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in French Jacket Sew Along, Uncategorized &middot August 5, 2023

The Timeless Allure of French Jackets

The French Jacket

When it comes to fashion, few cultures possess the intrinsic sense of elegance and sophistication quite like the French. Throughout history, the French have been revered as trendsetters, and their sartorial contributions continue to influence the world of fashion today. Among their iconic contributions, French jackets stand tall as timeless pieces that epitomize both elegance and style. From the legendary Chanel suit to the immaculate tailoring of Haute Couture houses, French jackets have an enduring allure that captivates fashion enthusiasts worldwide. 

WikiCommons
WikiCommons

Historically, the French have been celebrated for their attention to detail and craftsmanship, and this is evident in the development of jackets throughout the ages. The 18th-century French court saw the rise of the frock coat, which evolved into the tailored, cinched-waist jackets we know today. The late 19th century marked a turning point with Coco Chanel’s groundbreaking designs that revolutionized women’s fashion. Her iconic Chanel suit featured a boxy jacket with slimming lines. Chanel’s jackets were designed to be both practical and stylish, and they quickly became a favorite among fashion-forward women. Today, the French jacket is still a popular choice for women who want to add a touch of sophistication to their wardrobe.

French jackets are often made from tweed, wool, or silk, and they are typically finished with luxurious details such as crochet trim, satin piping, grosgrain ribbon, or mother-of-pearl buttons. There are many different styles of French jackets available, so there is sure to be one that is perfect for you. If you are looking for a classic, timeless piece, then a tweed jacket is a great option. Tweed jackets are versatile and can be dressed up or down, and they will never go out of style. If you are looking for something a little more dressy, then a silk jacket is a good choice. Silk jackets are elegant and sophisticated, and they are perfect for special occasions. 

The Sew-Along

Over the next 10 weeks, we are thrilled to embark on a collaborative journey with you, guiding and supporting you every step of the way to create your perfect French jacket. Our focus will be on fostering an inclusive atmosphere, where we discuss pattern choices, fabric selections, sourcing notions, mastering essential techniques, and the intricacies of construction.

Events will be held online and in person from August until October. Throughout this adventure, our team is here to work alongside you, ensuring your vision for the French jacket becomes a reality. We’ll engage in lively discussions, share valuable insights, and exchange ideas to inspire and empower one another.

Here are some tips for choosing your perfect French jacket:

  • Consider the fabric. French jackets are traditionally made from tweed, but they can also be made from other fabrics, such as wool, cotton, silk, or denim. The fabric you choose will depend on your personal style and the occasion you will be wearing the jacket for.
  • Think about the silhouette. French jackets come in a variety of silhouettes. If you want a classic look, then choose a jacket with a boxy silhouette. If you want a more fitted look, then choose a jacket with a tailored silhouette.
  • Pay attention to the details. French jackets are known for their luxurious details, such as the three-quarter length sleeves and the shawl collar. Look for a jacket that has details that you love.

We hope to help you explore your personal style in the context of the French jacket. We still want your project to be reflective of you. By playing with texture, color, proportion, and construction, we aim to help you create a unique piece that reflects your individuality.

Related

Next Post: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Sewing Pattern and Fabric for Your Jacket »

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Chicago Sews is an inclusive Meetup social group for all sewist from novice to pro. Learn from and laugh with other sewist from the Chicagoland area.

Mending and MORE! 🧵💙 Our first Mend-a-Thon was a s Mending and MORE! 🧵💙 Our first Mend-a-Thon was a success! We were so happy to see sewists actively stitching well-loved garments into a second life. From jacket sleeves, pants hems, jeans pockets, and even bedsheets… a stitch or two of love is all it takes to make an impact and prevent textile waste. 🪡 HUGE thanks to @blacksewingnetwork and @cagreinvented for having the vision and the heart to bring together a number of sewing organizations from across (and outside) the country for one unified purpose: SEWING FOR GOOD! ⭐️ 👏 Already can’t wait for next year’s repeat!
#mending #sewing #communityservice
🚨🧵💣🔥 JUST ANNOUNCED!! We’re wrapping up our Tren 🚨🧵💣🔥 JUST ANNOUNCED!! 

We’re wrapping up our Trenched in Style sew-along with an afternoon of community, conversation, and celebration at Time Out Market! 

Join us for a relaxed in-person meet-up where sewists from near and far can show off their finished trench coats (or any projects in progress!), share stories from the journey, and capture a few photos to mark the moment.

Whether you joined the sew-along from the start or are just curious to see what everyone’s been working on, this is your chance to connect with fellow makers, get inspired, and close out the season surrounded by creativity and good company.

Can’t make it in person? We’d still love to see your creations — share your looks and tag us on social media using #TrenchedInStyle.

Grab your trench🧥, grab a friend, and come celebrate what we’ve made together!

