And I’m back! Not quite 100% but a whole lot better, and feeling nourished by my mama’s homemade food. My mom is visiting for six weeks (!) so I am going to be very well-fed for the next month and a half. And K is on cloud nine with all this Ba-chan attention.
So let’s talk about this week’s outfit — a bit of a departure for me, wouldn’t you say? Well, at least the dress feels a little more globally-inspired and decorative than my usual style. I’ll tell you a secret: it used to be a quilt from Anthro. And the lining of the quilted jacket? Also from the same quilt, but I used the backing. You’ll see it in a minute. I like to get bedding from Anthropologie when they’re on mega-sale, and this was one of those purchases about three years ago. Sadly, the quilt became lumpy and uncomfortable, and when I scrutinized the fabric, I couldn’t pass up its potential as apparel.
I’ve had a fascination with embroidery for awhile, and I love all the texture on this fabric. The raglan dress is as simple as can be with elastic-gathered neckline and sleeve cuffs. There’s also a kind of mock shirring going on in the back, but it’s hard to tell with this fabric. I used this book for the pattern. And that beautiful tissue case she’s holding is a lovely gift from sweet Lucinda. We love it.
The jacket! I’ve had this quilted burgundy fabric since K was a baby with every intention of sewing up a winter coat for her. It only took six years to get around to it, but I’m quite pleased with the end result. I used Essex yarn-dyed linen for the accent on edges, pockets and back belt, and you can see my very first attempt at flat piping on the back belt there (the pattern called for regular piping, but I was out of piping cord). I used the same book for this jacket/coat as well.
I really like all the details on this jacket. The rounded front, the belt design, the way the hood was structured, the funky sleeve shape that resulted in a seam at the back of the arm instead of at the side, the snap closures. It’s a snazzy little coat, just in time for the freezing weather we’ve been having lately. Keep in mind that I’m from Los Angeles originally, so anything below 60 degrees is considered arctic for me. Anyway, I cut out the largest size (130cm) so that she can wear it for awhile, but it’s actually not as big as I expected it to be. The dress is 120cm, and it’s actually bigger proportionally than the jacket. Confusing.
And here’s the lining I mentioned earlier. It goes perfectly with the dress, right? Re-purposing gives me such a great sense of satisfaction! And it was wonderful to be sewing again. I really really missed it last week.
So that’s it for this week’s outfit, and I’m digging the more ethnic vibe – what do you think?
I think it’s a lovely upcycle. Especially love the coat and it’s subtle but stunning details. I have also been on quite the upcycling roll with sweaters and mittens and jackets, oh my!
Mae
Upcycling is the way to go! I’m also going to try making sweaters for K out of my old knit stuff – we’ll see how that goes – she really needs warmer clothes now that if feels like winter here in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks for the inspiration, Mae!
I think it is gorgeous. I am very OCD and it has been so enlightening to think out of the box. To look at sheets, quilts, clothing and use it for something other than intended. So creative! Love It!
Thanks, Karen! I can be OCD too and am very much a creature of habit, so I totally know what you mean about the sense of liberation when trying new things. 🙂
I’m loving everything about this post, but just mostly excited that you’re feeling better! And in fact, better enough to sew:) You’ve been missed Sanae, and I know the sewing break was tough for you. So glad that your mom is taking such good care of you:)
I love how you repurposed your Anthro quilt! Clever you:) And using the back of the quilt for the is a fantastic idea – and pulls the two pieces together so nicely without being overly matchy. Love all the embroidered detail on the dress – I can see why you were reluctant to part with the quilt. Such a fun little surprise to see her holding the tissue cozy:) Glad she likes it, but hopefully won’t be needing it as much!
Thank you, Lucinda, we are all definitely looking less peaked these days 🙂 Your tissue cozy is much loved, and it’s always nice to know that even if we’re not feeling our best, our tissues are stylin’!
It’s all really fun and I love the coat!
I think it’s fun too – I especially loved how happy K is in this photo shoot. All the credit goes to my mom who was making her laugh while I was snapping away :-). Thank you, Kristi!
Good to see you back!
Love the coat, all the wonderful details… Fabulous!
Thank you, Nienke! I was very proud of the coat when I finished it! It looks professional, if I do say so myself and K loves it too, which is the real barometer of success :-).
Wow, when you’re in good health you’re a very productive woman!
This is a great outfit. I especially love that coat. The dress is lovely too and certainly doesn’t look like an upcycled bedspread! in fact it looks like something that people pay a fortune for. Well done.
I’m not sure I’m quite in the good health category, but I’m getting there – thank you, Shelley! It was funny, while I was sewing I noticed that I started to feel better and better, so that’s a good sign. P.S. I added the mittens to your Flickr group!
What a comeback! So glad to hear you are better! The dress looks like a very expensive designer piece. I like your bohemian adventure!
Enjoy the time with your mother, I am sure she will have you back to health in no time! When I was little my maternal grandmother used to come to us for around six weeks in december and january and I still remember how much I loved that. Lucky K! Lucky you!
Hi Ute, thank you! I’m so glad the dress doesn’t look like a home craft project – I was a little concerned about that as I was stitching it up. And yes, having my mom here is wonderful! We are all getting utterly spoiled, and I’m sure I will go through massive withdrawals when she leaves…
Really cool dress! And the quilted jacket is perfection! Glad you are on the mend.
Thanks Caroline! I’m pretty psyched that I can finally cross off “quilted jacket” from my never-ending sewing list 🙂
i love this crazy dress! a departure from your norm for sure, but that’s rarely a bad thing. i bet k enjoys wearing something full of so much interesting texture and color–my kids are thrilled when i make them something that’s not a neutral color. the jacket is cute, too! flat piping is easier than regular, no? how awesome your mom is visiting for six weeks! my mom just left after 3 and we can’t wait for her to come back next month for the holidays. so wonderful having grandma around, especially during cold/flu season. so glad you are feeling better!
Thanks Ashley! Aren’t mom visits the best? Six weeks of amazing food and babysitting – pretty darn cool 🙂
Lovely coat! It looks so warm and comfortable, and the colour is gorgeous. Hooray for mama’s visiting! I hope you’re feeling well soon. Fiona xox
Thank you Fiona! The coat is already well-loved, and I’m wondering if I should try to make a waterproof version…and I’m doing much better, thanks! xo