We worked on this pattern with the same fabric and tried to create it in exactly the same way.  The pattern has some very good points and it available for beginners (Burda EASY!). But unfortunately we also discovered some little problems which are worth to mention.
Read all about in our review.

Very good:

• Very classic !
• Beautiful quilted and sophisticated in every littel detail.
  
• One of the best sewing patterns available for Chanel DIY jackets.
  
• Great instructions by Claire Schaeffer !
  

But not easy:

• Please pay extra attention in buying the fabric: it might look outdated instead of classic.
  
• Comfortable? Not at all.  The jacket fits perfectly but the tight sleeves and fitting shape leaves little room for movement and comfort.
  
• Take your time. This is a very slow-sewing project.
  

Vogue V8991, Semi-fitted, lined jacket has stand-up collar, side-front seams, side panels, no side seams, patch pockets, and two-piece, button sleeves with shaped lower edge. Note: Fabric is quilted to lining to provide added body.

Sewing level:  Advanced

Fabrics:  Lightweight Tweed, Wool Crepe, Boiled Wool.

Notions: Buttons, chain, triming, interfacing and Silk lining fabrics.


Our jacket:

We did not do the quilting parts in the beautiful lines as on the sewingpattern, but worked our own way to get it done.
The jacket is perfect shaped.
The sleeves are tight and couture-made on the shoulders. NOT easy.
Think of this jacket as a long-term project. Yes you can,  but it will take a lot of time.

Read more

Simplicity 4954, Lined Jacket with front and trim variations

Sewing level:  ?

Fabrics: Demin, Corduroy, Damask, Twill, Wool and wool blends, Tweeds, Brocade, Satin, Shantung, Velvet, Linen and Linen blends.

Notions: Shoudler pads, Ribbon, Buttons, flower, trims, interfacing and lining fabrics.

We tested the sewingpattern New Look 6028.

This pattern is a fairly simple sewingpattern and very suitable for beginners. The pattern is ideal for applying all kinds of variations: trims, fringes, bindings, 2 or 4 pockets: time to become creative!

Description:
New Look 6028,  Misses’ lined jacket with trim and sleeve variations.

Sewing level:  Easy

Fabrics: Light weight Demin, Seersucker, Twill, Pique, Sateen, Lightweight wool, woolblends, Linnen, linnen blends, Jacquards, Brocade,

Notions: Trims, bindings.

We are enthusiast about these PLUS points:    

• The pattern has princess seams. A princess seam runs across the length of both breasts with a woman's jacket for women and is a figure seam for the right shapes. The back also has princess seams, so you can shape the back nicely.
• Easy pattern, also suitable for beginners     
• Nice basic pattern to continue experimenting in terms of creative finishes     
• Tasty long sleeves (Model D) ideal for people with long arms.

We are a little less enthusiast about:

• The neckline is very low (Model A, B and C) Chanel-style jackets often have higher necklines.     
• The V-neck (Model C and D) looks a bit 'cheap'.     
• The sleeves (Model D) are very long, for people with normal arm lengths: this is really too longggg.

We created the jacket in pink, rather stiff Tweed-Bouclé. The lining in a lighter color: light green 100% Silk. The jacket in an open front jacket. This makes it perfect for attaching creative fringes. We made fringes out of the same fabric as the outer-fabric.  And we used a thin ribbon.

Creative ideas: trims en fringes.

Extra options:
We have made the neckline higher and quilted the lining to the outer fabric, according to the couture sewing techniques described in the book: "The Couture Cardigan jacket" by Claire Schaeffer. Despite the fairly stiff outer fabric, this makes the jacket pleasant and comfortable enough to wear all day.

The result: a beautiful, stylish jacket that you can wear all day, both casual and formal.

Choosing a good sewingpattern for your new project:
Whether you are an absolute beginner, a hobby seamstress with little experience, or an experienced seamstress, the success of a project often depends on choosing a good pattern. Searching for and choosing a good sewing pattern is always very important. It is not only about WHAT you want to make but also how you will make it.

