Republique du Chiffon – le Manteau Gerard

g5

One of those perfect projects.

I purchased this jacket pattern from Republique du Chiffon 5 years ago, and somehow it got lost in my stash. I love the 80’s vibe of the jacket, which is why I picked it up in the first place. Check it out – there are some beautiful versions to view online.

The line art below is from the currently available version. Mine, the original PDF, has applied pockets, which I really like on this casual semi-grunge style.

line art

g11

I used a cotton/tencel/lycra light-weight denim from Fabric Mart. The fabric has enough weight that I was able to skip the lining. It’s warm enough here in south Florida without any additional layers inside.

g3
Top: Named Saraste shirt

g6

g10

Sewing notes:

  • I drafted the size Small, and it’s a beautiful fit on my frame. However… I don’t see the PDF on the pattern site now, only a printed/envelope version. I noticed sizing changes that would definitely impact my purchase decision – the small is too small, the medium is too large. Sorry to be a bummer, but I might not go for it at 17 euros plus shipping from France.

Screen Shot 2019-04-27 at 4.38.05 PM-down

  • I removed the ‘cocoon’ curve from the side seams, the silhouette is just not my thing.
  • The facings and hem bands are generous and perfect for finishing the jacket without lining.
inside
Inside view
  • I used 3/4″ buttons and buttonholes with rounded ends. Honestly, I didn’t even open the buttonholes because I won’t wear this buttoned. But I like the additional visual detail.

g buttonholes

  • Small tip on making a perfect front curve on the bottom front edge…clip, check, clip, until the curve is even and flat with no lumps when it’s turned.

g curve

So, here’s lucky. Fabric Mart sent me an additional 8″ in length – I got the end of the bolt. I had just enough to make the matching capris I’m wearing in these pics. Now I have a casual suit as well 🙂

g1
Pants: Vogue 8584 loose leg pants, View A

g2

I’m not sure what I’ll sew next. Being the good Fabric Mart shopper that I am, I have 5 fabrics coming my way next week. Perhaps I’ll do a pair of True Bias Hudson pants, since I have a beautiful black matte jersey tempting me from my stash. I wear my leggings – Love Notions Sabrina Slims, Hudsons, and Pattern Emporium Harem pants – so much that I just keep on making them 🙂

Ciao! Coco

7 thoughts on “Republique du Chiffon – le Manteau Gerard

  1. Wow, great jacket. Off topic, I am also quite distracted by your lovely hair – considering a drastic (for me) cut and that’s exactly how I want it to look. Hmmmm. Of course I would also like the color, please.

    ceci

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Oh Coco! I think this is your best make yet. So chic, and you look like the pattern was drafted just for you. I’ve been following your progress on IG, but seeing this proves this adage far more than the sum of its parts! Bravo, and enjoy wearing it

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Coco…slow down!!! I cannot keep up with you!! You are the perfect model for this jacket and pants…lovely pose. I hope you have spacious closets in your new home. Keep on inspiring!

    Liked by 1 person

Thank you for stopping by!

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s