The Shanel SUIT

10 Nov The Shanel SUIT

I always thought I wanted to be cremated, but now I’m not so sure.

www.goodbyevalentino.com - The Shanel SuitI mean, now that I’ve got something to wear……….

At last, I have completed the coordinating skirt to my Shanel Jacket, which means I have a brand new suit!

www.goodbyevalentino.com - The Shanel Suit

Goodness, I never wear suits, but I’m going to start,

www.goodbyevalentino.com - The Shanel Suit and pray I am lucky enough to wear this one out before it’s time to go. 😉

________________

Over the last 26 months I’ve sewn many skirt patterns and deemed Simplicity 3648 worthy of sewing the last yard of the lofty Chanel tweed.

I so wish the camera could capture the beautiful metallic thread in the fabric! Can you see it now?

IMG_2883

The skirt is one of Simplicity’s Amazing Fit patterns featuring six panels plus a two-piece waistband. Separate front and back pattern pieces are included for a slim, average and curvy fit.  After sewing the front and back to the side panels, the fine-tuned fitting  is found in adjusting the sides seams.

www.goodbyevalentino.com - The Shanel SuitI selected this pattern due to the controlled fit the six panels produce.  This is my third time to sew the pattern, and while the pattern is somewhat quirky (humongous side seams for instance) I knew I could get a nice result.

The pleats were a _______ to sew with such thick fabric – I don’t recommend it! I finally tamed the beasts by hand-stitching the layers together followed by a power pressing inside and out (using a piece of silk organza for a presscloth).

www.goodbyevalentino.com - The Shanel Suit

I lined the skirt with a luxury silk charmeuse I found at Mood Fabrics last month which I do not see on the Mood website. I was slightly sick spending $$$$$ on lining, but being the perfect color and so near the finish line propelled me to go for it.

‘Don’t I get my fabric at Mood for free, you’re thinking?’

I receive a monthly allowance, which I try to adhere to online. However, I was like a child in a candy store and bought way over my designated amount.

www.goodbyevalentino.com - The Shanel Suit

Now that the skirt is completed I’m glad I invested in such a fine lining, for it makes a huge difference in the final result.

I admit I am starting to spoil myself with high-end sewing. I do consider the entire Susan Khalje, Chanel Fabric, French jacket, trips to NY, Baltimore and now Shanel Suit experiences cherished investments I hope to apply to my everyday life in and out of the sewing room.

But for now, all I can say is Mission Accomplished and perhaps, time for a reality check!

www.goodbyevalentino.com - The Shanel Suit

Best wishes 🙂

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
165 Comments
  • Amanda
    Posted at 11:53h, 10 November Reply

    Wow! It looks absolutely fantastic! Well done to you!

  • Sarah Jo
    Posted at 11:53h, 10 November Reply

    I’d rethink cremation if I had that suit too! Beautiful!

  • Maris Olsen (@sewmaris)
    Posted at 12:00h, 10 November Reply

    Really gorgeous Sarah – it looks perfect on you. Don’t you love that feeling of accomplishment after such a big project? I finished my Shanel jacket, and then decided something was wrong with one sleeve and didn’t like the trim, so it is once again in partial completion phase. I vow to finish it again tho!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:42h, 10 November Reply

      Many thanks, Maris! I’m always finding a little something else that needs tweaking on my jacket…… I finally had to call it quits unless I see a stray basting thread or or the likes 🙂

  • puppy4250
    Posted at 12:05h, 10 November Reply

    Well of course you needed the lining to live up to the rest of the materials, Sarah!! In keeping with your theme, I guess this truly does make it a suit to die for. I cannot wait to begin planning one of my own. The warmest of congratulations on your PR contest win, too. As beautiful and creative as the other entries were, there was no other jacket that was so perfectly designed and sewn. Great article in the new Threads about Linton Tweeds and the Chanel connection, if you haven’t already seen it. So glad to know they have an on line store.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:49h, 10 November Reply

      Hi Julie! Thank you so much for your lovely comment 🙂 You are going to love the French Jacket Class – and thanks so much for informing me of the PR result! It’s true that I worked hard on the jacket but were some fabulously creative entries. Thanks for the Linton Tweeds online tip!