Which fabric do you need?
Which size do you have?
How much time it will take to finish the project ?  (Last one is important if you are creating some garment for a planned date, party or event...)

A Chanel Inspired Jacket:
You are going to make a Chanel inspired jacket, skirt or other couture classic and you will be orientated before you start.
Very wise.
Therefore, with this step-by-step guide as a practical total-guide and to prevent you from forgetting an important step or thought. It happens too everyone; halfway realize that the project is not what you had in mind, too little fabrics or lining, wrong size, expectations that are too high or a level that unfortunately does not turn out to be feasible. No shame. Just continue with your goal and try to plan and oversee the next project a little better.

Now let's rock and roll:

1. First, think for a moment what you want your Chanel Inspired jacket to be: Tight and formal? Or casual and comfortable? Very important ! Take a look at the reviews first lines or the backside of the sewing pattern-envelop.  If you look for a tight, shaped and slim jacket, then choose a sewing pattern which is "fitted". If you want your Chanel Inspired jacket to be more comfortable, maybe with front-sides open-hanging and a casual appearance; look out for the "semi-fitted" jackets.
Loose fitting is a more comfortable shape, belly freedom and not following the contours of the body closely.
Fitted jackets: Vogue V7975, Burda 6705, Simplicity 1421, McCalls M7058.
Semi-fitted jackets: Vogue V8804, Vogue V8991, Vogue V9095, Butterick B6382, Burda 6465, Burda 8949 and Neue Mode M23079
Loose fitting jacket: Vogue 9250, New Look 6496.


2. What about under-lining? The classic French Chanel jacket is famous mostly because of it's quilted lining, which offers an exclusive sense of movement, freedom and luxury. The "invention" of this jacket was innovative in the time that came after the corsets and the tight clothing code. The jacket gave the wearer a sense of freedom and made sure that it was still chic and exclusive enough to continue as a couture. Anyway, if you want to go for the classic and most exclusive version choose a pattern of Claire Schaeffer which offers the possibility and the instructions to quilt the lining.

Examples: Vogue V8804 en Vogue V8991

The other Chanel Inspired jacket offer the normal standard way of linings. In advanced options, we will talk about quilting linings in other sewing patterns, but as said; it is only an extra option. The sewing pattern is not focused on this process, as above mentioned patterns specific do.

If you prefer a jacket which is not underlined at all: New Look 6496, Burda 8949 and Simplicity 1421

These un-lined jacket are a great options for hot summers or a way to practice and to get to know your most beloved or desired Chanel Inspired Jacket.


3. Skills.  Know your skills about sewing techniques.  It might be a challenge to create a perfect, complicated and advanced Chanel jacket, but realize that it is also very, very frustrating to get stucked in the process because of problems with the required level of your sewing techniques. Sewing Pattern give codes or names for the desired levels in different languages.  Easy/Beginners/Basic/Facile/Very easy, Average/Mittel/Moins Facile or Advanced/Difficult/Plus Difficile.

But.....
This is based on classical training and is sometimes based on principles that seem logical but are not logical at all.

So, if you want to be sure; read our reviews or take a look around on the internet. Average is sometimes more difficult as it looks and even Easy or Beginners may require sew techniques that you may not have mastered. The instructions on the Sewing Pattern are sometimes loud and clear.  But sometimes they are not loud and clear at all.

So, if you want to be sure about your skills you need to finish the project from the start till the day you will wear it with glory.... have a helping hand nearby or do not start with a sewing pattern which requires too much dedication, knowledge and advanced couture sewing skills.

4. Know your size. Needless to say... But do realize that size DOES matter.  In a store you can try on different sizes and it is more common that sizes are living their own lives these days because of mass-production and non-global standards.
If you start to sew (and cut the fabric)  there is no way back.  So be sure about your size, or even better:  first create an example-size like they do at the big couture houses. Molton or mousseline fabric is ideal,  or just a cheap fabric you do not use.....

