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in French Jacket Sew Along &middot September 17, 2023

Find Your Guide: Sewing Resources for Your French Jacket

Using appropriate reference resources when sewing a jacket is essential for achieving a successful and professional outcome. These resources can encompass various forms, such as tutorials, books, and online guides. Sewing a jacket involves intricate techniques like setting sleeves, attaching collars, and making buttonholes. Reference resources offer step-by-step guidance, helping you master these skills and produce a well-constructed garment.

These resources are wonderful for providing design inspiration. They also offer various design options, from classic to trendy, inspiring creativity and customization, allowing you to add your personal touch to the jacket. You’ll spend less time troubleshooting issues and more time sewing, resulting in quicker, higher-quality projects.

Books are some of our favorite resources. Thrift Books, Discover Books, and Abe Books are a few wonderful online resources that you can use to expand your personal library. If you aren’t in the market to buy, your local library may have an expanse of books to help you through your project. Click here for a list of some of our favorite books.

Quality resources also provide insights into the finishing touches. Perfecting techniques like seam finishes and lining insertion, give your jacket a polished, high-end appearance. They are invaluable for troubleshooting challenges or mistakes during the sewing process, helping you avoid frustration and achieve a satisfying result. For particularly finicky steps, visual guides may help the most. Youtube has a wealth of how-to’s at a variety of levels.

Ultimately, whether you’re a novice or an experienced seamstress, using appropriate reference resources when sewing a jacket boosts your sewing confidence. Knowing you have reliable guidance at your fingertips reduces anxiety and encourages you to take on more complex projects, making your jacket-sewing journey a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Happy Making

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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.

This Saturday, join Chicago Sews as we take our fi This Saturday, join Chicago Sews as we take our first field trip of the year! 

We're headed to @msichicago to get inspired by @paultazewell and the art of #craftingcharacter . We hope to see you there.

This event is an Insider Perk, which means that if you're already a Chicago Sews Insider, then your ticket is FREE 🎉

If you're interested in becoming an Insider, tap the link 🔗 in our bio. Otherwise, be sure to purchase your ticket in advance via Griffin MSI's website. 

You won't want to miss the chance to see the incredible garments on display! 

#sewingfieldtrip #vip #CSInsiderPerk
🚨🧵💣 Join SIP & SEW - our monthly social hour this 🚨🧵💣 Join SIP & SEW - our monthly social hour this Friday, and get-ta-stitchin!! 

It's National Quilting Month, and we've been busy making jackets, cozy quilts, and even group quilt projects! 

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 try to make every moment as welcoming and engaging as possible! 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! 

#nationalquiltingmonth #chisews #sewcialists #sewamazing
February flew by, and so did our second BYOM of th February flew by, and so did our second BYOM of the year! If you missed this one, don't worry; the next one will be here before you know it. 

In the meantime, here's a recap, narrated by one of our organizers, @alishasparks_ 🪡💙🧵 

#sewcialists #sewingtogether #craftingcommunity #chicagosewists
Our first event of the year has already come and g Our first event of the year has already come and gone!

We sewed, we sewcialized, and we even finished a couple of projects. We were so happy to see sewists actively stitching so many fun, new projects to ring in the new year.

With snazzy palazzo pants, intricate smocking samplers, and even snuggly quilts, we have inspired each other to create ALL THE THINGS this year. 

⭐👆✂️🧵🪡 

Look out for our next BYOM in February. We hope to see you there! (Details on Meetup--link is in our description as always!) 

#chisews #sewcialists #sewamazing
We’re starting the year with shared making and goo We’re starting the year with shared making and good company! 

Chicago Sews’ first Bring Your Own Machine (BYOM) of the year is a relaxed morning of sewing and conversation. Join us Saturday, January 10 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Austin & Irving Library for a free, open-to-everyone sewing session. Bring your machine (optional), a project you’re ready to move forward, and come sew with us.
We’re kicking off 2026 the best way we know how — We’re kicking off 2026 the best way we know how — together. 

Join us this Friday for our first Sip & Sew of 2026, a relaxed, welcoming space to ease back into the rhythm of making. Bring whatever you’re working on (or just dreaming about), your favorite beverage, and settle in for an evening of sewing, conversation, and community.

