Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

Skip to content

Reviewed by Gayle MacGregor – Sideshow Alley

Couture Sewing: The Couture Cardigan Jacket. Sewing secrets from a Chanel collector
by Claire. B. Shaeffer
The Taunton Press: ISBN. 978-1-60085-955-7 BUY NOW

This fascinating book with accompanying DVD is the latest in the Couture Sewing series by acclaimed author Claire Shaeffer, and explores the construction techniques developed by the author to create a Chanel style Jacket.

Through meticulous research based on the Authors collection of original Chanel Jackets and Museum archival research, the reader is treated to a step by step tutorial.

The text and accompanying DVD demonstrate every process required including:

  • Selection of the pattern and fashion fabric, lining and trims and preparation of the fabric and completion of a muslin toile
  • Basting, quilting, stabilizing and shaping including shaping bust and creating dart stays.
  • Stitching seams, and placing and stitching lining
  • Hand worked buttonholes
  • Three piece sleeves
  • Edge finishes
  • Hand set in sleeves
  • Patch Pockets
  • Back shaping and adding a chain weight hem finish

The text is accompanied with clear photographs of the sewing process, along with vintage examples of authentic Chanel jackets.

Chapter 9 includes how to identify original Chanel jackets versus fake versions or Licensed Copies, along with tips on how to date Chanel jackets. The instructions along with the DVD make the sewing process crystal clear. The authors calm, clear and concise instructions encourage you to take on the project without feeling daunted. By sharing her knowledge of these construction techniques the Author is sharing a wonderful gift with all of us that love to sew, along with all who love Vintage Couture techniques.

I would highly recommend this publication to sewers of a medium to high skill level as a fascinating and rewarding challenge.

As an Amazon Associate, the VFG earns from qualifying purchases

Buy This Book on Amazon