Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Channeling my Inner Coco Chanel

Hi Everyone!  My name is Johanna Ali and I am SEW excited to be a Fabric Mart Fabricista!  I’ve been shopping with Fabric Mart for years and have been wanting to be a Fabricista since then too, so I jumped at the opportunity as soon as they posted it.  So, here I am.  I will be sharing my Chanel Inspired Jacket and how I made my own trim.

The classic Chanel Jacket is iconic and sophisticated as it should be with the price tag associated with them. Usually, the classic Chanel Jacket is made using a tweed or a bouclé fabric and are hand sewn.  This is what makes them couture.  Other distinct characteristics are the front pockets, the ornate buttons and trim as well as the chain weighted hem.  The lining is also quilted to the jacket.


There are several patterns produced by the big 4 pattern companies that you can use for this make.  Initially, I was going to use Vogue 8804, but I decided to go in a different direction and used Simplicity 8741 instead with some modifications.

I sewed view A.  I removed the front facing of the jacket because I was not going to add any closures to it.  I removed 2 inches from the sleeve hem and I used the pockets from Vogue 8804.

While searching for fabric on Fabric Mart Fabrics website, I came across this beautiful Royal Blue/Black Polyester Geometric Design Boucle Suiting. I selected this fabric because blue is my favorite color.  I also selected it because I really liked the pattern on the fabric.  Since there aren’t any straight lines, I wouldn’t have to worry about pattern matching.

Another distinct feature that I love about the Chanel Jacket are the infinite options you can use for the trim.  If you go on Pinterest and look up Chanel Jacket trims you will truly be mind blown. Some trims you might see are ribbon, chain, braided trim and even pearls.  I decided to make my own! It’s not as difficult as you might think.  Cut 2” strips of fabric on the bias of your fabric. Sew a zig zag stitch on the fabric down the center of the length of your strip of fabric.  Also, I cut mine on the fold and I sewed both pieces together.  Then, I used a seam ripper to separate the fabric threads and that’s it! I’m kind of kidding.  Pack your patience as you’ll have to make enough to go ALL around ALL of the outer seams of your jacket as well as your pockets.  It will be so worth it in the end.  I promise.



Although, I totally cheated and didn’t sew a traditional couture garment, I am so in love with my Chanel Inspired Jacket.  It’s so chic!  As I said above, I really love that you can totally customize your jacket and give it your personal touch.  


I hope you all enjoyed my jacket as much as I do.  

Until next time!

JOHANNA @soveryjo





Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: BOUCLE & SUITING.

Comments

  1. The fringe is perfection and the color is delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I loved learning how to make it.

      Delete
  2. What a super interpretation of the classic Chanel jacket. Your trim is beautiful and obviously took lots of effort. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes, the trim took a bit more time then I thought it would. I even had my husband helping me out. lol

      Delete
  3. Love your fringe treatment. The pockets are fabulous. This looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I won't lie and say I want to add trim to everything now!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: A Mother’s Day Gift - Making my Daughter’s Prom Dress

Happy Friday All! As a mother and sewist, I am always planning months in advance for any special occasion dress. Due to the pandemic, my daughter missed all the activities at the end of her elementary journey and I was truly heart broken. She did not have any promotional ceremony, field trips or activities for the last few months of elementary school. I made a vow to myself that in Middle School, no matter what life throws us, I would make the perfect Junior Prom dinner dance dress even if she had to twirl in it at home. When I came across this beautiful blue lycra sequins fabric, I was thrilled. My daughter Arielle and I spoke a few months ago about the perfect Grade 8 Junior Prom dinner dance dress. She found an inspirational photo on Pinterest back in December which was a one shoulder maxi dress that sparkles and she was excited about me making her special dress. At the time she wasn’t quite sure of the shade of blue she wanted but after our trip to Jamaica during Spring break, she

Made By A Fabricista: Rayon Challis Separates for Me!

This month I decided to take a minute to sew something for myself! Knowing that I was about to move house (I'm excited to be getting a nice big sewing room!), I opted to use some tried-and-true patterns that I knew would be quick and easy to sew: Jalie Michelle and Jalie Geneviève . I've really loved seeing garments made in crinkle challis lately, so I selected a solid mustard yellow crinkle challis with a plan for either pants or a skirt ( Geneviève is a skirt, but there's also a culotte option available for it), and two sateen challis prints for a top (Michelle can be made either as a top or a dress). I considered making a reversible top with both fabric prints, but upon playing with them in real life, opted for two separate tops with a facing. Given that challis tends to be a bit shifty, it's best to starch it before you begin cutting out your project. It's also best to cut it out on a large surface with a rotary cutter so the fabric doesn't get distorted.

Made by a Fabricista: YouTube Edition | Marty - Let's Make a Spring Dress

Light Cornflower Blue/Fern Green/Imperial Red/Multi 100% Rayon Floral Print Challis 54W I don't have much to say about my project this time. Other than I can't be happier with how it turned out. I think it'll make a cute romantic dress for summer but also blend into the high-fantasy wardrobe that I want to create. It'll be fun to play with and explore. Hopefully, next time my life will be a little more put together and I'll be a little less stressed. But for now, I hope you all enjoy this project as much as I do. With all the chaos included. MARTY   |  @scrappypatterns Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly! You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following category,  CHALLIS .