The St. John Suit by Julie Starr (guest post)

06 Apr The St. John Suit by Julie Starr (guest post)

A big welcome to my friend and co-author, Julie Starr, a lovely woman who models the example of excellence through her exemplary sewing, in addition to being a sewist who illustrates my motto with verve! Enjoy 😉

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from Julie ~

Have you ever clipped an inspiration image that practically haunted you until you challenged yourself to give it a go? Taking cues from high end ready to wear designers is the fuel that feeds my sewing passion and this $2000 St. John suit is an especially gratifying example.

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I found myself lingering over the photo each time I visited my Pinterest sewing inspiration board. It was pure happenstance that the lookalike Linton tweed fabric was right there in my stash, having been vetoed in favor of a loftier boucle fabric while at Susan Khalje’s couture workshop two years ago.
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More often than not, I am attracted to styles constructed with simple, classic lines, and this jacket is an ideal case in point. The designer version is exquisite, to be sure, but nothing an intermediate sewist with patience and determination cannot duplicate.
imageTo turn my inspiration image into a reality, I focused on the details and features I liked before determining which should be adapted to make the version most flattering for my shape and best suited to my lifestyle.
For instance, the sleeves on the St. John inspiration jacket were too short and snug for my taste and the mobility required for my usual work tasks, so they were lengthened and widened. The pencil thin inspiration skirt looks great, but I doubt I’d accomplish my typical daily 15,000 Fitbit-confirmed steps and 30 flights of stairs while wearing it. Therefore the shape was adjusted to something more manageable.

imageOn the plus side, the collar and peplum shapes really appealed to me. Training your eye to focus on the line drawings when selecting patterns will offer much more helpful information and fewer distractions from the finished garment photographs.
imageWhat’s the proverbial saying about making a silk purse from a sow’s ear? One source translates this as “it is not possible to produce something refined, admirable or valuable from something which is unrefined, unpleasant or of little or no value.”

This is a great bit of advice to keep in mind when sourcing fabrics for your investment wardrobe; one which took me a long time to come to terms with. You will still save a fortune compared to the ready to wear version, even when splurging on the most high end fabrics. Total materials cost for my suit, including fashion fabric, silk twill lining, silk organza underlining and fancy buttons was $182; a 91% savings over the St. John ensemble.
imageAt close to $200 it’s still a good chunk of money but consider the value – a coordinated suit, a jacket that is perfect with jeans and a skirt that can be worn on its own with a wide variety of tops.

imageWhen I returned to sewing I was lured by lots of “make it tonight, wear it tomorrow” types of projects. As much as I still love sewing a quick knit top or cardigan, I will happily spend as long as it takes to be rewarded with a well constructed garment in a luscious fabric.

Muslins are non negotiable when you’ve splurged on fine fabric, as is meticulous pressing after each seam!

While I’m not a 100% purist (invisible zippers and sergers are simply not used in couture, yet I cannot resist them), incorporating even a few of these time honored techniques will make a great deal of difference in the resulting level of quality. It only takes a few extra minutes to add a layer of silk organza underlining to skirts but you won’t believe the difference in the wear and performance of fabrics that tend to stretch, sag or wrinkle.

imageLikewise, the miracle of Petersham ribbon for a bulk-free waistband facing was a revelation to me!

imageConsider visiting websites like Pinterest, Polyvore and Moda Operandi for designer inspiration (or high end brick and mortar shops for some hands-on inspection when possible), and remember………..

Photo 8 Photo 9

when you sew with the best quality materials your budget allows and focus on the details one step at a time, you will undoubtably amaze yourself!

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Jacket – Burda 6901
Skirt – Simplicity 8664

 Sew Your Own Clothes, Save Thousands of Dollars and Look Like a Million Bucks!

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
125 Comments
  • Sharon Spilsbury
    Posted at 04:09h, 06 April Reply

    You are so correct Julie and your suit is a shining example of all that you say. Love your suit you look amazing in it.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:09h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you for the compliment, Sharon.

