This was pretty much how I spent the day today – applying trim to my red Chanel jacket. No wonder the custom fit, hand-sewn jackets start at over $20K. I really enjoy stitching by hand, but I am discovering there are definite limits to my enjoyment! I would prefer not to keep count of all the hours invested in this garment, but I can honestly say LOTS.
As of tonight, I have applied all the black (2 rows!) and red trim to the front, neck, and hem edges, and stitched the signature Chanel chain into place along the hem edge. If I am not too grumpy tomorrow I hope to tackle applying the trim and buttons to the sleeves. That will leave only the pockets to design, sew, trim, and apply to the jacket. I am also thinking about adding some beads to the trim, but for sure that will wait for a later day. Enough already!
Back view,with some wonky sleeve hanging-ness. As many times as this jacket has been folded up and carted somewhere it is amazing it looks as good as it does!
  
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Front view, with only slightly less obvious sleeve wonkiness. 🙂
  
And a closeup of the non-traditional silver chain, to go with my black and silver buttons:
Wish me luck, and happy sewing!
Maris Olsen