I have made this jacket by Marcy Tilton about 5 times! It's a wonderful pattern for textile artists, because of the unique cut and the simple design, which allows you to show off your fabric. The pattern calls for a felted wool or boiled wool -- but, in this case, I wanted to use my own silk fabric, which was woven off-loom.
To create the fabric, I purchased bias-cut habotai silk ribbon from Dharma Trading Company. I made it into a skein, just as I would any yarn, and then hand-painted it in a variety of deep blues and purples. I loved the result so much that I wanted to display it like a canvas -- so I wove it off-loom, using a cutting board as a grid, to create a mosaic look. The fabric was very flimsy, so I reinforced it with some very lightweight iron-on stabilizer, and then backed it with hand-dyed China silk, using vertical quilting stitches.
The coat turn out so well that I submitted it to the Handweavers' Guild of America's fashion show in Tampa in 2008, and it was juried in.
The only problem with this pattern is that the neck doesn't always stand up nicely, and the front tends to fall open. Personally, I don't like to wear anything that falls open in front like that, but I have friends that love the look! |
|Login|Help]
to add a link
I would love, love, love to see the details in all your reviews! Could you make the images clickable so that we can get a close-up?
3/4/10 3:12 PM
I am extremely frustrated since I can't open up a larger version of these 4 magnificent jackets/coats you've made. I would love to see the dying techniques up close on the fabic and weaving. You are such an artist; please let us see your results more clearly. Thank you.
3/4/10 3:19 PM
Your jacket is beautiful and I, too, would like to see a clickable photo to enlarge.
3/4/10 6:23 PM
Thank you for this review! The pattern is a go-to for me so the treasure in the review is your technique for the fabric. I would love additional pics as well.
3/5/10 2:01 AM
What a talented artist you are! I love all your creations. So well done and unique!
3/5/10 7:40 AM
Gorgeous!!! This pattern is in my "to do" stash, and your comments will give me inspiration to try things other than just plain'ol fabric when I make it up.
3/5/10 8:24 AM
The pattern is a good one to show off fabric and I have to say I am impressed beyond belief at the beauitiful fabric you made. It's gorgeous and definitely one of a kind
3/5/10 8:38 AM
OMG--absolutely fabulous!!!
3/5/10 8:59 AM
Stunning piece of wearable art that is actually wearable.
3/5/10 9:22 AM
Thanks for the comments. I'm working on posting these photos to a blog, so that I can show more detail. More to come!
3/5/10 10:26 AM
Everyone else has already said it - WOW!
3/5/10 10:57 AM
I reread my post and realize it sounded less than kind. I just wanted to stress how anxious I was to admire your work more "upclose and personal." And I know how difficult posting pics can be. Thanks for sharing what you could. You are a wonderful artist and I enjoyed your website. Also, I apologize for any strident sounding words on my part.
3/6/10 4:30 PM
The colors are fabulous!! I can't believe you made the fabric!
3/27/10 10:26 AM
Yes, bigger better more detailed photo's please. Your work is very interesting.
6/6/10 3:29 PM
Looks fantastic. Would love to see more.
8/13/10 1:12 PM
How are people able to see the fabric? I would so like a better view of this.
10/24/10 1:14 PM
The link to your photo isn't working :-( Would love to see a close-up.
8/27/11 12:43 PM
Re. the pattern-yea the old ones are the best. Re. the photos- yes that would be nice, but honestly your description's good, and great to know you hae been working this way, a great interpretation, love the look.
8/27/11 2:10 PM
This is stunning.
2/19/13 7:29 PM