  • Vicki Maiorano
    Posted at 04:13h, 06 April Reply

    Beautiful Julie! Love the lining, what a great looking inside 🙂

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:12h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks, Vicki. If the lining looks familiar to you, you may recall that Sarah made a cute blouse from it a while back. I snapped some up a Mood and never knew what to do with it until now.

  • Kim Hood
    Posted at 04:54h, 06 April Reply

    Showing a perfect example of why it is worth knowing how to see. Enjoy wearing your suit.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:14h, 10 April Reply

      I so agree with you, Kim; I’m so glad I can sew and I’m already enjoying wearing my suit! Thank you.

  • Marysia Paling
    Posted at 05:44h, 06 April Reply

    Thank you for this wonderful guest posting. The fabric choices and the final suit are beautiful and a perfect fit.

    I agree with all the comments regarding toile, silk organza etc, all of which I learned on the Susan Khalje Craftsy course. All of these steps really do take any project to a higher level. and greater satisfaction in the sewing process.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:24h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks Marysia. I agree and suspect that Susan’s Craftsy course may have been many the first exposure to couture techniques for many of us. What a great video to own and be able to go back and refer to at any time.

  • Roberta Fahrni
    Posted at 06:02h, 06 April Reply

    Great guest post! Beautiful suite and great advice – thanks!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:31h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks so much, Roberta!

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 06:52h, 06 April Reply

    Beautiful suit. I totally agree with you regarding invisible zips and sergers. I definitely prefer the clean line of an invisible zip over the lapped application. I also serge the edges of fabrics to control raveling using fine thread and serging only one layer of fabric. Creating such a high end garment certainly makes you slow down and do all the steps necessary for a designer quality result.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:36h, 10 April Reply

      It’s great to hear you say that, Mary! I’ll never get the hang of lapped zippers and I now feel better knowing someone with your couture skills shares my opinion on this, Thank you for commenting.

  • Maggie Simmons
    Posted at 06:59h, 06 April Reply

    Your suit is absolutely beautiful, and a great inspiration! Keep sewing!!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:39h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks so much, Maggie. I do not plan on stopping any time soon!

  • Sarah Jo
    Posted at 07:12h, 06 April Reply

    Beautiful!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:40h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you. Sarah Jo!

  • Lydia Weathersby
    Posted at 07:27h, 06 April Reply

    Impressive! Love St. John; wore it for years and yours is beautiful. Would be interested in how you did the waistband.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:45h, 10 April Reply

      Hi Lydia. I’ve loved St. John for years but could never justify the price point. Coincidentally, the current issue of Threads magazine features an article by Susan Khalje on the many uses of Petersham ribbon and this waistband facing technique is described. Thank you!

  • Debbie Bowdish
    Posted at 07:40h, 06 April Reply

    Julie, your work is absolutely beautiful!!!! The suit is fantastic!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:47h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you Debbie! I feel exactly the same about your incredible embroidery. It’s so nice to hear from you.

  • Becky Bagwell
    Posted at 07:44h, 06 April Reply

    Oh my goodness! I love this! In my dreams one day! Thanks for sharing.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 07:58h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you Becky. The construction on this one was very simple and straightforward, letting the materials take the spotlight.

  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 08:04h, 06 April Reply

    Outstanding! But then, everything Julie does is perfection!!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 08:35h, 10 April Reply

      High praise indeed, coming from one with your couture skills, Cissie! Happy belated birthday. So glad you were able to spend it taking another class with Susan!

  • Claire
    Posted at 08:06h, 06 April Reply

    Beautiful job! Appreciate your mention of your preference for the invisible zipper. Timely. As I was falling asleep last night I was debating whether I go against instructions for a lapped zipper and install an invisible zipper. I think the invisible zip looks cleaner, is more efficient to install, and I’m less likely to fight with getting it in! Glad to hear you are on the same page.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 08:39h, 10 April Reply

      We are very much on the same page, Claire! Nice to hear I’m not the only one who falls asleep thinking through sewing dilemmas! Thanks…

  • Catherine
    Posted at 08:09h, 06 April Reply

    A modern use of boucle….clean and sculpted.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 08:43h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Catherine. Linton seems to sell out so fast that I took the chance of ordering without first requesting a swatch. Turns out it was not suitable for the quilted jacket I originally wanted it for but that certainly ended up working in my favor in this case!

