Just a quick thought as we head into this Labor Day weekend…
The next time you buy lining fabric for that coat or jacket you’re making, think about using a print instead of a boring solid color. Imagine wearing the trench coat above and then flashing everyone with that cool lining. Sarah Jessica Parker, a Mood NYC customer, buys silk prints to line her coats because she likes the unexpected surprise of a print lining. I replaced the lining on a friend’s J. Crew coat with a charmeuse print, and my friend says she gets more compliments on the lining than she does on the coat.
So instead of automatically reaching for a matching solid lining fabric the next time you sew a coat or jacket, consider a fun print. Here are two from MoodFabrics.com that I like:
302144, silk charmeuse
302132, silk charmeuse
Enjoy the long weekend, and happy sewing!
8 comments
What a great idea…I have never thought of that. Thanks for the inspiration.
SJP sews? Wow I’m impressed!
I don’t know that she actually sews, rather than works with a designer or dressmaker…
What a great idea!
i had that blue/red/white silk charmeuse in my closet, in the form of a RTW tank top. now i’m wondering if i never wore it because it was meant to be a lining…
I’m definitely a fan of surprise linings. I’ve put printed silk crepe de chine lining in two dresses I’ve made this year, have a beautiful print silk charmeuse for a jacket, and am currently eyeing a Mood silk crepe de chine for another dress. Do you think it would work well on the underside of a peplum, or is that too much?!
Yes, go for it, Amy! That’s the best part of being a home sewer–we can do fun things like peekaboo linings.
I made a beautiful Mardi Gras gown a couple of years ago. The print was the focus of the dress, but I decided to add some flair with the lining. I called the print “Tropical Zebra” because it was a blue silky fabric with a zebra print… LOVE THAT DRESS!!!!! I put a hot pink silky liner in. Adjusted my pattern to have side slits on both sides…. liner popped against the tropical zebra! Surprise linings are really awesome and with a little imagination, can be a showstopper!