Cadet Jacket and Styling by Tracey
Pattern, Marfy 3053
Mendel Goldberg wool tweed
Mood Fabrics silk charmeuse
Mokuba silk grosgrain ribbon
M&J Trimming buttons
Photography by Santiago Vanegas
Happy New Year, Everyone! Let’s start the year off with lots of gratitude! I started sewing only a few years ago and I give myself credit for my hard work and dedication. But without a great teacher, it’s easy to spend years and years just spinning your wheels. I’m so lucky that I found Susan Khalje. This jacket is a product of my second Classic French Jacket workshop with Susan. She has an incredible way of meeting you at your skill level and then somehow gently challenging you to go beyond your comfort zone. Then before you know it, you have a beautifully made garment. Besides Susan’s grace, expertise, and patience, she is a master of fit and I credit her with the fact that this jacket is like a second skin. The fit is insane!! I am so overjoyed with how this jacket turned out. It definitely wasn’t simple. It has 20 pattern pieces, for heaven’s sake and that doesn’t even include the lining! Because the seaming is such a strong element to the jacket, selecting the right fabric was of the utmost importance. I chose a simple tweed that would really show off the seams, and then went for a bold color with the ribbon trim and picked statement buttons. I had been fantasizing for a while about making a military coat and this jacket was perfect for those military stripes that I had been dreaming about. Whenever I have the opportunity to work with Susan, I always try to pick a project with a number of elements that I’ve never tried before. And this jacket certainly added to my skill set. It was the best kind of challenge and well worth the effort.
For more information about Susan Khalje, please visit susankhalje.com
Next up: Sunday, January 11, Courtney’s Opera Coat
Oh, Tracy. Your jacket is every bit as gorgeous as I knew it would be. And you are so right — the fit is simply amazing! BTW, congratulations on the launch of your blog. I look forward to following you!
Thank you Cissie! I hope we are sewing together soon!
What a gorgeous jacket, Tracey! And you aren’t kidding about the fit– it’s cut beautifully. I especially love the ribbon trim on the sleeves. You are clearly very talented and determined. Kudos to your teacher and to you!
(Btw, is this the jacket you were telling me about that has an interesting lining?)
Thanks Katherine! Actually, the jacket with the interesting lining is a different one. I’ll be posting that one, too. Stay tuned!
Wow! Your creativity gift is now making beautiful clothing. Does not surprise me at all Tracey. The jacket is gorgeous.
Thanks Kelli! I really appreciate the compliment! This new creative venture has brought me so much joy and I feel so fortunate that I have found something that I love so much.
The jacket is amazing…but the photos of your are even more gorgeous. I’m so glad I’ll get to follow your blog. I’m glad to reconnect…virtually. I’ve been thinking about taking a sewing class for a while. I wish I could find someone in Houston as talented as your friend.
I’m so excited…I just checked Susan Khalje’s website and she has a class in August in Houston! Now I have to see if I can find a friend that would want to try it with me. How much do I need to learn between now and August?
Hey Amanda! So good to here from you! To answer your question, I think that the best thing to do is get in touch with Susan directly. Let her know what skills you already have and let her advise you on the best plan. For me, I think that I had been sewing about a year when I attended my first workshop with Susan. I knew how to follow a pattern and make a muslin. If you are interested in learning to sew, please follow that desire. I can’t even describe in words how happy I am creating clothing.
Amanda – I am an old friend of Tracy’s and have just moved to Houston. I would love to do a sewing course with someone. I will check out these classes further. Margaret
Hi Tracy – I love the jacket. I too love sewing and have done it on and off for many years, but only for the home as in curtains and pillows. I have wanted to go to next level. My mother always inspired me as she can do anything it seems in her sewing. I need a new machine though. Any recommendations? What do you use? I’ve looked at the Berninas. I am so excited to see your blog and will be perusing it further. I am inspired!! Just moved back to US btw as of last week. Let’s catch up further – I will send you my details. Xx Margaret
Hey Margaret! So glad that you are stateside again. And yes, I would love to connect! As for a machine, I just received a Bernina from my mom for Christmas. Wahoo! I haven’t used it yet (It’s still in the box waiting for the kids to get back in school) but I’m told by all my friends that working on a Bernina is a dream. I’ll get back to you about my experience, but I have a feeling I’m gonna love it.
Hi Tracey, Thanks for the email about the blog. It’s beautiful. The last time we met, you were working on your uber slinky, liquid gold charmeuse drape dress.
There is a Swoon Alert out on your jacket. It is fabulous.
Looking forward to more posts!
You have such great style Tracey. The jacket is just so you. Who wouldn’t enjoy wearing it. Looking forward to seeing all your next creations.
Tracey – yet another talent that I had heard of but not yet seen before. The jacket is absolutely gorgeous and it shows off your skills so well. Can not wait to see your next creation!