It’s “What’s On Your Workdesk, Wednesday” and today I am going to show you what WAS on my workdesk for the last couple of weeks… yessss, I reveal the altered jacket I’ve been working on for my son’s birthday!
I bought this jacket in a secon-hand store but it was brand new, the labels were still on and no-one had previously worn the jacket. It came in an ecru colour and I was so eager to dye it that I totally forgot to take a picture. I dyed it blue in the washing machine and started stitching the back before I thought of photographing it… at the neck opening you can see the embroidery that’s on the back, but this is the most ‘original’ photo I can show you.
The Japanes “Sashiko” technique is quite easy – simple running stitches…
… but when you combine horizontal and vertical running stitches you can create all kinds of fabulous patterns!
I sewed a patchwork-border on the bottom of the jacket, the sleeves and a bit behind the pockets and then I lost myself in stitching again… there’s Sashiko stitches at the strip that can be seen behind the zipper when you open the jacket. Oh, and I changed the collar to a ‘concealed collar’ (is that the right word?) to give the jacket more of a Japanese look.
I stitched one sleeve all up to the elbow and I stitched both the cuffs. The patchwork on the cuffs can be seen when you turn them, there’s embroidery on the outside that shows on the inside ‘patchwork border’… I find it difficult to explain in words but the photo shows.
Here’s the back of the finished jacket.
Last weekend we visited my son in Amsterdam and I gave him the jacket for his birthday.
Was he pleased with it? OH YES!!!
And… TADAAAAA… here’s my son wearing the jacket!
There’s an old jeans jacket hanging on the coat rack and I have lots of left-over sashiko thread laying around, guess what my next project will be? In a month or so, this mum will look as cool as her son 😉
Oh Marit, I ADORE how you embellished the jacket, it’s fantastic!! I love the sashikp and the fabrics you used for the border and cuffs. It is amazing and I want it for myself!!! I’ve seen a lot about sashiko recently, I’m going to have to have a go at it because the geometry of the technique really appeals to me!
Hugs LLJ 9 xxxx
Morning Marit. Phenomenal work on that jacket. Well done. Looking forward to the one for mum!!
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #7
That is an amazing jacket Marit and I’m not surprised that your son loved it. Thanks so much for sharing, I was getting very curious. Look forward to seeing mum’s matching look when it’s finished. Have a great week. Sarah #14
Wow! That’s utterly stunning! You are sooo talented. It really looks good on your son, pleased to see he loves it.
Ellie #22
Hi Marit, thats amazing! Looks fabulous. Have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #5 XxX
Wow, that is such a cool jacket! Such amazing detail and stunning colors. Can’t wait to see your own version. You are a wonderful mum, I’m sure your son agrees 😉
That jacket is simply incredible! No wonder your son was thrilled with it. Amazing. Thanks for sharing. Caro x (#18)
Hi Marit, what an amazing jacket, you are so talented, I love the sewing detail on the back, just amazing, your son looks so pleased with his jacket, can’t wait to see the next one,
Happy WOYWW
Jan. #25
No post from me this week but reading posts between chores. I know Japanese embroidery very well as I have friend who collects embroidery books. Sashiko is not one of types of embroidery I can do as i am not organized enough. your stitches and pattern is outstanding. I am sure he will treasure the jacket. Hahve a fun week with all your projects
monica
Handsome young man…
What a BEAUTIFUL jacket!! I know what you mean by forgetting to take photos of the process, I too get so excited about doing the next thing NOW, that I forget as well, and wish I hadn’t. I work in a second hand store – I should think about getting a jacket and trying this! I often see jean jackets, and I love embroidered jean jackets. . . have a wonderful week! Lindart #33
Marit, clever you, that jacket looks fabulous! Have a great week. Helen #1
Oh my Marit, I am so loving the jacket. What fun is that. Have lovely woyww, Angela x13x
Wow, Marit! This is so incredibly cool! A wonderful birthday present!
Wow, lucky son. I may have to send you a couple of my less used jackets! I LOVE what you did for your son, and clever you with making the collar better, he does look great I must say. I might have had trouble parting with such a successful piece of work!
Are you kidding me?! That is amazing! What a beautiful transformation. Can’t wait to see what you do with the jean jacket. Dorlene #34
Oh Marit this really is an amazing transformation and a wonderful way to show off those running stitches. I love the way you have intertwined the horizontal and vertical stitches on the back. Along with those extra pieces of patchwork its a unique piece of clothing.
When I studied textiles at College I would always pick up a bargain or two at our local Rag Market and pick them apart to create something one of a kind. It was also a lot cheaper than purchasing new clothes.
Look forward to seeing your next project and maybe using up that left over thread.
Creative hugs for the week ahead & Belated Birthday wishes to your Son he wears the jacket very well..
Tracey #2
Just been to Jan’s blog and she talks about your jacket so had to come (a week late I know) and see it for myself. There is no other word but WOW! It is absolutely fabulous and no wonder your son liked it (wish I had a son in Amsterdam, love the place). Must visit you ore often, looking forward to seeing the jeans – this is fascinating!@
Hugs, Neet xx
Awesome work!!