5. Last but not least:  The Fabrics !  Read the Sewing Patterns requirements about the fabric and our reviews. The quantity you need is important ( do not forget to order or buy some extra fabric to create more pockets or self-made fringes), but also the kind of fabric. How a pattern or final result falls depends largely on the type of fabric used. Some patterns are great for tweeds or bouclé. Others are more suitable for wool or wool-blends. If you want to try a fabric which is not mentioned on the sewing pattern; read our reviews first or take a look around on the internet. Sometimes it is a good idea to use a different type of fabric. But more often it is not that good idea to ignore the advices.

On almost every sewing pattern a warning is noted: "Unsuitable for obvious diagonals". Meaning:  it will be a hell of a job to work with fabrics with squares, dots, stripes, shapes, patterns, corners, triangles, lines, diagonals on the pattern etc, to make it visually attractive. It might be work but you need a lot of extra fabrics and have advanced skills to construct the pattern-pieces to match the pattern on the fabric. It is really Haute couture when a checkered or striped jacket looks perfectly visual symmetrical and perfect. Unless it is a big challenge; stick to choosing a fabric which will not be a burden.

On Claire Schaeffer's sewing pattern a warning is noted: "Unsuitable for obvious diagonals or uneven plaids. Allow extra fabric to match even plaids or stripes. Use nap yardages/layouts for pile, shaded or one-way design fabrics."

Meaning: A yardage is a distance or length measured in yards. A fabric with nap is one what usually has a pile and will look different color shades from different angles. Velvet, velour ... Fabric with a one way design will also use the with nap cutting layout, so that the design on the fabric all runs in the same direction on the finished item.

 Know WHICH kind of fabric and HOW MUCH fabric you will need for your Chanel Inspired jacket!

Notes:  Buttons, fringes or adding pockets? Very important but sure we are creative enough to come up with that ourselves.  Choosing the right sewing pattern for the job or project is the most important start. Good luck !

We tested the sewingpattern Vogue V9247.
The sewingpattern is easy and a plain simple open-front shaped jacket. The pattern is ideal for variations and we especially love the long-jacket-variation.

Description:
Vogue V9247, Loose-fitting unlined jacket and vest have length, sleeve, and pocket variations. A: Self-fringe and braid. B: Braid. C: Lace trim. D: Self-fringe and lace trim. F: Self-fringe.

Sewing level:  not mentioned

Fabrics: Lightweight Synthetic Leather and Suede, Ponte Knit and Lightweight Demin

Notions: Bias, trims, lace trims and bindings.

We are enthusiast about these PLUS points:  

• Beautiful fitting easy sleeves.
• Love Model B (the short one) and D (the long one) most. 
• Nice shape, makes you look slimmer and taller.
• Easy pattern.

We are a little disappointed about:

• Unlined; it does not wear comfortable in stiff fabrics.
• The darts in the back gives comfort but also looks a bit cheap on the leather and suede fabrics.
• In Bouclé it could work though...

We created the Model D. long jacket but without the long fringes, as this looks a bit too much of a sort of boho-style. The long jacket is a really easy pattern and great for experimenting with fringes, trims and adding linings.

Creative ideas: trims en fringes.

Extra options:
We tried this pattern with a dark green, but very loose, woolen Bouclé fabric.  We also added a Silk graphic lining and quilted it as in The couture cardigan jacket.

A long jacket (or coat?) to wear all day. To travel. For work.  For the colds evenings during Summer. For indoors: an extra layer.
etc. etc.

This jacket might look a bit cheap on the pattern: but it feels like heaven when you create the pattern and use the quilting style on good (not too cheap!) fabrics like a real great Bouclé and a real Silk lining.

We tested the sewingpattern Vogue V9247.
The sewingpattern is easy and a plain simple open-front shaped jacket. The pattern is ideal for variations and we especially love the long-jacket-variation.

Description:
Vogue V9247, Loose-fitting unlined jacket and vest have length, sleeve, and pocket variations. A: Self-fringe and braid. B: Braid. C: Lace trim. D: Self-fringe and lace trim. F: Self-fringe.