✨Can't wait to see you!✨ 

#chicagosews #TrenchedInStyle #Sewlabration #sewcializing
Amplifying the fashion voices of the Latino, Afric Amplifying the fashion voices of the Latino, African, and African-American cultures, Chicago-based designers brought their creations to the Culture xChange runway on last Saturday.  Bravo to @peopleofculture_events for a spectacular event and special congratulations to @ChicagoSews’ members @ziaireofficial and @pcstudiony on their brilliant showcases!
We’re thrilled to celebrate a huge milestone — Chi We’re thrilled to celebrate a huge milestone — Chicago Sews has officially reached 1,000 followers! Whether you’ve joined us for a meetup, shared your latest make, or simply cheered us on from your sewing space, your creativity and connection have made this community what it is today.

From our first stitch to this milestone moment, your support keeps us sewing, sharing, and growing together. Here’s to every project, every meet-up, and every new friend we’ve made along the way.

Let’s keep creating, connecting, and celebrating handmade in Chicago!

Happy Making, 
Your Chicago Sews Team

#ChicagoSews
✨ You’re Invited to Chicago Sews’ Mend-A-Thon! ✨ W ✨ You’re Invited to Chicago Sews’ Mend-A-Thon! ✨
We are teaming up with @blacksewingnetwork and other sewing groups across the country to bring you our first ever Day of Service! Let us stitch, repair, and give your clothes a second chance! 

📅 Date: Saturday, November 13th
📍 Where: Skokie Public Library
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM CST

We’re excited to participate in Black Sewing Network’s Nationwide Charitable Sewing Day! Join Chicago Sews for our first ever community service event! 🧵 Bring along your well-loved clothes that need a little TLC — whether it’s a missing button, a small tear, or a loose seam, we’ll help you bring them back to life.

👕 Examples of What to Bring:

Shirts with loose or missing buttons (bring your buttons)
Pants with busted belt loops that need secured
A small blanket with a hole that needs patching
Jackets with worn or torn seams
A ripped pillowcase
Any basic wearable item that could use a stitch or two of love

🎉 Why Come?

Reduce waste & save your favorite clothes
Connect with neighbors and friends
You’ve been putting off “find a seamstress” long enough
Indulge our sewists’ itch-to-stitch and creativity!

What’s more? It’s free! Just bring your items and a smile. We’ll provide basic supplies, fabric remnants, our sewing machines, and the experience to restore your items to “good as new”. 😊

Let’s come together, stitch by stitch, to build a more sustainable (and stylish!) community!

🪡 RSVP via the “Event Sign-up” link in bio.
🪡 And sewists, you’re welcome to BYOM and work on your own personal projects as well.

Hope to see you!
Don’t have time to make a trench coat? Thrift up, Don’t have time to make a trench coat?  Thrift up, dust off, or bust down with items in your stash!  Grab some fabric scraps, appliqués, vinyl pieces, patches, yarn, fabric paint, whatever!  Let your imagination run wild and have fun because it’s FALL Y’ALL! 🍂🧥🍁 #inspo #trenchcoat #trenchedinstyle #chicagosews #sewalong
🚨🧵💣🔥 JUST ANNOUNCED!! Join SIP & SEW - our month 🚨🧵💣🔥 JUST ANNOUNCED!! 

Join SIP & SEW - our monthly social hour this Friday, and get-ta-stitchin!! Join SIP & SEW - our monthly social hour this Friday, and get-ta-stitchin!! 

How are those trench coats shaping up?? We wanna seeee 👀

If you’ve never attended our Sip & Sew events, you’ll find that they are very low-key and casual. Most attendees are sitting at their machines, cutting away at fabric (and/or patterns), or perhaps hand-stitching a project. 

The conversations are always lively and engaging, and we hope you’ll join! Bring whatever you’re currently working on, your drink of choice, and come hang out with us. This is a free virtual event and open to anyone, whether you’re living in Chicagoland or not. Hope to see you! 

Event sign-up 🔗 in bio! 

#trenchedinstyle #chisews #sewcialists #sewamazing
👀Looking for something trench-adjacent?? 🧥 Check o 👀Looking for something trench-adjacent?? 🧥 Check out @helens__closet #Ponajacket! It’s currently part of the Fall 🍁 sale at 25% off, so grab this PDF right now because the sale ends on Oct 28th!  And don’t forget to tag us on your makes!  We’re looking 👀for you! 😊🧵
#trenchedinstyle #trenchcoat #sewalong #chicagosews
🍂🍁 IT’S FALL Y’ALL! We thought we'd share these go 🍂🍁 IT’S FALL Y’ALL! We thought we'd share these gorgeous images of trench coats in order to warm you up. 

