Ann Williamson

Handmade Designer Women's Apparel

trench coats

In the Middle

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I’m still at it, working on new pieces for the American Craft Council’s annual show in Baltimore.

That pieced “trench coat” from my last post? It was just a pile of fabric scraps then, but is now a recognizable shape.

Many, many little pieces of fabric went into this one.

More for the back and sleeves and it will be ready the show, February 21- 23.

I cannot resist these classic Japanese kimonos. This one was covered with good luck symbols, cranes and pine trees over ocean waves. What could be more Japanese than that?

It’s so satisfying to resurrect these old unwearable kimonos and rearrange the fabrics into a new shape. This one will be a trench coat.

Another new jacket. Can you see it? I’ve finished step one, piecing the blocks. Next I’ll lay them out, piece them together and,

Voila! A jacket!

Not a Trench Coat After All

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I thought it was a trench coat, but this beautiful lady saw different.

With a tweak here and there and the addition of a belt, we can see what it was all along.

It’s a dress.

What good idea!

Below, a snap shot, taken when I thought it was a trench coat. Although now, looking at it with fresh eyes, it does look more like a dress doesn’t it?

Sewn from two beautiful kimono silks. A black, white and red fan design paired with a black with red dots.

My customers! They are so clever! I learn from them every day.

Pieced Coat for Craft2Wear

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For the Smithsonian’s Craft2Wear show coming up in a few weeks, a new trench coat. Pieced from leftovers.

A while ago I went through my piles of scraps and put together a group of white and blue that I pieced into a jacket. I posted pictures of it a few weeks ago. At the same time I had also gathered red, black and white scraps. Those pieces found their way into this trench coat.

Below, in process, the finished parts laid out, the front pieces, sleeves and collar.

‘Mottainai’, a Japanese word which translates to ‘waste nothing,’ it’s not only about frugality, but also about respect and appreciation.

All of us who sew and piece together our scarps know this well. We save every little bit and piece because, you never know, you might need it. It might be small, only a few inches, but it’s the exact and only thing that works. That little piece you’ve saved for all this time is what pulls everything together.

The back.

This and my other coats, jackets, skirts, tops and scarves will be finished in time for Craft2Wear. Preview party Thursday October 3, the show October 4 and 5. See you there!