Sewing level:  not mentioned

Fabrics: Lightweight Synthetic Leather and Suede, Ponte Knit and Lightweight Demin

Notions: Bias, trims, lace trims and bindings.

We are enthusiast about these PLUS points:  

• Beautiful fitting easy sleeves.
• Love Model B (the short one) and D (the long one) most. 
• Nice shape, makes you look slimmer and taller.
• Easy pattern.

We are a little disappointed about:

• Unlined; it does not wear comfortable in stiff fabrics.
• The darts in the back gives comfort but also looks a bit cheap on the leather and suede fabrics.
• In Bouclé it could work though...

We created the Model D. long jacket but without the long fringes, as this looks a bit too much of a sort of boho-style. The long jacket is a really easy pattern and great for experimenting with fringes, trims and adding linings.

Creative ideas: trims en fringes.

Extra options:
We tried this pattern with a dark green, but very loose, woolen Bouclé fabric.  We also added a Silk graphic lining and quilted it as in The couture cardigan jacket.

A long jacket (or coat?) to wear all day. To travel. For work.  For the colds evenings during Summer. For indoors: an extra layer.
etc. etc.

This jacket might look a bit cheap on the pattern: but it feels like heaven when you create the pattern and use the quilting style on good (not too cheap!) fabrics like a real great Bouclé and a real Silk lining.

Choosing a good sewingpattern for your new project:
Whether you are an absolute beginner, a hobby seamstress with little experience, or an experienced seamstress, the success of a project often depends on choosing a good pattern. Searching for and choosing a good sewing pattern is always very important. It is not only about WHAT you want to make but also how you will make it.

Which fabric do you need?
Which size do you have?
How much time it will take to finish the project ?  (Last one is important if you are creating some garment for a planned date, party or event...)

A Chanel Inspired Jacket:
You are going to make a Chanel inspired jacket, skirt or other couture classic and you will be orientated before you start.
Very wise.
Therefore, with this step-by-step guide as a practical total-guide and to prevent you from forgetting an important step or thought. It happens too everyone; halfway realize that the project is not what you had in mind, too little fabrics or lining, wrong size, expectations that are too high or a level that unfortunately does not turn out to be feasible. No shame. Just continue with your goal and try to plan and oversee the next project a little better.

Now let's rock and roll:

1. First, think for a moment what you want your Chanel Inspired jacket to be: Tight and formal? Or casual and comfortable? Very important ! Take a look at the reviews first lines or the backside of the sewing pattern-envelop.  If you look for a tight, shaped and slim jacket, then choose a sewing pattern which is "fitted". If you want your Chanel Inspired jacket to be more comfortable, maybe with front-sides open-hanging and a casual appearance; look out for the "semi-fitted" jackets.
Loose fitting is a more comfortable shape, belly freedom and not following the contours of the body closely.
Fitted jackets: Vogue V7975, Burda 6705, Simplicity 1421, McCalls M7058.
Semi-fitted jackets: Vogue V8804, Vogue V8991, Vogue V9095, Butterick B6382, Burda 6465, Burda 8949 and Neue Mode M23079
Loose fitting jacket: Vogue 9250, New Look 6496.


2. What about under-lining? The classic French Chanel jacket is famous mostly because of it's quilted lining, which offers an exclusive sense of movement, freedom and luxury. The "invention" of this jacket was innovative in the time that came after the corsets and the tight clothing code. The jacket gave the wearer a sense of freedom and made sure that it was still chic and exclusive enough to continue as a couture. Anyway, if you want to go for the classic and most exclusive version choose a pattern of Claire Schaeffer which offers the possibility and the instructions to quilt the lining.

Examples: Vogue V8804 en Vogue V8991

The other Chanel Inspired jacket offer the normal standard way of linings. In advanced options, we will talk about quilting linings in other sewing patterns, but as said; it is only an extra option. The sewing pattern is not focused on this process, as above mentioned patterns specific do.