Images shown: 

1) The Uniform Trench Coat by FRAME (Berdorf-Goodman) 

2) Floral Print Cotton Twill Trench Coat by ERDEM 

3) Trench via Vogue.com 

4) Aoife Showerproof Trench Coat (Barbour) 

5) Trench via Vogue.com 

6) Trench via ModaOperandi.com 

7) Short Greta Showerproof Trench Coat (Barbour) 

8) Multi Coloured Floral Trench Coat with Overszed Faux Fur Collar by JAYLEY 

9) Another Tomorrow (Moda Operandi) 

10) Yellow Faux Suede Animal Print Trench Coat by JAYLEY 

Swipe for even more inspo. Tap the Milanote link in our description to see all these beauties AND links to patterns.

Update us on your own #TrenchedInStyle progress in the comments. ↓
Our POV snippets from last night’s @rewoven.runway Our POV snippets from last night’s @rewoven.runway show at @mhubchicago! Wonderful event showcasing local designers’ sustainable styles, giving textiles a 2nd (and in some cases, a 3rd) life! 💙🧵 We were thrilled to support our very own Princess Crumpton and her brand @pcstudiony! Kudos to all of these talented creatives and hats off to @nicolecruiz, @house_of_quinones, and the @aibichicago teams for executing a spectacular showcase!

Designers:
@dearborndenim 
@indyvinclothing 
@noliajames 
@productionmode 
@fundaesoles 

#chicagofashionweek @thechicagofashionweek #chicagosews #chicagofashionweek2025 @looperaorg @miathemaker
We’re heading to Skokie Library for this month's i We’re heading to Skokie Library for this month's in-person #TrenchedInStyle MeetUp!

This is an open sew, BYOM (bring your own machine) event! Bring your trench coat project, and let’s sew together. And even if you’re not on the sew-along train, come anyway! It’s always a good time getting together to sew, cut out patterns, get opinions, hand-baste, whatever!

As per usual, we will “sewcialize”, enjoy vittles and beverages! Come hang - it’s free, but a $5 donation will be happily accepted.

🪡Location: Skokie Library | 5215 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 

🪡Time: 1:00 pm

🪡What To Bring: Your own machine, project supplies, and extension cord and/or power strip

🪡What Will Be Provided: Iron, ironing mat, cutting mat, and snacks

Hope to see you!! Cheers!
It's #chicagosews 's first ever #Plaidurday! Not It's #chicagosews 's first ever #Plaidurday! 

Not only do we love using plaid in our coziest creations, but we think it would look fabulous as a trench coat 🧥 (or accessory--we're looking at you, @burberry 🧣🍂)! 

Will YOU be using plaid in any of your upcoming makes? ✂️🧵

Let us know in the comments!

 #sewcial #weloveplaid #trenchedinstyle
We’re kicking off our Fall sew-along - the TRENCH We’re kicking off our Fall sew-along - the TRENCH COAT! Grab your drink and pop in our monthly virtual MeetUp to get all the details! 

#chicagosews #sewalong #TrenchedinStyle #sewcial
We’re having cocktails and conversations in celebr We’re having cocktails and conversations in celebration of this collaborative sew-along!! 

Join us as we chat up fabric, patterns, design details, and all the sewing things to get you excited and inspired to make the trench of your dreams. Whether it’s a trench-inspired dress, a cropped couture style, or the classic silhouette that’s giving 🕵️‍♀️, you can’t go wrong with the endless possibilities of a trench coat.

The next 9 weeks will be jam-packed with both virtual and in-person events so everyone can join in, no matter where you are 🌎!

Now’s your chance to make a timeless statement piece, and sewing together makes it even more special! 

What kind of fabric do YOU think makes the best trenchcoat lining? Let us know in the comments!
💥✂️🧵

#chicagosews #trenchedinstyle #sewalong #sewcial
READY TO MAKE YOUR STYLE SING IN THE RAIN??!! 🧥 READY TO MAKE YOUR STYLE SING IN THE RAIN??!! 

🧥 Join the #TrenchedinStyle sew-along and get ready to make yourself a beautifully chic barrier against the cold, wet fall!! The next 9 weeks will be jammed packed with #Meetup events (both virtual and in-person) and open for all to participate (even if you’re not in the host cities). 

Swipe ➡️ to catch a glimpse of what's planned and keep your eyes peeled for more details! ☂️🧵🪡 

Drop a 🧥 in the comments if you plan on making your own super stylish trenchcoat with us!

#sewcial #cstrenchedinstyle #sewalong
What's the weather looking like for the next coupl What's the weather looking like for the next couple months?? Rainy!! We expect to see showers of pins fall and hear the pitter-pattering of sewing machines hard at work as trenchcoat after trenchcoat come together!

Welcome to this year's collaborative sew-along: #TrenchedInStyle!