  • Wendy Grossman
    Posted at 08:20h, 06 April Reply

    Brava! Your suit is exquisite and your message spot on. I wish more sewists would recognize the value of investing the time and resources to develop the skills and work with high-quality fabrics. The results are definitely worth it.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 08:51h, 10 April Reply

      Well said, Wendy! The key word truly is “value”. Seeing the result of a successful project makes it much easier justify working with fabrics I wouldn’t have dared to try only a few years ago.

  • CathyLarsen
    Posted at 08:20h, 06 April Reply

    This is so inspirational! Well done on every front!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 08:52h, 10 April Reply

      Much appreciated, Cathy!

  • patty thorell
    Posted at 08:25h, 06 April Reply

    Gorgeous! Just ‘returning’ to garment sewing, I find most enjoyment in the challenge of great construction, more than the speed of completion. Thank you for the inspiration.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:00h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Patty. It’s great that you realized that quickly upon your return to sewing. It took me a little while to figure it out.

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 08:38h, 06 April Reply

    Julie – this is a lovely suit! Love your fabric and lining choices. You can see the time, effort and love sewn into this outfit! Outstanding!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:02h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Carolyn. There certainly is nothing like that feeling when it all comes together in the best possible way.

  • Cindy Aymes
    Posted at 08:47h, 06 April Reply

    Absolutely gorgeous! Your attention to detail and superior sewing skills shows! Just lovely on you!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:06h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks so much, Cindy. One of the benefits of using best quality materials is that I find myself slowing down and respecting them all the more, which in turn benefits the project in the end. It’s a win-win!

  • mary
    Posted at 09:02h, 06 April Reply

    Very pretty.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:08h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you very much, Mary!

  • Marvel Donovan
    Posted at 09:08h, 06 April Reply

    Absolutely stunning!!!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:10h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Marvel!

  • Cayla
    Posted at 09:21h, 06 April Reply

    Absolutely beautiful!!! I’m inspired!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:19h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks, Cayla! I find inspiration to be a huge motivator, don’t you?

  • Margene Yeaton
    Posted at 09:35h, 06 April Reply

    Breathtaking on all levels! THANK YOU for continued inspiration.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:20h, 10 April Reply

      My pleasure, Margene! Thank YOU!

  • Anna Christina
    Posted at 09:38h, 06 April Reply

    Thank you for sharing! Your workmanship is inspirational.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:22h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you for that nice compliment, Anna Christina!

  • MaryEllen
    Posted at 09:46h, 06 April Reply

    Amazing job on your suit . Love hearing the process of how you decided on the steps to make your own version . Such great inspiration !!!!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:25h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks, Maryellen! That St. John photo was like a visual ear worm that I couldn’t get out of my head!

  • Angela
    Posted at 09:48h, 06 April Reply

    Simply stunning…. really and truly.

    And I must admit… one of my first thoughts… when will be book be published? I will be the first to order it, can’t wait!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:52h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks so very much, Angela. We do not have an exact date but are on track for our official announcement very soon.

  • Tasha
    Posted at 09:54h, 06 April Reply

    I agree with everyone else. The suit is beautiful and those small additions (organza, etc.) make all the difference and your patience will pay for itself.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:54h, 10 April Reply

      You’re absolutely correct, Tasha! Thanks very much for commenting.

  • Julie Gerlach
    Posted at 10:11h, 06 April Reply

    Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your real – life applications..

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:57h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Julie. You are a huge source of couture history, knowledge and inspiration to me. I stayed up half the night reading a Claire McCardell book after being introduced to her on your wonderful blog.