  • Mrs K
    Posted at 12:07h, 10 November Reply

    So beautiful and very professional!

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 12:12h, 10 November Reply

    An amazingly beautiful suit. You’ve made me think long and hard about taking this journey. I’m not there yet but each piece you produce makes me think about it even more! Btw, you know you can have the coffin and the viewing in your awesome suit and still be cremated…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:46h, 11 November Reply

      LOL – Too much stress for the family! All I can say is when you decide to make a French Jacket we better watch out!

  • Red Point Tailor
    Posted at 12:12h, 10 November Reply

    Fabulous outfit! Yes… it would be pity to burn it 😉 … Now when you mentioned this… maybe I should think to revised my last will … cremation or not 😀
    But before this all happened – Enjoy this great garment. I love suites and I love to wear them so one more – Chanel-like – will be great addition.

    • Julie Starr
      Posted at 12:17h, 10 November Reply

      That’s my comment up there as puppy4250, Sarah! No idea how I ended up with another WordPress log in…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:48h, 11 November Reply

      Many thanks! Like I said….. hopefully I’ll have time to wear it out so there won’t be an issue 🙂
      Suits….. a new chapter in my life.

      • Red Point Tailor
        Posted at 10:00h, 11 November Reply

        I love suits! You can combined endless … and it is handy for my work … 🙂
        I am looking forward to the next French jacket 🙂

  • Emmely
    Posted at 12:20h, 10 November Reply

    Oh, the combination of jacket and skirt is absolutely gorgeous, so stylish!

  • Sherry
    Posted at 12:23h, 10 November Reply

    Wonderful results!

  • Shams
    Posted at 12:30h, 10 November Reply

    LOL. Gruesome thought. Beautiful suit!

  • Carolyn Boland
    Posted at 12:32h, 10 November Reply

    So fabulous! So inspiring. I will not try Shanel jacket Without a class or guide but I Do make other jackets. Always Line them– next time I’m using Silk chartreuse! Am doing a gorgeous Marc Jacobs brocade. Thanks Again for generously sharing your Time and talent ! Carolyn

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:51h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Carolyn! I hear Susan K is coming to Australia next year….. can’t wait to see your March Jacobs brocade!

  • Diana
    Posted at 12:36h, 10 November Reply

    Stunning! Such beautiful work, and the fit is to die for (no pun intended). I think you’re going to have a problem though: Every time you wear this suit, you’ll be constantly saying, “No, it’s not a C____ suit, I made it … yes, I’m serious … here, let me show you…” 😉

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:52h, 11 November Reply

      LOL! No suit is worth dying for IMHO 😉 I wore it yesterday and had NO problem calling it a Shanel…… I mean there is no phonetic difference!!

  • Margy Houtz
    Posted at 12:43h, 10 November Reply

    Beautiful suit, Sarah! and definitely deserving of a charmeuse lining…I lined my recent MOB jacket and pants with gorgeous stretch silk charmeuse and am forever spoiled…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:54h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Margy! I’m joining in on forever spoiled 😉

  • tucker22
    Posted at 12:50h, 10 November Reply

    Looking awesome (and healthy) in front of that crypt, honey!! Should you decide to be cremated, I would be more than happy to be the recipient of that suit. I’ll start dieting now. CONGRATULATIONS ON THE PR LINED JACKET CONTEST!! An honor well deserved and a jacket well deserving of this gorgeous skirt. Wear the *&%# out of it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:57h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Dorcas! I’ll give it the ol’ college try for sure…… perhaps I’m entering a new phase of life….. The Suit Phase.
      I’m thrilled to have won the Jacket Contest and assume someone from PR will be in touch?

