I’ve been sewing alot of suits lately, and these two jackets were a delightful diversion from the more standard styles I regularly put together for AJ Machete & Sons Custom Clothiers.  I’ve been itching to post these pictures since I finished these pieces a few weeks ago now, but I’ve been so busy with other projects that it hasn’t been high enough priority.  Until today. I’m taking a break to share these completely custom jackets with you.

Lining and Interior Pocket - Rockabilly Blazer, Custom Tailored for AJ Machete & Sons, 2010

Do you love the zebra print charmeuse lining?!  How about picturing a full band, all in matching “Rockabilly Blazers”?  I think that’s the costumer in me coming out…picturing the clothes on a stage where the contrast details would really show up.

Rockabilly Blazer, Custom Tailored for AJ Machete & Sons, 2010

What other kinds of contrast fabric and color details can you imagine on a custom blazer?  Pick your fabrics and styling, we’ll make a cotton muslin mockup first to develop a custom fit pattern, and then construct beautiful garments just for you.  Great fitting clothes will give you confidence in your appearance and help you be sharp and stylin’ at weddings, shows, themed conventions, or other special events.

View the Etsy listing for more info on AJ Machete & Sons’ “Rockabilly Blazer” here.

The next project has captured my attention with ideas for future gear-themed appliques on clothing, pillows, bags, and more….now if I can just squeeze some time in for some new designs!

Custom Applique Tailcoat: Leather Gears on brown linen. Jessica Montoya for AJ Machete & Sons, 2010.

A soft, contrasting brown leather gear on the back… Read the rest of this entry »

Ever wondered what the inside a blazer looks like? Here’s a few shots of some typical inner construction details you will find inside a suit jacket.  The front of the jacket is interfaced with a hair canvas backing, fusible in this case.  Weft fusible is used in addition as a softer stabilizer at the shoulder/chest area.  Sleeve caps are supported by shoulder pads and sleeve headers.  The front welt pockets are supported by a muslin strip connected to the armscye.

I just finished making this “Rockabilly Blazer” for MacheteNSons.etsy.com – stay tuned for pictures of the completed blazer!

The word “Assemblage“ has caught my creative focus this evening.  Assemblage is an artistic process in which a three-dimensional artistic composition is made from putting together found objects. -Wikipedia

I’ve always loved to make collages, and I collect small odds and ends with the intention of one day using them in some sort of assemblage. Trouble is, I haven’t spent enough time creating.  The good news is that I’ve got some pretty great collections started, so I have some inspiring materials to draw from!  Both my fabric clothing label collection and my selvedge edge collection will no doubt be appearing once I have some free time to create…right now I’m so busy sewing in many moments of what used to be spare time that this blog post is the closest I’ve made it to creating something new. (unless you count that I’ve made a suit jacket and vest already this week…but that’s still in the work category.)

This is WAY cool: This Sewing Queen Marionette Assemblage by Jeanne Rhea was made from old sewing machine parts, old spools, mirror, silk, box, notions, bobbins and other found objects.

I can see a doing a regular feature on assemblage artists…these are just a few with the sewing bird theme for starters…

Check out the details in this “Hen” by whileshenaps on Etsy….I love the fabric measuring tape trim and the intricately wrapped wire and fabric legs.  What a great use for fabric scraps!

Read the rest of this entry »