  • Deborah Penner
    Posted at 10:16h, 06 April Reply

    Lovely work, Julie. Some months ago, Sarah mentioned that you were working with her on a book. What is the timeline on that project?

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 09:59h, 10 April Reply

      Hi Deborah, and thank you. Our official announcement is due very soon!

  • Tania
    Posted at 10:19h, 06 April Reply

    It is so beautiful and classy. I wonder if you would know in which Burda issue could find the jacket. I have a few Burda magazines and might have the one with the jacket. Thanks very much.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:02h, 10 April Reply

      Hi Tanya. The jacket is Burda 6901, which is one of their printed paper patterns. I’m not sure if this particular one is available in Burda Style magazine or as a PDF on their website. I hope you find it and give it a try.

  • Bernadette O'Brien
    Posted at 10:38h, 06 April Reply

    Wow! Looks amazing. What a beautiful piece. Thanks for the inspiration.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:03h, 10 April Reply

      My pleasure, Bernadette. Many thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.

  • Linda M
    Posted at 10:43h, 06 April Reply

    This is beautiful Julie! I always plan on one project a year being a copy of a designer outfit I have had my eye on. I have yet to do a Chanel like suit though. I find it so difficult to source the proper fabrics. Where did you get your’s? They are lovely choices! And isn’t that the point of sewing – see something you want and make it yourself – something I try to impress upon in my blog too! Just a fabulous outfit – you should be proud!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:11h, 10 April Reply

      I agree, Linda; that is the whole point of sewing for one’s self, to my mind. This fabric is from Linton, which is in the UK but has an international website and offers very generous swatches at a nominal charge. They are my favorite source for boucles ideal for a Chanel inspired quilted jacket or suit. Many of the higher quality US online retailers also offer similarly suitable fabrics. Thank you!

  • Gerhild
    Posted at 10:46h, 06 April Reply

    Beautiful suit and beautiful construction. I feel the same way about taking my time to sew something I’ll enjoy for a long time.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:13h, 10 April Reply

      Agreed, Gerhild! You can’t go wrong with a classic style. Thank you!

  • Anne Rhodes
    Posted at 11:30h, 06 April Reply

    So enjoyed seeing this! Thanks!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:14h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Ann. I enjoyed sharing it.

  • Manju
    Posted at 11:38h, 06 April Reply

    Beautiful Julie. The fit, the fabric and the tailoring are all impeccable.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:18h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks, Manju. Each time I sew with Linton I think of your blog post featuring your visit there and the incredible photos of bolts upon bolts of tweed and boucle that aren’t able to be offered on their website. Lucky you living so close to them!

  • Jane
    Posted at 12:14h, 06 April Reply

    Love it! Thanks for your detailed information, Julie.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:19h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks for reading and commenting, Jane.

  • Beverly Breslen
    Posted at 13:12h, 06 April Reply

    This was a wonderful post! I was getting tired of the quick and cheap in clothing but hadn’t realized I was doing the same with my sewing! This suit is beautiful!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:29h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks, Beverly. Seeing the documentaries “True Cost” and “Cotton Road” helped me to understand the frightening complexities of the global “fast fashion” problem and makes me seek out fabrics whose growth and manufacturing sources are more transparent. We do it for our food, why not for what we put on our bodies?

  • Tomasa
    Posted at 13:32h, 06 April Reply

    Wow – this suit is just so very beautiful! The craftsmanship is superb.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:30h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you so much, Tomasa!

  • Mary Rames (designerofdreams)
    Posted at 14:12h, 06 April Reply

    Thank you for sharing your inspiration and design process. Your techniques, attention to details and finished suit, which is very beautiful and perfectly constructed, have proven that if one has the desire and skill, a fine quality “high-end designer” can be made even better and customized to fit and be enjoyed for many years to come! Yes, I share your same work ethic and sewing methods and also follow very similar design inspiration. Your suit is absolutely stunning and I really appreciate your story! Happy sewing!
    Mary

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:38h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks for this lovely comment, Mary it’s great to know you share my view. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right?!