  • artattack024
    Posted at 12:56h, 10 November Reply

    And that’s my comment as Tucker22…something’s up with WordPress…
    Dorcas

  • sewmanju
    Posted at 12:57h, 10 November Reply

    Beautiful work and congrats on winning the PR contest…outstanding work!

  • Louisam
    Posted at 13:02h, 10 November Reply

    What a beautiful suit you created, Is perfection!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:58h, 11 November Reply

      Many thanks, Louisam! I really love wearing it 🙂

  • Lauren Dahl
    Posted at 13:20h, 10 November Reply

    This looks incredible! It looks straight out of Neiman Marcus – not hand-made. I love the fabric choice too – such a great color for you.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:59h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Lauren! The metallic threads make the fabric glisten – so sick the camera cannot capture the effect ;(

  • Margaret
    Posted at 13:20h, 10 November Reply

    Well done, Sarah — what an accomplishment, both in completing such a beautiful suit and winning the contest to boot!

  • Anne Louise Greer
    Posted at 13:35h, 10 November Reply

    I saw you in church today and you and your new suit looked fabulous!

  • Becky
    Posted at 13:50h, 10 November Reply

    Oh, no, you must pass this suit along! No laying you out in this suit! You have done a fantastic job. Aren’t you just about to pop with pride? You should be. The suit is just fabulous, and you have learned so much. Keep passing it on, and I will keep appreciating it. And, no worries about the cost of this suit. How much would you have paid to buy it? And laying that much money down would not have enriched your life as this experience has.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:00h, 11 November Reply

      Thanks, Becky! You make a good point – I could have taken a nice trip to Europe had I bought the suit 🙂

  • seweverythingblog
    Posted at 13:54h, 10 November Reply

    Congrats on the complete suit! It is gorgeous and you look gorgeous in it. You have brought me closer to starting my own Shanel jacket – now I’m within arm’s length of starting one. Not because I lack the skill but because I keep thinking of where I would wear it (don’t go to work anymore). I’m one of those who will probably wear it with pants, or jeans.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:20h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Seweverything! Many women in the Baltimore class had made several French jackets for different purposes, some of which were very casual. I’ve decided my next one will be casual for sure. Hope you’ll go for it!

  • Elaine Davies
    Posted at 13:59h, 10 November Reply

    Looks amazing! A million dollars!! Well done! Suits your figure perfectly!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:03h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Elaine! The wonderful thing about sewing is we can make garments suit our figures perfectly – I never thought suits were flattering on me before.

  • Cindy C.
    Posted at 14:00h, 10 November Reply

    Love the entire suit! Such a stunning outfit. You look like you’re all set to hop on a plane for a weekend in gay Paree (with, of course, much more fabric shopping). I can almost hear the champagne glasses tinkling!

  • Jeannie at 365 Dresses
    Posted at 14:00h, 10 November Reply

    Just perfect, again! The skirt increases the impact of the jacket. I don’t know about being buried in it. I think your daughters should fight over the suit. Or you could make another! Definitely spend that reality check at Mood.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:09h, 11 November Reply

      LOL! I doubt they want it at this point but who knows! …… Hmmm….. maybe a reality check is a bad idea 😉

  • Lauri Darwin
    Posted at 14:27h, 10 November Reply

    I really WAS in the presence of a celebrity when we went to lunch the other day! You are so incredibly talented! Your Shanel suit looks like a million bucks ……. and so do you!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:11h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you for your sweet oomment, Lauri! I had the best help on earth putting my jacket together so it should look good 😉 The skirt, well it was pretty easy, but no matter how easy or difficult, Chanel fabric should look like a million bucks!

  • Vicki
    Posted at 14:41h, 10 November Reply

    Beautiful suit. Personally I love suits.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:25h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Vicki! I wore them a lot when I had an office job….. but they weren’t like this one 😉

  • Jackie
    Posted at 14:42h, 10 November Reply

    So fabulous!! That suit definitely needs to stay above ground.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:26h, 11 November Reply

      LOL! I agree, Jackie 😉 Many thanks for your comment.

