The theme for the October MAGAM Challenge is Sew and Shine - it's the tenth month of the year, and the birthstone is an Opal - hence the "Opalescence" theme - something with lots of color and on the dramatic side. This theme is right up my alley!
I searched Wikipedia for Opals and was surprised to find just how many different varieties there are. From bright red to milky green, to a shiny metallic one, it seems like Opals have every color of the rainbow covered!
I was inspired by the middle opal above and searched thru my stash to find something that could potentially live up to the theme and offer some dramatic flare to boot and here's what I found - this wonderful piece of tweedy type material with a bold purple, green and turquoise color all weaved together in fabric goodness. There's a little bit of sparkly bits woven in there too, but they are sadly camera shy and decided to hide from the lens.
So here's the plan:
I've selected Vogue 1331 as my "Shining Opalescent Project" for my October MAGAM garment. This coat is truly going to be a challenge.
The main body of the coat will be cut from the green wool. The purple wool will be the sleeves and the tweedy looking fabric on the lower left (also shown in the close-up above) will be the overlay in the front. The tie dye and the cream colors will make up the lining. All of these fabrics are from my stash too - bonus!
Here's a line drawing of the jacket. To me, it just looks odd that the circle pattern in the front doesn't carry over to the back so I'm going to continue that pattern onto the back of mine. Also, the jacket is unlined - and that's a no go for me with wool. Although I love sewing with wool, my skin doesn't care for it so a lining is a must. So, I will be adding a complete lining too.
The embellishment along the circles will be a combination of a turquoise braid and strands of the purple and green fibers pulled from the tweedy fabric couched somewhat neatly, but, with an unplanned and haphazard stitching look to them (I hope!). Not sure on the buttons yet - I'll have to ponder those for awhile.
Until next time - Wish me luck and Happy Sewing everyone!
Your coat will be truly gorgeous. Threads magazine features it this month. I am inspired and overwhelmed by both choices and looking for appropriate fabric to make one too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Babsox. I had no idea of it being in Threads this month. I'm digging thru the magazine pile now to find it. Thanks!
DeletePage 34. Oct/Nov 2014 issue of Threads. If you look at the Threads mag website, you can see the coat and enlarge the photo in order to see the details a little better.
DeleteThanks!
DeleteLove the colours in the wool you certainly have hit the MAGM brief. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished garment
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy H. I hope it turns out like I envision it in my head.
DeleteGuess I'm not the only one who's in for the long haul ;) Cheers to sew and shine! Good luck on your project, I really like the combination of colors and textures!
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch Marianne. I can't wait to see your finished jacket too!
DeleteThat is going to be very cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks shams.
DeleteHave fun with this pattern-I love your ideas and look forward to progress reports. Living in the southwest, I don't get much chance to wear full coats. :-(
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary. I really think I should move to the North Pole because I love wearing coats and sweaters. Although our winters are short, I try to squeeze in as much cold weather stuff that I can.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a wonderful coat - I think I have seen it in threads as well. Don't rush this, it is just such lovely fabric. Can't wait to see how this makes up for you - should be as gorgeous as all of your garments :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote of confidence Sarah Liz!
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