Whether you’re carrying over a project from last year or starting fresh, this Sip & Sew is all about reconnecting, catching up, and setting the tone for a year of making alongside community. We’d love to see you there.
Today is the last day to become a Chicago Sews Ins Today is the last day to become a Chicago Sews Insider for 2026.

If Chicago Sews has helped you find community, stay inspired, or keep showing up at your sewing table, this is your moment to step a little closer in.

Your Insider membership supports the events, virtual spaces, and connections that make this community what it is — and gives you access to insider-only perks all year long.

 Join us and sew into 2026 with intention. Link in bio to sign up.
Friends, this holiday season, we’re so grateful fo Friends, this holiday season, we’re so grateful for every stitch, seam, and collaboration we’ve shared with you. From our talented sewists to our wonderful vendor partners and fellow sewing groups outside of Chicago, you’ve helped make this year truly something special. 🧵🎄

May your days be filled with joy, your projects come together smoothly, and your bobbins stay full. Wishing you a Christmas wrapped in creativity, warmth, and a little extra thread for the year ahead.

Thank you for being part of our community—we can’t wait to keep sewing alongside you in the new year.

With warm wishes and happy stitching!

Love,
Your Chicago Sews Team
🎄🧵
Making connections, building community, and having Making connections, building community, and having an early sneak peek 👀 at @fabriksocialspaces new Chicago home in River North!  Opening in January’26! #community #sewingtogether
Our 2025 Chicago Sews Insider Membership is open! Our 2025 Chicago Sews Insider Membership is open! 

Whether you're here for connection, creativity, or the joy of sewing in community, joining as an Insider directly supports the mission of Chicago Sews—your membership helps fund the programming and resources that keep our work accessible to everyone.

Insiders also enjoy year-round perks—our private Discord community, exclusive shopping opportunities, local discounts, extended Frockroom hours, and special events crafted just for you.

When you join, you’re not just sewing with us—you’re sustaining the community we all love.

If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the perfect time. Let’s make 2025 our most connected, creative year yet. 

Sincerely, 
Your Chicago Sews Team
Attention all Insiders! ✨️ It's time to say goodb Attention all Insiders! ✨️

It's time to say goodbye to the year and hello to new fabric and ribbons! Join us on December 14th for an exclusive opportunity to touch, feel, and shop the exquisite collections of @c.pauli.nature_official and Kafka Ribbons. Both companies will come to us, giving us a unique opportunity to shop directly with them. 🎀

If you are a @chicagosews Insider, then you are already included on the guest list. 

Those who can not attend can still participate! Simply:

1. check out the @meetup invitation to access links to both shops (make sure to mark yourself as not attending!) 
2. browse and decide what you'd like to order 
3. send your order to us at chisews@gmail.com.

We'll be sure to include you in the group order and let you know if we need any additional information. 

We can't wait to share this exclusive experience with you! 🧵🪡🕺
We’re wrapping up 2025 with our final in-person ev We’re wrapping up 2025 with our final in-person event of the year — and it’s a festive one! 

Join us for A Very Merry Craftmas Swap Party at Blackstone Library. The star of the show is fabric — bring cuts, yardage, or bundles you’re ready to pass on. We also welcome all kinds of sewing notions, tools, and even machines if you’re looking to rehome them.

It’s a joyful way to declutter, discover new treasures, and connect with our community before the year ends.
Sat, Dec 13 · 10:00 AM · Blackstone Library

Can’t wait to celebrate the season with you! 
Your Chicago Sews Team
It’s our last Sip & Sew of 2025! 🎉 Bring your favo It’s our last Sip & Sew of 2025! 🎉
Bring your favorite beverage, your current project, and come unwind with the community one more time before the year wraps. Whether you’re finishing holiday makes or just want some good company, we’d love to see you there.

Not in Chicago? No problem, this event is virtual. Click the link in bio to sign up — let’s close out the year together, stitch by stitch. 🧵

Happy Sewing,
Your Chicago Sews Team

#ChicagoSews
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
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