I'm sending a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all who stop by to see what I'm doing. It means a lot to me to know that you are interested. I need your encouragement and helpful advice so keep those comments coming!!!
- I'd like to reiterate how much I love my resource books, and find them so helpful in doing my sewing projects. When I first started sewing again in 2006 I never dreamed that I would want to go deeper and deeper into sewing. I called myself a humble beginner or re-beginner at that point and was honestly scared of the phrase "Intermediate Sewer" and God forbid an "Advanced Sewer". I guess my greed for information and learning pushed me on over into the Intermediate level, and now I'm finding that I want delve into the Advanced sewing. The word "Couture" seemed to scared a word for me to utter, but guess what, not any more! I'm ready to move forward and this is just the book to help me do that.
- I heard about this book only a short time ago, but immediately thought that it was one that I should include on my "Books to Get List". Today I'm reviewing "Cool Couture - Construction Secrets for Runway Style, by Kenneth D. King".
The title says a lot about the content of this book; let me explain:- it was created for today's fashion-forward sewer (that's me) since I am now ready to take my sewing to another level, this is the book for me.
- it is an easy to read and understand guide to professional, designer-quality construction and finishing techniques.
- in it the author shares his techniques for creating runway style garments.
- it contains lots of clear close-up photos.
- I've already found several of his techniques that I know I will be incorporating into the very next garments I'm planning on making.
- I knew from the cover that this was going to be a fun but informative book to read and to use.
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THE JACKET IT IS FINALLY FINISHED!!!
I think I started working on the muslin for this jacket on March 21st and it seems like it has taken me a month to finish (well it did take 9 days short of a month). I really don't like it when projects take such a long time to finish. But I do have to take into consideration: that I don't actually sew everyday, I did work on the practice pockets alone for several sewing sessions, regardless I am always adding techniques that aren't including in the pattern in order to get the look I want.
I am quite pleased with my results and I'll put the jacket in the cleaners tomorrow to get a professional pressing.
I'm off now to find a pattern for the blouse/top to match my suit. I was talking with Lisa today and she suggested a racer type design for my blouse. I'm thinking that I already have a pattern with that detail - at least I hope so.
I think I started working on the muslin for this jacket on March 21st and it seems like it has taken me a month to finish (well it did take 9 days short of a month). I really don't like it when projects take such a long time to finish. But I do have to take into consideration: that I don't actually sew everyday, I did work on the practice pockets alone for several sewing sessions, regardless I am always adding techniques that aren't including in the pattern in order to get the look I want.
I am quite pleased with my results and I'll put the jacket in the cleaners tomorrow to get a professional pressing.
I'm off now to find a pattern for the blouse/top to match my suit. I was talking with Lisa today and she suggested a racer type design for my blouse. I'm thinking that I already have a pattern with that detail - at least I hope so.-----------------------------------------------
OK, back to books. Here are some books that my friend Brenda shared with me recently. I am totally in love with the one on Fashion Illustration. Here's my first attempt with fashion illustration, and I am so loving it. I plan on going out to buy a special set of coloring pencils tomorrow to work with this some more. She also shared two wall plaques with me that have found a home right over my sewing table. THANK YOU BRENDA!!!
Wheeeeeeeee, I knew was going to be another long post....Thanks Again for Reading! Now I'm off to find that blouse pattern and prepare for the new week............
Wheeeeeeeee, I knew was going to be another long post....Thanks Again for Reading! Now I'm off to find that blouse pattern and prepare for the new week............
Isn't that book fabulous? I love it. I plan to use the hidden pocket when I make jackets and coats this Fall. You jacket looks great! Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteFaye .- yes, a long post but very interesting. I enjoyed these books and also to see your finished jacket. The color looks beautiful and I love the simple and timeless style. congratulations.
ReplyDeletehugs, Paco
Your jacket looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhen I took a pattern drafting course we had to draw the outfit we were to make. I can draw stick people pretty nice ;) but fashion illustration was/is a challenge. I never did get around to buying a book so I must look into getting a
good resource book too :) Your drawing looks great! Is this your first attempt?
