week. Love your content and your narration!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alicia!

[@john941996]

It would be so fun to see a Pride Beetle set for june!

[@tambriggs]

Love, love, love the style! Thank you :)

[@anastasiaishak2950]

Gorgeous. Love this jacket. Love the colours, the material used. And you wear it so beautifully.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Anastasia!!

[@trudiebudnik3029]

I love watching you work. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and talent, you have inspired me to create my own patterns and make the clothes I love to wear, which fit perfectly.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Trudie!

[@sweatpantgardener]

soooooooo in love with the beading!!! So in love and inspired, you're making me want to get all the beads to make all the bugs out of beads!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Do itttt! 🐞✨

[@lupinotuumlunam]

Beautiful work with both the jacket and the beading. I would love to see a version of this in lace and in black brocade.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@hechetonchieres]

It would be nice to see you understitch a bag lined garment. I can't visualise the logistics of that in my mind, and it seems like it would be hard 😅

[@TheClosetHistorian]

The reason I skip it is because I indeed don't want to get in there 😂 You would definitely have to leave a bigger opening to make it work!

[@juliejay5436]

Another amazing creation!

[@dellymel9840]

Wow! Wonderful jacket. I love it. Thank you.x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@elainebusch9382]

I love this! beautiful

[@kathyjohnson2043]

THE BEETLES ARE AMAZING

[@phreakli]

Beads + beetles = beadles?

[@lesleyharris525]

Beautiful jacket 😍

[@joyfulchristina]

Stunning as always.

[@jiia.cherry]

My local fabric store have a couple yards of these left! I bought almost 8 yards of them and they still have soo many left! (And definitely WAY more cheaper than Mood :))

[@petapendlebury9024]

A black one? Please say there will be a matching hat with veil?! Full on mourning vibes with a graveyard bug feel........but fantastically chic of course 🖤🖤🖤

[@gmurray3616]

I truly enjoy watching you select an item to make, cutting your own pattern and sewing it and seeing the completed project. WONDERFUL. Continue the great work. Amazing.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I love your beading and needle work. It looks beautiful on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Arvetta!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

It turned out beautifully! Thanks for sharing the design and sewing process. I enjoyed it immensely. The best thing about your creations and videos is that you go after a vision instead of getting on the historically accurate soapbox. I am envious of your being able to buy such beautiful fabrics. I recently got a nice present for the holidays from my cousin in Inchon, four different lengths of silk brocade, with the exhortation to stop making Goth/Punk Hanboks. Then my sons helped me buy 5 meters of black ponte knit fabric, 3 yards of black heavyweight stretch denim, 5 yards of black twill, 10 yards of black pima cotton broadcloth and 3 yards of black corduroy. Actually they paid for 90% of it, so helped is an understatement. I wish that this town still had a community center. Then I could organize a bi-weekly sew and socialize evenings. A bit of show & tell and simple fun.

[@jenniferharris1280]

I love watching you, and when I can't spare the focus I love listening to you. And your patter today was more random and manic than usual, and I am HERE for it! Thanks for keeping us entertained. ;)

[@priltheartist9007]

I am just stunned. So lovely and makes me feel wonder. Agree with other commenters, you can make 500 of these and they would all be unique and beautiful. Thank you so much for your content.

[@missred586799]

Hi Bianca - this suit is simply stunning. The beetles and the beadwork are so beautiful. I would LOVE to see this jacket in the black brocade as well as a lined lace suit. I picture black lace with a silver lining, but the color choices are not actually mine to make. You have impeccable taste in fashion. Plus, you are such a beautiful woman. Thank you for sharing your love of fashion and your talent. Susan

[@annassiter4087]

Sitting here embroidering and beading a tunic…. Hot Tea, and Bianca.. Everything is perfect

[@Tisiloves]

You might want to consider getting some wonder clips for lurex fabrics

[@kaytiej8311]

Aaaw! I wanna borocade lego set too! I'm wondering when we'll see a version of this in your favourite dark teal/blue green colour? Though I'd personally like one in hydrangea colours brocade or tweed.

[@MsHedgehog]

You are showing dominance over the scary bugs by wearing their likeness ;) I too have phobia of bugs so I will not be judging you.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Yes, I would watch a black version, but to be honest, the color doesn't matter. Nor does the pattern. I'm here for the art and talent. Degas painted ballet dancers over and over. The same, yet different.

[@michaelc3782]

Love this jacket. You could style so many ways. Love ❤️ to watch you sew and hear your lovely voice and commentary

[@KenZchameleon]

Yes, more versions! It's neat to see how different fabrics behave with the same pattern and construction techniques.

[@artistinahammock3885]

I'm leaving to go on a date soon and im really nervous, but your video is helping to relax me :)

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I hope you have a great time.

[@katynosework]

I fall asleep to these videos (as well as learn and enjoy) because of her speaking tempo and the relaxing music. I hope she’s okay with that.

[@jacquelynwilliams9627]

OMG, Red wool would be killer, after the black, of course 🥰🥰

[@agi2711]

This time i waited til i really had time to watch, because i know that creating those gorgeous pieces needs my full attention to miss no single second!

[@paintingdragons1828]

Well i was about to go get eggs but tat can wait

[@katynosework]

Me too, was gonna walk the dog but heck nope, I’m glued to the screen!

[@Charla2smart]

If you could find a BUG brocade fabric; would love that!

[@michelletheus7334]

yes a lace version and another lace version lined by something interesting too

[@tierneykurfess2618]

Knowing that you also are scared of beetle photos makes me feel better, not gonna lie.

[@marcco44]

Hey Miss B, i just had a very goth dream about you!! Celeb!!!🌟💥💫

[@carolbarbee5653]

I would watch you make this jacket as many times as you want to make it❤❤

[@lydiasims6412]

with knitting i feel like you have to get the math all right to make it look okay, crochet is easier to fake the math and looks okay if its slightly off

[@KathrynHale-z1k]

make it in a hot pink brocade with beaded flamingos!

[@mattydonovan5684]

I would love to see this suit in a black lace with beetles and maybe a pant suit.

[@roxannelawrence8962]

Fabulous fabric and I adore that pattern!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Roxanne!

[@kindafoggy]

I bow down before you. Gad. If I had an nth of your talent!!

[@chermarano]

Absolutely a black jacket would be awesome.