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Los Olivos, California, United States
You can reach me at fool4fabric (at) gmail (dot) com

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Manteau #1

Inspired by a spot-on Christmas gift from my soon-to-be Son-in-Law
(a dozen silver and black antique buttons) and my upcoming trip to Iran, I made the first attempt at a
"Manteau", a covering for the upper body worn by many women in Iran. If you recall, this 
is my challenge:
This is my first attempt:
The pattern is B5822, a shortened and unlined View B.
I used a lovely, drapey tone-on-tone black rayon brocade...I've had it so long, I've forgotten where it came from! (photos have been lightened to show details)
I'm afraid I'll have to switch out the buttons for the trip to plain black, but these lovelies will go right back on when I return. The unlined rayon is quite cool to wear.

On another note, last week I had a meet-up with ReAnn Scott, who lives in Chicago. She was out to California for the birth of her first grandchild, and managed to fit in a brief trip to my part of the world.
We went out for a long and chatty lunch
(blurry iPhone photo) and then I shared my somewhat meagre brick and mortar fabric stores. We had a
great time...meetups are so much fun!

30 comments:

  1. Quite a challenge for your up-coming trip, but I think you nailed it. What a perfect gift from your future SIL (she's a keeper). :)

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  2. Great jacket "cover up". Looks like you and Reann had a great time.
    Marciae

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  3. Beautiful jacket - looks like the perfect solution. Love the buttons, too.

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  4. Perfect jacket - great for both the trip, and for back-home use afterwards...double bonus...J

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  5. Gorgeous jacket! I love the collar especially.

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  6. p.s. I'm so glad to have come across your pattern reviews at PR.com and your blog!

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  7. Gorgeous fabric, fabulous collar, TDF buttons and stunning result!

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  8. Such an elegant coat and perfect for your trip (which sounds exciting). As for the buttons, I bet your SIL definitely scored many brownie points for buying those .

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  9. That coat is lovely. Beautiful fabric and style.

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  10. Beautiful "manteau." This innocent wonders why you can't sport the pretty buttons abroad?

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  11. That is a very elegant manteau, brava! That fabric is exquisite. And so lucky for you it's cool to wear.

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  12. That's gorgeous regardless of what you call it! Oh, you are one lucky woman to be getting a SIL who has taste and knows what you like

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  13. Lovely collection of buttons. He's definitely one of the good ones! And you've done it again, Margy - made a garment that absolutely puts the ones on the pattern envelope in the shade. I would have dismissed this one as boring. Yours is great especially with the gorgeous buttons!

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  14. I love it!! What a beautiful texture on that fabric. It's interesting, but doesn't compete with those wonderful buttons. It's too bad you have to swap them out for the trip! I can't wait to see your travel wardrobe unfold. And glad you had a fun outing with ReAnn. :)

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  15. A very smart looking garment. I love the fabric and buttons, and the style is just right, too. You look terrific in it!

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  16. A wonderful success as usual for you. Of course you'll be the best dressed lady there! I really like the style of this.

    My BIL had a project in Tehran for a Japanese company and noted that the Iranian female staff wore tight t-shirts and trousers in the office but put on their manteaux when Iranian men visited for meetings!

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  17. That will be a perfect travel piece, even though you will have to temporarily switch out the buttons. You look lovely in it. Even with the headscarf wrap, you'll be turning heads in Iran. :)

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  18. Wonderful coat Margy. You're probably right about having change out the buttons for your trip, but you'll still be the most stylish woman in the country! Just be safe. And thanks for the kind words. It was such a great pleasure meeting you too.

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  19. How lucky are you to have a soon to be son-in-law that is sensitive to who you are? Such a lovely gift. The coat looks perfect and the buttons are the perfect accent.

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  20. I so admire you for respecting other cultures and their customs, even though they are removed from our Western ideal. Also, that's a SIL to keep if he gives you gifts like that!
    And a fabulous jacket to wear anywhere!

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  21. Beautiful work! Love those buttons!

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  22. Good job, David, on the buttons! Margy, I love this. Very classy but 'demure'. Keep us posted on trip details... XO

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  23. Great version of a manteau very chic!! I can see you wearing those wonderful pants of yours with it on your trip!!

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  24. Hi Margy,
    I have really been enjoying reading your blog! I think we would be simpatico if we lived near each other. I am a mere novice having only been sewing for 50 years! :)
    I started a blog a few months ago. It is fun!
    http://villagedressmaker.blogspot.com/

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  25. WOW! That coat looks GREAT on you. Not too tight, not too loose. It's sensitive to the customs while making sure you look like a lady. I'm sure you'll do fine on your challenge! I'm looking forward to more updates.

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  27. I love this post, and I'm so happy to have found your blog!

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  28. What a lovely shirt/jacket! You certainly have a great knack for finding wonderful fabrics! Can't wait to see more of your travel wardrobe!

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  29. 'Twas ever thus. There has been a lot of mewling talked about Jacket. But having gone through a one way door, there may be no turning back.

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