We are super excited to take this 9-week journey together, full of both virtual and in-person events for everyone to join in, no matter where you are!

Kicking off this sew-along is Chicago Sews's monthly in-person event, BYOM, during which we'll be picking out patterns and fabrics, talking all about this collab and getting excited about the full lineup of events. 

Now’s your chance to design a trench that’s all about you and your unique style. Don’t get caught in the rain—this sew-along is going to keep you warm and dry! 🤩💥✂️🧵

Visit our Meetup page (link in bio) to attend this weekend's event or describe your dream trenchcoat in the comments!

#cstrenchedinstyle #sewcial #trenchcoat  #chicagosews
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 Get ready for the #TrenchedInS 🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

Get ready for the #TrenchedInStyle Sew-Along, a fantastic collaboration between @ChicagoSews and @wesewaustin ! 

Launching at the end of September, this Sew-Along will offer both virtual and in-person events so everyone can join in, no matter where you are, starting with this month's BYOM! Visit Chicago Sews's MeetUp page for more details, linked in our bio.

For our Insiders, the virtual ‘Frockroom’ and Discord will be THE virtual spaces where you can connect with fellow sewers, share your progress, and get inspiration and support every step of the way. Now’s your chance to make a timeless statement piece that's perfect for fall! 🍂 

Don’t miss out on the fun—name your favorite trenchcoat pattern or drop your inspo pic in the comments! 💥✂️🧵

#chicagosews #trenchedinstyle #sewalong #sewcial
Chicago Sews is kicking off our annual sew-along w Chicago Sews is kicking off our annual sew-along with an Open Sew on Saturday, September 27th from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM at the Bucktown/Wicker Park Library!

🧵 This year’s sew-along project is the trench coat — a wardrobe classic that invites creativity. Whether you want to make a polished full-length coat, experiment with a cropped or sleeveless version, or add unique details to reflect your personal style, this is your chance to get started.

🧵 Our BYOM (bring your own machine) Open Sew is the perfect place to begin. New sewists will find encouragement, helpful advice, and a supportive space to learn, while returning sewists can reconnect with friends and share inspiration as we all dive into this year’s project together.

🧵 And don’t worry — even if you’re not ready to commit to the trench coat sew-along, you’re still welcome to join us! Bring any project you’re working on, or just come for the community and conversation.

🧵 Bring your sewing supplies, choose your pattern (or bring your own project), and join us for a morning of creativity and connection. Together, we’ll launch another year of making that highlights both skill and style.

👉 RSVP on Meetup to save your spot and be part of the kickoff!

Happy Sewing!
Hew Sewists!! 🗣️ We’re adding a little something ✨ Hew Sewists!! 🗣️ We’re adding a little something ✨new✨ to our Sip & Sew! 👏 

Got extra fabric you’ll never use? Duplicate tools? Notions collecting dust? Let’s swap instead of shop!

Join us for our first ever Mini VIRTUAL Fabric & Sewing Supplies Swap: ✨🧵

Date: Fri, Sept 5th
Time: 6:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online via Google Meet (head to Event Signup in Linktree for 🔗)

As we gear up for Fall sewing, here’s a chance to get in that stash and see what’s no longer in the plans for you. Why not offer it up? This virtual swap is a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your stash, connect with fellow makers, and find new-to-you treasures for your next project.

🪡 Here’s how it works:
1.	Gather your gently used or unused fabric, thread, notions, tools, patterns—anything sewing-related!
2.	Show & Share your items during the live Google Meet session. (You’ll need to have your camera turned on, obvs 😊)
3.	Swap – connect with swappers in the chat to arrange pickup of your trades to any takers.

💬 BONUS: Stick around for news 🗞️ about our annual sew-along, upcoming events, and creative inspiration from fellow sewists!

Let’s trade, connect, and make room for creativity—together! 💌

#SewingSwap #DestashTogether #SewcialEvent #SewingCommunity #FabricSwap #ChicagoSews
We had the most magical day at the @chicagobotanic We had the most magical day at the @chicagobotanic garden! 🌿🌸✨ The beauty of the seasonal exhibit took our breath away — it was like walking through a living tapestry. The colors, textures, and patterns in nature reminded us so much of what we love most about sewing and fabric design. 🌼🧵 From the delicate veining on petals to the bold symmetry of leaves, inspiration was everywhere. Nature truly is the original patternmaker! 💚🌱 Speaking of pattern-making, @fieldandgardner enlightened us with her thorough explanation of employing plants and seeds to create dyes and stunning prints on textile.  Her work is exquisite!  Thank you Kristin!  The fashion students’ upcycling projects were right up our wheelhouse and so cool to see up close and in person.  Check out the #PatternedByNature exhibit before ends!!
 #BotanicGardens #NatureInspires #FabricLovers #SewingInspiration #PatternPlay #ChicagoSews
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