  • carolinascallin
    Posted at 14:49h, 10 November Reply

    LOVE it, Sarah! Well worth whatever you had to pay for the lining – especially after subduing those pleats! Beautifully done – enjoy!!!

    …and please try to stay above ground long enough to wear this one – and many others – out!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:31h, 11 November Reply

      Hi Cheryl! It’s true.. the lining was worth the cost and feels like no other ;)…… I’ll try to take care of myself to 1) stay above ground and 2) not grow out of the skirt !

  • Ji
    Posted at 15:10h, 10 November Reply

    You so deserve nice expensive lining! You look wonderful as always.

  • Clare
    Posted at 15:13h, 10 November Reply

    This is fabulous!

  • Lori
    Posted at 15:48h, 10 November Reply

    This is a gorgeous suit and you look beautiful wearing it.

  • Carol
    Posted at 16:08h, 10 November Reply

    Beautiful!!!!!! You have inspired me to start my “Shanel” project! LOL! I’m still collecting all the good goods. Got fabric, inners and chain. Need buttons, lining and threads in order to start. Love your blog, thanks for the “High End” inspiration because lord know’s I get lazy!!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:47h, 11 November Reply

      You go girl! Sounds like you’re on your way to making a fab French jacket 😉 Many thanks for your nice comment, Carol!

  • sewdooley
    Posted at 16:24h, 10 November Reply

    The suit is beautiful, I’m sure every time you wear it you’ll be glad you made the investment. Maybe Karl Lagerfeld will steal your idea and stage his next show in a cemetery 😉

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:48h, 11 November Reply

      Ha! It would be a great backdrop for a show, huh? I’m already glad I did it ‘right’. Many thanks for writing 🙂

  • Mary B. Matteucci
    Posted at 16:41h, 10 November Reply

    Your commitment to detail in fitting and perfect fabric has paid inspiration dividends and a forever classic suit. You did not settle for good but accomplished great! Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration

  • lisa g
    Posted at 16:48h, 10 November Reply

    this looks stunning on you! it was definitely worth it to complete the look. fabulous job, and congrats on winning the PR contest!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:50h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Lisa! I was very flattered to win the PR jacket contest… such a nice way to end the Shanel journey 🙂

  • Velosewer
    Posted at 16:48h, 10 November Reply

    Sarah. Forget reality. I love this suit and all the effort you’ve gone to get your skills to this level.
    This is a great piece of work you’ve done and I agree that spending the $$$ makes a world of difference in the final suit.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:53h, 11 November Reply

      Forget reality? OK! In that case, it’s time for more Chanel 😉
      Many thanks for your nice comment!

  • Sandra
    Posted at 16:53h, 10 November Reply

    Too funny but you’ve got a lot more years to go and to wear this gorgeous suit –
    you did a beautiful job.

  • Laura Casey
    Posted at 17:09h, 10 November Reply

    You know every time you put on your suit (fabulous job/fabric selection/techniques) you will see that silk lining…..whose better than you?!
    Laura @Waechter’s Fine Fabrics

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:55h, 11 November Reply

      Great way of looking at this, Laura! I need to take a trip to Waechters soon 😉

      • mzsweetpea
        Posted at 05:25h, 12 November Reply

        If you do come to Waechter’s please come on a Wed. afternoon….I think we’ve met I’m the one who usually does the sales job on “Steam A Seam”….and I know you now use it….but just can’t remember your last visit. We’re having a 25% off all wools and wool blends right now……. 🙂 Currently making a cute T by Kathryn Tilton….want to wear to work tomorrow with my new 4-ply silk slacks. Such a slave to fashion I am….!

