The Penelope Red Black Latin Bolero Jacket

I have been busy making a few more handmade winter pieces for the markets recently, and I wanted to show you this brand new style, the Penelope Red Black Latin Bolero! I call it "Latin" as, for some reason, when I tried this style on, I thought the cream appliquéd lace gave it a very Spanish type of feel.



Sometimes my designs come to me at the most unusual times... when I am sleeping and I dream it; when I am cooking or walking; basically when my mind is somewhat shut off from the constant design process. I guess you could say they are like instant snap shots that kind of appear in my brain for a split second, then disappear. I usually can't do anything else until I draw the idea on paper.

This design came to me in one of those moments!



Above, cutting out the black jacquard wool fabric.



Next, I cut out the interfacing. The whole bolero is interfaced. A much better finish, and it will be much more durable.


Above, sewing the sleeve together.


I apply my Penelope Red label to the inside back facing.


I used silk lining for these jackets. The size 8 and 12 have black silk lining, the size 10 has pale blue silk lining.


I love the lace I used on these jackets! It is a very Art Deco styled lace- the lace I used for my wedding dress! I had a fair amount of it left, and I had been looking for the right design to use the rest in... so here it is.


I applied the lace in parts to the centre front, the shoulder seam, the sleeve hem and the centre back.



It was lucky that I could use the machine to appliqué all of the cream lace pieces on.


Above, clipping and trimming the seams- I do this on every seam!


Attaching the lining and facing to the main outer side.






The lace on the sleeve cuff/hem.

I will hopefully have some nice elegant photos of this design in the next week or two, and will add it to my etsy shop soon. I currently have a few bolero's already in the Penelope Red etsy shop, so please take a look, and visit again soon!