  • Jennifer Shaw
    Posted at 14:52h, 06 April Reply

    Thank you again for sharing the marvelous outcome of your dreamed Linton tweed suit! The styling and colors are stunning and gorgeous on you.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:39h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Jennifer. I find I am usually happiest with the outcome when I stick with the classics.

  • Alice Elliot
    Posted at 15:39h, 06 April Reply

    Exquisite!!!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:40h, 10 April Reply

      Many thanks, Alice!

  • Kathleen
    Posted at 15:43h, 06 April Reply

    Absolutely love your suit! It looks even better than the designer one that inspired you. I completely agree that since you are going to invest hours of your precious time sewing yourself something you fantasize about wearing why bother with cheap materials? I don’t to be honest. I buy “cheap” material for my muslins for sure but when it comes to the final garment it’s no holes barred 🙂

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:42h, 10 April Reply

      Good for you, Kathleen! Glad to hear you go straight for the good stuff!

  • Lorraine Moore
    Posted at 15:54h, 06 April Reply

    hi lorraine from uk . never commented before just want to say suit is fabulous and workmanship is something i need to aspire to .

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:43h, 10 April Reply

      Hi Lorraine. Thank you; I’m very flattered that you commented!

  • Diane James
    Posted at 16:48h, 06 April Reply

    Bravo! I like your suit better than the St. John. What a wonderful outfit to have created!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:44h, 10 April Reply

      That’s a lovely compliment, Diane and I thank you very much.

  • Charlotte
    Posted at 16:58h, 06 April Reply

    You look stunning! Fabulous creation!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:44h, 10 April Reply

      Why thank you, Charlotte!

  • Lori
    Posted at 18:39h, 06 April Reply

    This is amazing and you look stunning.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:46h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks a million, Lori!

  • Andrea Verbanic
    Posted at 19:34h, 06 April Reply

    I’m so happy to see Julie Starr on the blog today! She’s always an inspiration. I’ve thought about this suit several times since I first saw it. It’s wonderful in a million different ways.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:47h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks, Andrea! It’s great to hear from you.

  • LIsa
    Posted at 19:43h, 06 April Reply

    You look so good. What a wonderful suit! thanks for sharing.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:48h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Lisa! It was my pleasure.

  • Sharon kane
    Posted at 19:52h, 06 April Reply

    Beautiful! I must admit I like Julie’s suit better than the “Original”. I like that she incorporated function and achieved a superb garment.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:49h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you for this lovely comment, Sharon!

  • Jeff Laskowski
    Posted at 22:18h, 06 April Reply

    Beautiful material. Great job!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:49h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks, Jeff! You can never go wrong with Linton!

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 23:19h, 06 April Reply

    Such a gorgeous suit! The jacket looks super with jeans! The fabric is so beautiful. I could go on and on 🙂
    Now…… how do you manage 15,000 steps? That’s like wonder woman walking! it’s awesome and shows with your great figure. Do you walk in your sleep or just not sleep? No wonder you don’t have time for more 3 hour lunches! And I obviously have too many 🙂

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:52h, 10 April Reply

      Ha ha! Hi Mary Lynn. Yes; I’m that streak you see going up and down Governors several times a day. Hope you’re enjoying your new machine.

  • Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
    Posted at 02:30h, 07 April Reply

    very cute suit and great use of that fabric.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:53h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Beth. This was one of those “meant to be” projects, for certain!

  • Vanessa
    Posted at 05:50h, 07 April Reply

    Great Tailoring ….
    Well done you

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:57h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Vanessa. To be honest, the instructions for this jacket did not require what I consider to be a lot of traditional tailoring techniques. Other than fusible interfacing for the peplum sections and shoulder pads, it was very straightforward. There was no pad stitching, sleeve heads or other steps that are typically involved with a tailored garment. It’s a great pattern!

