It was fun to design and wear the Rodeo Cowgirl Jacket featured on It's Sew Easy TV. This jacket is featured on series 1000, the current series running on PBS television. Simply click on the WESTERN WEAR image above to watch this episode on demand on the KS Productions YouTube channel.
Detailed instructions for this jacket can be found on the It's Sew Easy website but I thought you might like to learn even more about the "making" of this jacket.
Where on earth would you find a jacket like this in ready to wear? It would take a lot of hunting to get anything similar, let alone find the right size, in the right color, at the right price. That's precisely why the following statement rings so true . . . “When you sew you can have what you want, when you want it, how you want it!” This denim jacket is a great example of the satisfaction and sense of achievement that's possible when you make full use of your sewing and embroidery machine.
Where on earth would you find a jacket like this in ready to wear? It would take a lot of hunting to get anything similar, let alone find the right size, in the right color, at the right price. That's precisely why the following statement rings so true . . . “When you sew you can have what you want, when you want it, how you want it!” This denim jacket is a great example of the satisfaction and sense of achievement that's possible when you make full use of your sewing and embroidery machine.
Western fashion is a favorite of mine. While I have never had the opportunity to attend a real rodeo it is on my "someday" list of things to do and see. I readily admit that I've always been a huge fan of western wear. I love the boots, bandanas, big buckles, embroidered embellishments, horse motifs, pearlized snaps, and just about any denim or chambray article of clothing that's been treated with a big dose of topstitching!!!
So, where do you start when you are dreaming of dressing up in denim? I knew I needed a pattern with the look of authenticity, so I selected pattern #242 from Folkwear.com.
This unique pattern company fills a niche in the pattern world by providing up to date patterns with a multitude of ethnic and historical fashions, along with patterns that fit into categories best defined as classic, timeless clothing. Kate Matthews, at the center of the Folkwear team, believes that her collection is ideal for nurturing creativity in contemporary sewing enthusiasts. I wholeheartedly agree, adding that they are the perfect canvas for embellishment with embroidery as well as other decorative machine techniques.
Look at all the opportunities for embellishment presented here . . . yokes, collars, cuffs, pockets . . . they all beg for added interest! The possibilities are endless, whether it's embroidery & decorative stitching, or even trims such as piping, fringe, rhinestones, or studs. I chose the route of embellishment with machine embroidery and decorative stitches.
I have a hefty stash of denim and pulled out a long length of soft, six-ounce true blue indigo yardage I have been hoarding for some time. Now to pick out a decorative thread. When it comes to adding interest to a plain piece of fabric even the color of thread is important. Thinking it would be nice to wear this with a chambray skirt I auditioned several spools and then picked one with the right blue "hue" and intensity. Selecting a single color for all the decorative stitching makes it easy to create an outfit that has some symmetry, yet the jacket is still neutral enough to wear with other denim separates like jeans.
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The belt was the first detail I focused on. I wanted something striking yet simple. After playing a bit at the machine I settled on this strip embellished with decorative embroidery stitches built-in to the Brother Dream Machine. It's a combination of a zig zag motif and a line of stitches called candle wicking knots. Candle wicking knots are raised stitches that mimic a popular hand worked embroidery stitch. In this case it is all part of the built in design menu. Embroidery with a border hoop using a few magic tools in the Dream machine's embroidery mode make for a perfect, foolproof border design.
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The next design details to conquer were the pocket flaps and sleeve cuffs. My desire for a coordinated look led me to use a matching candle wicking stitch created using the Brother exclusive My Custom Stitch™ feature on the sewing side of the machine. The ability to create custom decorative stitches is built-in to many Brother model machines and it's astonishingly easy to do!
My friend Sharon Taylor developed this stitch for Brother. You can visit the Brother website to download coordinates to make your own by visiting the archive section of Brothersews My Custom Stitch™ free design collection. Click on the image above for the candle wicking instructions. You'll find even more stitch coordinates to download for free.
There is a newly introduced Candle Wicking presser foot that's designed specifically for this type of stitch.
Check your machine for candle wicking stitches that may be built in.
My next thought was why not make covered buttons to match?!? In reality, I planned on adding snaps but when I got home from shopping I realized what I thought was navy blue in store lighting turn out to be black and obviously not a good match. Has that ever happened to you? Considering it an opportunity for creativity, plan "B" went into effect. I stitched a few rows of strength situate and added on e decorative row on a circle sized for the covered buttons. Covered buttons are an easily solution when you can't find a good match with standard buttons. They are really easy to make and can add the perfect custom touch to make a stand out garment!
Interested in learning more about making embellished covered buttons? CLICK HERE to download a Free tip sheet. !
Please stay tuned for part two of Designing Denim with Added Western Flair. I have much more to share with you!
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