If you prefer a jacket which is not underlined at all: New Look 6496, Burda 8949 and Simplicity 1421

These un-lined jacket are a great options for hot summers or a way to practice and to get to know your most beloved or desired Chanel Inspired Jacket.


3. Skills.  Know your skills about sewing techniques.  It might be a challenge to create a perfect, complicated and advanced Chanel jacket, but realize that it is also very, very frustrating to get stucked in the process because of problems with the required level of your sewing techniques. Sewing Pattern give codes or names for the desired levels in different languages.  Easy/Beginners/Basic/Facile/Very easy, Average/Mittel/Moins Facile or Advanced/Difficult/Plus Difficile.

But.....
This is based on classical training and is sometimes based on principles that seem logical but are not logical at all.

So, if you want to be sure; read our reviews or take a look around on the internet. Average is sometimes more difficult as it looks and even Easy or Beginners may require sew techniques that you may not have mastered. The instructions on the Sewing Pattern are sometimes loud and clear.  But sometimes they are not loud and clear at all.

So, if you want to be sure about your skills you need to finish the project from the start till the day you will wear it with glory.... have a helping hand nearby or do not start with a sewing pattern which requires too much dedication, knowledge and advanced couture sewing skills.


4. Know your size. Needless to say... But do realize that size DOES matter.  In a store you can try on different sizes and it is more common that sizes are living their own lives these days because of mass-production and non-global standards.
If you start to sew (and cut the fabric)  there is no way back.  So be sure about your size, or even better:  first create an example-size like they do at the big couture houses. Molton or mousseline fabric is ideal,  or just a cheap fabric you do not use.....


5. Last but not least:  The Fabrics !  Read the Sewing Patterns requirements about the fabric and our reviews. The quantity you need is important ( do not forget to order or buy some extra fabric to create more pockets or self-made fringes), but also the kind of fabric. How a pattern or final result falls depends largely on the type of fabric used. Some patterns are great for tweeds or bouclé. Others are more suitable for wool or wool-blends. If you want to try a fabric which is not mentioned on the sewing pattern; read our reviews first or take a look around on the internet. Sometimes it is a good idea to use a different type of fabric. But more often it is not that good idea to ignore the advices.

On almost every sewing pattern a warning is noted: "Unsuitable for obvious diagonals". Meaning:  it will be a hell of a job to work with fabrics with squares, dots, stripes, shapes, patterns, corners, triangles, lines, diagonals on the pattern etc, to make it visually attractive. It might be work but you need a lot of extra fabrics and have advanced skills to construct the pattern-pieces to match the pattern on the fabric. It is really Haute couture when a checkered or striped jacket looks perfectly visual symmetrical and perfect. Unless it is a big challenge; stick to choosing a fabric which will not be a burden.

On Claire Schaeffer's sewing pattern a warning is noted: "Unsuitable for obvious diagonals or uneven plaids. Allow extra fabric to match even plaids or stripes. Use nap yardages/layouts for pile, shaded or one-way design fabrics."

Meaning: A yardage is a distance or length measured in yards. A fabric with nap is one what usually has a pile and will look different color shades from different angles. Velvet, velour ... Fabric with a one way design will also use the with nap cutting layout, so that the design on the fabric all runs in the same direction on the finished item.

 Know WHICH kind of fabric and HOW MUCH fabric you will need for your Chanel Inspired jacket!

Notes:  Buttons, fringes or adding pockets? Very important but sure we are creative enough to come up with that ourselves.  Choosing the right sewing pattern for the job or project is the most important start. Good luck !

Almost every woman has a wrap dress. Mainly because it is a very easy  to wear all day. Almost every seamstress has created a wrap dress. Mainly because it is an easy sewingpattern and the result always looks fabulous!

THE wrap dress!
In 1974 Diana von Frustenberg, a Belgian-American designer, invented the wrap dress. It has become an icon-status-dress. For over 40 years now, it is still fashionable, easy to wear and it survived nearly every fashion trend.
Women just love it because it is so easy to wear at work but also during holidays or at the glamping.
Above all: it looks flattering, versatile, and easy to wear for almost every figure.