        My Best…..LAURA CASEY

  • gingermakes
    Posted at 17:44h, 10 November Reply

    Gosh, girl, this is fabulous! You better think up some occasions to wear this because it’s absolutely stunning! I love it so much!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:57h, 11 November Reply

      Thanks, Ginger! I’m wearing it Thursday evening to an event….. and hopefully beyond 😉

  • accordion3
    Posted at 18:00h, 10 November Reply

    Quite, quite lovely!

    Perhaps you need to specify clothing in your will & ensure your daughters share this beautiful suit.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:58h, 11 November Reply

      LOL! I’ll think of something 😉 Many thanks for the comment!

  • Almeda
    Posted at 18:17h, 10 November Reply

    Shut the front door!!!! You look fabulous!!! What an incredible suit. Wear it with pride! (and for many many years 🙂 )

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:59h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, dear Almeda! I wore it yesterday and there was some gushing….. all of which I took in gracefully 😉 Many thanks for your comment!

  • Christy
    Posted at 18:49h, 10 November Reply

    Awesome!!!!! 🙂

  • Pam
    Posted at 19:51h, 10 November Reply

    I loved the graveyard photos, so clever! But I’m with everyone else in hoping that you are around wearing that gorgeous suit and inspiring us with your beautiful blog for a long time!

  • Cheryl T Lemmons
    Posted at 19:56h, 10 November Reply

    Absolutely beautiful. You look like a million! I have made this skirt pattern as well and I’m wondering if you had issues getting the lining to work with those pleats? I do love the way the pattern fits, but lining those pleats was tricky. Thanks for the reality check. Good reminder that we need to give our best every day (as you did with this suit) in all areas of our lives. Celebrate this accomplishment well. I look forward to seeing what you sew next.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:03h, 11 November Reply

      What a nice comment, Cheryl! I had no problem with the pleats other than dealing with the bulk and making them lay flat.

  • Deb
    Posted at 20:03h, 10 November Reply

    Beautiful and inspiring!

  • Debra S Bowdish
    Posted at 20:31h, 10 November Reply

    Love the suit! I saw you in church today and decided you had made the skirt to go with your jacket. It is quite stunning!!

    Debbie

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:04h, 11 November Reply

      Thanks, Debbie! I knew I needed a skirt as soon I decided on the fabric for the jacket and now I’m so glad I splurged on another yard 😉

  • K Lipin
    Posted at 22:04h, 10 November Reply

    What a gorgeous suit! To which Five-Star Restaurant will your hubby take you? You look fabulous in it, and your sewing skills are on point. You have inspired me to take on this project, too. (Luckily for me, I live close to Susan Khalje’s school.)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:06h, 11 November Reply

      LOL! I don’t know where he’ll take me but I certainly know where I want to go 🙂 🙂
      Aren’t you lucky to live near Susan Khalje! Hope you take the class – it’s so worth it.

  • Pauline
    Posted at 22:52h, 10 November Reply

    Stunning suit well worth the expense and effort

  • pam
    Posted at 00:03h, 11 November Reply

    Again, what a gorgeous suit — great job. I can see spending the money on lining — it really does make a big difference!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:08h, 11 November Reply

      Thanks, Pam! It really did make a huge difference in my garment and I’m so glad I splurged on the unseen. 😉

  • Lexley- Brisbane AU
    Posted at 02:20h, 11 November Reply

    LOVE IT!!!

  • Kay
    Posted at 04:40h, 11 November Reply

    It is stunning. I love the fabric.

  • danvillegirl
    Posted at 05:25h, 11 November Reply

    Great job on the skirt. The jacket and skirt look great and you did an amazing job with both. Very flattering look on you. I love the fabric.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:11h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you, Linda! Good luck with that pattern fast 😉

  • Alethia
    Posted at 06:08h, 11 November Reply

    Exquisite and beautiful!

  • Jean
    Posted at 06:24h, 11 November Reply

    This skirt compliments your Shanel Jacket just beautifully. The whole outfit “suits” you to a T. You should be very proud of this accomplishment, and congratulations on winning the PR contest.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:12h, 11 November Reply

      Thank you very much, Jean! It was indeed a big day 🙂 🙂

  • Urbanite
    Posted at 08:12h, 11 November Reply

    Perfect from head to toe! Did I already say this? Perfection.