  • Barbara B
    Posted at 08:28h, 07 April Reply

    This article is SOOOO timely. I found several beautiful Rebecca Taylor pieces online only this morning that I want to copy, A jacket, two skirts and several tops that are all adaptable for me as a mini-travel wardrobe for summer. Thanks for a terrific and inspiring blog post. Now on to finding fabric!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:58h, 10 April Reply

      That’s wonderful, Barbara! I hope we get a chance to see your pieces once they are finished. Thanks so much for writing and good luck.

  • Dana Tougas
    Posted at 09:36h, 07 April Reply

    Thanks for sharing this guest post. It is very inspiring and the level of detail and the time involved to making this suit really shows.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 10:59h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you so much, Dana. I really appreciate it.

  • Lucy
    Posted at 21:25h, 07 April Reply

    What a gorgeous suit to add to your wardrobe. Beautifully executed as usual. Thanks for sharing Julie.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 11:01h, 10 April Reply

      Thanks so much, Lucy! I’m already getting quite a bit of wear out of the jacket. I can never wait to see what you’ll make next!

  • Virginia Driver
    Posted at 12:13h, 08 April Reply

    Julie, you have always been inspiring to me BUT….this suit left me in shock! You are a gifted sewer and your diligence and determination shine through your work. I am so looking forward to the publication of you co-authored book with Sarah. You are both standouts in the sewing sphere.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 11:02h, 10 April Reply

      Hello my friend, Virginia! So nice to hear from you. Thank you so much; we cannot wait to finally share our book with you all.

  • Kristina
    Posted at 14:56h, 08 April Reply

    That is absolutely Stunning!!! You definitely look like a million bucks! Superb! Well done!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 11:03h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you, Kristina! Sarah’s motto is certainly something to strive for, isn’t it?

  • Patty Mack
    Posted at 08:36h, 09 April Reply

    A book? Now that’s really good news. Sarah, you are my favorite sexist and blogger. Great job on the suit, Julie. I have been inspired to create something wonderful! Silk organza and petersham here I come!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 22:18h, 12 April Reply

      Thank you, Patty! You will wonder how you ever made a skirt without them!

  • Martina Flynn
    Posted at 11:35h, 11 April Reply

    Your suit is beautiful! I have that Burda pattern (it’s on the “to do” list), and now I’m inspired to find the perfect fabric and make it up. Thanks! I was glad to see that the curve over the hips isn’t as exaggerated as it looks in the photo on the pattern envelope.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 22:56h, 12 April Reply

      Thanks, Martina. I like the pattern so much I will probably make it again in a fun bright cotton. For the skirt, I did find I needed to remove quite a bit of the hip curve.

  • Karen Helm
    Posted at 13:37h, 11 April Reply

    Sheer perfection! Love the lining, love the boucle, love the style. Just gorgeous – thanks so much for sharing this with us!

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 22:57h, 12 April Reply

      It was my pleasure, Karen. Many thanks for your nice words.

  • Pauline Droy-Moore
    Posted at 04:31h, 14 April Reply

    Julie,
    Beautiful suit and worth every penny. I made my first Chanel inspired jacket from Linton tweed, and a dress from their wool crepe. I was lucky enough to drive through the town where they are located and bought a selection of fabrics, which sit patiently waiting for me to find some much needed “me time” to do some sewing………..you suit has inspired me to get going on another Linton jacket.

    Pauline

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 08:53h, 14 April Reply

    Julie….just read your post on Valentino…..it was wonderful 2 things; investment clothing….you are so right, their the bed rock of a wardrobe if you still work and out and about in the public eye…..petersham!…so that’s what you do with the stuff…..got it! I also thought it just looked like grosgrain ribbon in a catalog!
    Love seeing everything you make via RTW and I did vote for you suit on Pattern Review!
    Kind Regards, Laura

  • Ruth Bowler
    Posted at 11:00h, 15 April Reply

    Thank you for your time to share sewing tips and ideas. Your suit is simple but stunningly beautiful especially with jeans! Looking forward to the book. What is next? Videos?

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