I will say straight out this amazingly beautiful ensemble is not made by me but by my Mum here. I had to put a picture of it here, because I couldn’t resist; Mum will never ever get herself a blog and this outfit is too creative, clever, immaculately made and finished, and lovely in itself not to share.
My parents have been staying with us recently, and when Mum came downstairs one morning in this ensemble on her way to attend Grandparent’s Day with my Dad and Sam, I literally stopped in my tracks. Then raced to get my camera, simultaneously begging Mum to let me post her outfit on the blog. She graciously agreed.
(Of course I would not be human if a little bit of me thought it might not be a good idea, posting Mum’s creations here on the blog. After all, they will just serve to highlight how my skills are but 1% of Mum’s. But let’s not be petty now…)
The jacket: Mum bought these tweed fabrics, sold as small patches or “salesman’s samples” from a shop called Peppertree in NSW which she visited as part of the Australian Sewing Guild convention last year. She pieced the different sized pieces together in an attractive random patchwork pattern… and anyone who has attempted patchworking will know that randomly shaped rectangular and square patches are not easily put together. There are also one or two patches harvested from my Dad’s old tweed sports coat that has finally bitten the dust after many years of good service (a Re-fashion!). The pattern for the jacket is a Vogue pattern by Donna Karan, (pattern number to be provided when Mum looks it up and tells me) Please note the perfectly constructed welt buttonhole, made from tweed too. And I have to especially point out, see the piece of mustard/dark green houndstooth-y looking fabric, on the right, or buttonhole opening side of the front, just under and by the lapel? Mum knitted that bit in fair isle, to tone in with the other tweeds. On a seamstress’ note, she wanted it mentioned that the knitted section required extra underlining and stabilising, as of course knitted fabric is not as sturdy as woven tweed.
The jacket is fully lined in dark grey acetate lining.
Mum made the skirt too, from charcoal jersey knit. I think she might have made the pattern for that herself.
Thank you Mum, for this bar-setting self-sewn moment!
Later edit: Jacket: Vogue 8605, shortened; Skirt: Vogue 2911
What a treat to see your beautiful mum and her finely tailored ensemble. Fabulous!
Wow, your Mums jacket is just brilliant! A co-incidence as I am currently sewing a dress from upholstery fabric samples (won't be finished for a while though), but, I think your Mum's jacket is the best tweed jacket I've ever seen! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It's an awesome jacket- clever and creative but also wearable and attractive!
Wow! I always think patchwork clothing a bit "artsy" for my taste, but I LOVE this jacket. Your Mum is a clever lady, and I like the thought that she knitted a piece for it too.
Far from "Artsy" this jacket and skirt combo is great and your Mum looks so elegant.
Fabulous and your mom looks stunning in her outfit. Love the shoes!
What a lovely outfit your mum has made! That jacket is gorgeous. She looks fantastic.
How fabulous!! I am so impressed. Very groovy grandma :))
Wow! Beautiful and creative – the apple doesn't fall far from the tree:)
What a gorgeous and inspiring piece (and mom)!
Gorgeous jacket! And thanks for posting your mum's creations. I realize more and more that my taste in fabrics and styles comes from my mothers so its nice to see this for someone else too!
A beautiful jacket!! I see where you get your "stylin'"ways. Again, a true inspiration.
How wonderful to grow up surrounded and encouraged by such creativity. It's easy to see the impact it has had on you. YES YES.
That jacket is the most wonderful thing I've seen. You're mum is one clever and very stylish lady.
Oh my! This is so cool! wow! [I can also see the resemblance:) I checked out your video too coz I was catching up – you are so sweet!:) ]
Please thank you mum for agreeing to appear on your blog in her beautiful tweed jacket – it is gorgeous. I can see where you get your talent and sense of style from. Truly inspirational.
Your mom's jacket is awesome! I love the patchwork idea…oh my it's just stunning!
How kewl is it that you and your mom share the same gift!?!
She looks marvelous-how talented and creative she is. I can see where you learned your craft!
It is not easy to make patchwork look sophisticated but she nailed it.
Simply stunning!!
Omigosh, that is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. And it looks so wonderful on her.
You two are a double threat!!!!
its just gorgeous!
Fantastic construction and great result. I can see where you get your talent. And I spend a few moments admiring the fruit tree and garden plants, of course !
Wow! I'm so very impressed! That jacket is so gorgeous. You would think that patchwork jacket will look kitschy. But NOT at ALL!
Your mom, and that jacket(!!!!) are amazing!! I am totally stealing this patchwork concept from her for a fall jacket! Though, I lack that certain something that your mom has to pull this look off!
Tell your mum she needs to visit more often so you can blog about her clothes. Her creations are so inspiring!!
Wonderful work thanks so much for sharing. Compliments to your mom.
Wow – I can see where you get your skills from! It sounds kind of corny, but I love that sewing is such a multi-generational craft 🙂
Thankyou all so much for your lovely compliments. However despite her comments Carolyn is a much better sewer than me, and so prolific! It is wonderful to share this love with her and my daughter-in-law and grand daughters. We have such fun when we go to the fabric shops together.Also I occassionally look at your blogs and see beautiful work there. Mum
I was privileged to see this jacket in person.So beautifully finished. I am so lucky to be surrounded by all this talent.
WOW! So talented! You've been blessed creativity from both of your folks.
Your mother is elegant and beautiful in that topper. Her piecing is perfect, too! Bravo, Mum! Hope we see more of your creations in the future. 🙂
I can see where you inherited your great sense of style from. I'm not a fan of the Marcy Tilton crafty look, but your Mum's jacket surpasses all that. Love it!
wow, and wow. I can see how much you must be inspired by your mom. Patchwork yet subdued and classy … amazing. And the little knitted patch? You guys must be having a blast together.
Your Mom's amazingly talented & oh so chic! What an elegant getup. And I see from her comment that she's modest too!
Of course your lovely mother is a genius – and the leaf did not fall far from the tree.
Thank you very much for "making" her pose and for detailing her work. It is nothing short of awesome.
(Now I know where you get your talent from!)
How immensely clever she is!!! It is so elegant and looks fabulous on her. What a wonderful role model you have…
Hugs, Jasmine