  • Vanessa
    Posted at 08:32h, 11 November Reply

    That suit is absolutely fabulous. I think the lining was an excellent investment. It would be such a disappointment to use something cheaper that wouldn’t hold up as well or feel as nice.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:13h, 11 November Reply

      I agree. It’s just hard spending $$$$ on something you can’t see. Many thanks for your comment, Vanessa!

  • Diana
    Posted at 08:52h, 11 November Reply

    OH MY! You look very Chanel in your Shanel ! I think Coco would be impressed. Your suit is “magnifique!”

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:14h, 11 November Reply

      You think? She seemed awfully hard to impress, but who knows….. I guess the important thing is that I like it…. and I really do 😉
      Many thanks for the comment, Diana!

  • Leisa @ a challenging sew
    Posted at 08:55h, 11 November Reply

    Oh Sarah, its simply stunning…..you are so inspiring..

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:15h, 11 November Reply

      Oooh……. thank you, Leisa! Means so much coming from someone like you 🙂 🙂

  • LLADYBIRD
    Posted at 08:56h, 11 November Reply

    Ohh yeah. I remember my fateful trip to NYC where I spent WAY too much at Mood… it was worth it, though. We non-New Yorkers don’t get to shop at the store that often, so might as well take advantage of it!

    Your full suit turned out beautiful! Gah, I love that jacket so much, and it looks even more amazing with the matching skirt. I love the back pleats, and yes, I see the metallic threads! So pretty!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:17h, 11 November Reply

      Well I’m glad someone can see them! They really make the fabric glisten morning noon and night 🙂 🙂
      Nothing like a trip to Mood, huh? I shopped so long even Meg was surprised I was still there!
      Many thanks for your comment!

  • Karen Combs
    Posted at 11:43h, 11 November Reply

    Perfection!

  • Karen
    Posted at 12:33h, 11 November Reply

    Dressy suits are just so classic – and classy! This is beautiful, Sarah!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:37h, 12 November Reply

      Thank you, Karen! I think I’ve discovered a new style for myself 🙂

  • Sewer
    Posted at 13:38h, 11 November Reply

    Fitting and sewing take too long not to sew with the best fabric you can afford. A couture-style garment is supposed to last for years.

    • Sewer
      Posted at 13:38h, 11 November Reply

      The suit looks great.

      • goodbyevalentino
        Posted at 08:38h, 12 November Reply

        You are so right and I’ll use this justification from now on 🙂 Many thanks!

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 13:51h, 11 November Reply

    It’s truly beautiful and looks like you paid a fortune for it. I am drooling over that fabric! Great job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:38h, 12 November Reply

      Thanks, Amanda! I don’t know if I’ll ever find fabric like this again 😉

  • sbzurenda
    Posted at 14:29h, 11 November Reply

    gorgeous suit and fit!

  • Gjeometry
    Posted at 15:34h, 11 November Reply

    ha ha ha. That made me laugh. Your suit is stunning! Contender for Best Dressed Corpse, for sure!

  • Alexandra
    Posted at 15:38h, 11 November Reply

    Beautiful suit! I’d be rethinking cremation if I had one like that, too.

  • Sharon
    Posted at 20:14h, 11 November Reply

    Absolutely gorgeous suit and you will get a lot of wear from both pieces.

  • susan
    Posted at 20:21h, 11 November Reply

    Stunning! Thanks for the Simplicity skirt pattern mention. I love the inverted pleats in the back. I am always on the lookout for garments with a little interest in the back…no ‘coffin clothes’ for me!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 08:41h, 12 November Reply

      LOL! I like the pleats too – but they should be made with less bulky fabric. Many thanks for the comment, Susan!

