A very big, snuggly collar to wrap around your shoulders,
it’s destined for a mid-length, loose and comfortable coat.
The picture below shows squares of silk pinned in place, ready to be basted and then appliquéd.
The silks I used for the squares are leftovers from this pieced jacket sewn from an old kimono with traditional images of cranes, pine trees, cherry blossoms and persimmons.
I saved every little scrap of this gorgeous fabric, just enough for appliqués for the coat collar.
I love how the images become abstracted after they’re cut into little pieces. They are no longer a crane or a pine tree, but have been deconstructed into unrecognizable shapes and patterns.
Sitting inside hand stitching on a cold and blustery day, the radio on, a cup tea by my side, not a bad way to spend my time. Not bad at all.
Big Collar
November 4, 2018
Ann Williamson, Designer
8 Comments
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Ann Williamson, Designer
It’s your patience that blows me away. I’m a reasonably patient sewer – I take the time to fix a seam, or readjust the position of a pocket. But I can’t imagine myself first basting, then appliquéing such tiny pieces of fabric to anything. Go girl!
Thank You!
I may have patience for sewing little pieces of fabric but very little for socks on the floor or long waits at the dmv.
This looks like fun way to spend some quiet time. My question is: Do you turn all the edges under or leave the raw edges? I do like the way you’ve basted them onto the base. I hope you post pics of the finished collar. Thanks.
Yes, I do iron all the seams under before I pin and baste. That way I can see exactly how the spacing will look when it’s finished.
I’ve tried appliqueing little squares and it’s not that easy! Something always goes askew. I suspect the type of fabric being used makes a huge difference. Your work is glorious, thank you for sharing photos every week.
Yes! Fabric has a mind of its own. You can see in the close up picture how the basted pieces are not exactly square. When I sew them down I’ll adjust so they’re more ‘square’. Still, despite my efforts, sometimes my first try fails. When that happens, I’ll go back and re-adjust any that are noticeably off.
I can’t wait to see the finished coat! What an inspiration!
Thank You Judith! Yes, I’ll definitely post a picture when it’s finished.