What is a wrap dress or a wrap skirt?
A wrap dress is a piece of garment which looks like a shawl or stole or other fabric wrapped about the upper body. In case of a skirt: the fabric is wrapped around the lower body.
The fronts are closed by wrapping one side across the other, and knotting the attached ties that wrap around the back at the waist or fastening buttons. This forms a V-shaped neckline and hugs the woman's curves.

And a faux-wrap dress or skirt?
The faux-wrapping is almost the same design except the closure: a faux-wrap dress or skirt it is not open but closed. You need to slip the dress over the head or step in the skirt. The faux-wrap or the normal wrap, are looking exactly the same, but the real wrap-dress is much easier to wear.
All about faux-wrap skirts à la Chanel: The faux-wrap couture skirt.

The wrap dress is a nice clothing item to pack for holidays. It is almost married with beachwear as women love the ‘beach wraps’. The sarongs and towels are worn in the same way as the wrap-dress, but the wrap-dress is a lot more sophisticated.
The wrap-cloting is also a big favorite for balanced sports like yoga. It is easy to put it on or to put it off when you start heating up or you need a cover for the cooling-down last minutes of the sport-session.

A special sewingpattern:
Vogue 1548: Very Easy Diana von Frustenberg Original
We tested the sewingpattern. Although it is not easy to get it in hands, you might have the luck to buy it on an auction site or a marketplace. The pattern is worth a lot!
But of course any other sewingpatterns about the wrapdress, will do the trick as well.

• Butterick 6554,
• Simplicity 8637,
• Vogue 9251,
• See & Sew B6543,
• McCall's 6959,
• Vogue v8379,
• Simplicity Amazing fit 1686
  

The pattern is indeed easy and fit almost every woman’s figure. Use stretch fabrics only!
If you want a plain cotton wrap-dress, better use: Simplicity Amazing fit 1686.

Tip: last but not least, wearing the wrap dress backwards, might be possible but does not look good: the neckline is simply to high-up and looks like it would reach your chin.

Tip: be sure to use a locker for the hems and the seams. It will give the dress a perfect finishing touch.

If you are not able to find this collector's item sewingpattern, there is good news.  There are enough sewingpatterns available which are almost or exactly the same.

Take a look here; we really love for instance Simplicity 8735.

We tested the sewingpattern Simplicity 1067, Model D.
Ánd turned it into a real Chanel-Style long jacket or coat!

This pattern is a fairly simple sewingpattern and very suitable for beginners. The pattern is ideal for applying all kinds of variations: trims, fringes, bindings, 2 or 4 pockets: time to become creative!

Description:
Simplicity 1067,  Misses’ unlined coat or jacket with neckline variations.

Sewing level:  Easy-to-sew

Fabrics: Brocade, Tweeds, Woolblends, Double knits, Fleece.

Notions: Trims, bindings.

We are enthusiast about these PLUS points:    

• The pattern has great seams and therefore good shape.  It is casual but it is easy to adjust the pattern with more darts to become shaped.
• Easy pattern, also suitable for beginners     
• Nice basic pattern to continue experimenting in terms of creative finishes and adding linings according to the sewing couture techniques.   
• The front is easy to adjust for a straight line.
• The pockets half on sidefronts are very nice and easy to make.

We are a little less enthusiast about:

• The length is nice but it should be more comfortable when moving. Splits between the side fronts and back?  
• The sleeves are okay but not much shaped.

We created the jacket in white, Bouclé. We added a lining inlight blue 100% Silk. We transformed the assymetrical front into a straight-line front. This makes it perfect for attaching creative fringes. We made fringes out of the same fabric as the outer-fabric.  And we used a thin ribbon.

Creative ideas: trims en fringes.

Extra options:
We quilted the lining to the outer fabric, according to the couture sewing techniques described in the book: "The Couture Cardigan jacket" by Claire Schaeffer.
This makes the jacket pleasant and comfortable enough to wear as a casual coat or long jacket.

The result: a beautiful, stylish jacket that you can wear all day, both casual and formal.