  • Paula
    Posted at 10:21h, 12 November Reply

    Stunning! You did an amazing job on both pieces.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:06h, 13 November Reply

      Thank you, Paula! Is this Petra’s friend? If so she’s loving her new sewing machine 🙂

  • Trish
    Posted at 15:07h, 12 November Reply

    Such a good result! Makes it worth the time and money when the finished product looks as good as this one does. I like the photo styling in the cemetery, too…a suit to die for! Funny!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:07h, 13 November Reply

      Many thanks, Trish! It was worth the blood sweat and tears for sure…… and money 🙂

  • DebB
    Posted at 16:10h, 12 November Reply

    That suit is fabulous! Congratulations on your win!! Your creations are always a source of inspiration – keep them coming. You look amazing in your new outfit.

  • velosewer
    Posted at 17:42h, 12 November Reply

    Congratulations on winning the Lined jacket contest on PR.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:08h, 13 November Reply

      Thank you so much Maria! I was really flattered to win. 🙂 🙂

  • Erica B
    Posted at 17:46h, 12 November Reply

    Oh Sarah! This is absolutely stunning! You look so elegant! If I saw you wearing this, I’d think it was the real deal! Or at least St. John!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:11h, 13 November Reply

      Thank you, Erica! Come to think of it…. it reminds me of a St John suit I tried on a few years back…. couldn’t bring myself to fork out the big $$$$$ 🙂

  • Amy
    Posted at 02:48h, 14 November Reply

    What a fantastic suit. You look fabulous in it. I love that you put the time and effort into both pieces, inside and out, to make them something you’ll be proud of for years and years to come. And, perhaps indefinitely?! 🙂 Also, I see from the comments that you won the PR Lined Jacket Contest. Congrats! A well-deserved win!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:03h, 16 November Reply

      Thank you, Amy! Making these clothes was such a good lesson for me in perseverance and patience. I was truly flattered to win the PR jacket contest 🙂

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 11:03h, 14 November Reply

    Oh my gosh, you look amazing in this suit! It’s very classy and sophisticated, while still looking feminine…. not to mention looking seriously expensive! What a knock out! Congrats! : )

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:07h, 16 November Reply

      Many thanks, Carolyn! Actually it was seriously expensive, but I suppose not as expensive as it would have been had I bought it 🙂 But all in all it was a worthwhile investment!

  • Alex Carr
    Posted at 13:15h, 14 November Reply

    I have to heap praise on you along with your many readers. So beautiful and the suit is magnificent, too. I think the IRS will be sniffing around because you look like a million bucks!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:09h, 16 November Reply

      LOL! The IRS will end up with dirty noses and no goods 🙂 Many thanks for your nice comment, Alex.

  • Gail
    Posted at 15:26h, 15 November Reply

    Classic suit that you will wear forever, and pass on to another generation of stylish women.

  • sewruth
    Posted at 16:07h, 15 November Reply

    $$$$ well spent, if you ask me. Fabulous suit that can be worn together and yet still as impressive as separates.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:10h, 16 November Reply

      You are so right, Ruth! You have been doing some serious sewing lately 🙂

  • Anne-Marie
    Posted at 16:11h, 26 November Reply

    You look a million dollars in that suit; what an inspiration you are in investing in time to get things right…the suit fits so well, and is so well made! Congratulations; I follow your sewing journey with pleasure. Greetings from New Zealand.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:02h, 26 November Reply

      Thank you so much for your nice comment, Anne-Marie! It’s a pleasure for me to share my journey 😉

  • Ann Carbone
    Posted at 15:39h, 25 August Reply

    Beautiful suit .. I missed the jacket post .. what pattern did you use for it ( the link is not working to go back and check)
    thank you

    working my way back into sewing like you did …. and loving every moment

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:11h, 25 August Reply

      Ann,
      Thank you so much! Sorry about this link ~ I changed blogs and have had some trouble linking older posts. I used Vogue 7975 for the pattern, but several patterns like this are available.

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