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
  4. Stunning and such personality. I am glad you brought up the jacket hem, it is just right to be flattering. I would love to see the inside finishes too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Vogue Magazine worthy! Wow!!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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 Wool Pinafore for Winter

Hello exciting wintry weather! Brrr, though. For my December post, I wanted to sew something more unusual for me, something outside my wide leg pants and big boxy sweaters, and this pinafore combination is exactly that. I really like the layering aspect and how easily one could switch up the look based on the top worn underneath, and how this pinafore pattern could easily work for all seasons based on fabric choice and possibly adding leggings. The new Love Notions Pianoforte Jumper in this incredibly charming polka dot wool blend suiting is just right. I wanted wool for warmth, and the sweet print just sent me. Of course a pinafore looks SO darling in dots. The Pianoforte is a slightly-cocoon shaped dress with princess seams and some large and handy front inset pockets. There is a zip-front option, but I went with the pullover plain front. I love the vintagey, sort of old-timey vibes of this style, and categorize this one under dopamine dressing.  Because the wool is on the heavi...

Made By A Fabricista: Cozy Sewing Season

The cozy sewing season seems like it came early this year! Temperatures in Pennsylvania have been in the freezing range for weeks, so it is time to break out the flannel, sweater knits, sherpa, wool, and other warm fabrics. Fabric Mart's website is stocked with gorgeous cozy fabric perfect for sewists living in cold climates. While searching for fabric for my first cozy sew of the season, a Cranberry Plaid 100% Cotton Flannel fabric caught my eye. I loved the colors and the plaid pattern. I ordered 3.5 yards to make a button-up flannel shirt for myself, and a little extra fabric to make a button-up shirt for my son. I also ordered two packs of 10 Soft Pearl Plastic Shirt Buttons and "My Mama Made It" sewing labels from Kylie and the Machine. I envisioned one of these labels being added to the side seam of my son's shirt for a bespoke detail. Once my order arrived, I washed my fabric and reached for my Grainline Studio Archer Button-Up paper pattern. I used this pat...

Made By A Fabricista: Feeling Festive in Red

Happy Holidays! I’m so excited to bring you this all red holiday look that would be a hit at any holiday gathering this season. Whether you’re headed to your company holiday party or just going to sit in your living room, you’ll fabulous doing so. For this month’s post I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I have been a Sew It Academy student since Mimi G opened it back in 2016.  Sew It Academy is her online sewing academy that shows you what to do once you open your sewing machine and different lessons come out every month showing you different techniques and how to sew different things. Sew It Academy now offers PDF patterns and sewalongs that come with them. I made the Boxy Pullover Top and the Bubble & Wide Hem Skirt which are both Sew It Academy patterns. The Boxy Pullover Top is the first garment class offered in Sew It Academy, so it’s super easy to make.  I’ve seen several YouTube videos for the same top and they are all pretty much contructed the same way.  I...