I love reading your posts no matter how long they are. The jacket looks fantastic. I'm anxious to see the blouse and skirt or pants that you put with it.
ReplyDeleteWell, there's a lot to congratulate you on in this post: your great jacket, your willingness to dive into the "advanced" category, and your super illustrations. So inspiring, thank you.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the jacket. Your pockets are perfect!
ReplyDeleteI will have to look for that book, and the jacket is gorgeous! Your practice pockets really paid off, they're perfect.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful jacket, it was worth the wait. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that book, but I've known of King for a while. I saw some videos (they seemed to be from the 80's to early 90's) in which he made a regular appearance. He showed a lot of techniques (including a patch pocket). The one technique that always stuck with me is how he was able to cut bias strips using a serger, it was awesome!!!
I don't remember the name of the video, but it was from a show "Sewing Today" I believe. If you get a chance, check it out from the library, it's worth watching. :)
Hugs,
Lory
That is a beautiful jacket, it was worth the wait. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that book, but I've known of King for a while. I saw some videos (they seemed to be from the 80's to early 90's) in which he made a regular appearance. He showed a lot of techniques (including a patch pocket). The one technique that always stuck with me is how he was able to cut bias strips using a serger, it was awesome!!!
I don't remember the name of the video, but it was from a show "Sewing Today" I believe. If you get a chance, check it out from the library, it's worth watching. :)
Hugs,
Lory
Ok...weird. For some reason my comment posted twice. My bad, Faye.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket turned out really, really nice. Be proud to wear it. Good tailoring takes time--it can't be rushed.
ReplyDeleteGreat books! I need to brush up on my drawing. It seems there isn't ever enough time to do it all.
The posters--well, be still my heart! Lucky you.
I recently got that book also, it's great. Your jacket looks great, it doesn't matter how long it takes, the result is what matters.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket looks great!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking jacket!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finishing your jacket, it looks wonderful! I'm really looking forward to seeing it with the top!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful jacket!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about the Kenneth King Book. His designs are a little over the top for me, but his methods are worth knowing.
I'll have to look for that book. Your illustrations look fantastic! I can barely draw stick figures and I don't think any book in the world is going to help me!
ReplyDeleteHey Fay!
ReplyDeleteNice jacket:-) can't wait what blouse pattern you're eventually going to choose. Have you already bought the colored pencils? If not, a company called Faber-Castell (Polychromos, I think was the name of those pencils, they make allkind, but these are one of my faves) makes good ones, they glide nicely on paper and the color range is rather good about 120 shades or so. Btw, thank you for your lovely comment, you are so sweet:-)
Hugs,
Marita
The jacket looks great and Thanks for sharing your books. I really want to try my hand at figure drawing.
ReplyDeleteLove the jacket, I'm going to check that book out and then see if I can find it at half price books.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket looks good. Congrat on moving forward. I need to sew more so that I can master or get a better understanding of the fitting process and maybe I could move forward also.
ReplyDeleteFaye, your jacket is beautiful. I love those pockets. Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteI must get my hands on the Cool Courtoure Book, sounds like a must read. Thanks for the review.
That book looks like something I would like! Your drawing looks great! I took a class at last years sewing expo on fashion illustration... I need that book to!
ReplyDeleteWow!!!! Lady!! Your jacket is beautiful!!! Beautiful color for spring!
Hello!! What a NICE blog!! I'm thinkin' you're a member of PR, but I don't know who... ... ?
ReplyDeleteWarm greetings,
Rhonda in Montreal (PR)
Hi Faye. Your jacket looks nice and I am a bookwarm, too. I love books and am enjoying many sewing books most recently. I've read and heard of K. King from PR and other sites....maybe in the distant future, but for now, I'll just enjoy where I am. I love reading your blogs. Take care.
ReplyDeleteFaye, not to worry about the length of the blog. Just keep inspiring all of us. I love the jacket and I actually put that book on my wish list about 2 months ago. So I can't wait to get it in my library as well. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteYour jacket is great.
ReplyDelete