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31 January 2014

A Parisian giraffe wrap

Just in the nick of time! Ever since I missed last year's launch of Anne's Jungle January I planned to join the next time. As soon as January got here I started planning. I looked through my fabrics (a beloved pastime) to find the animal prints, and began rummaging for patterns.

Then, what do you know, it's already the last week of January. Eeep! Panic, panic! A snake print coat? Yeah right! A zebra cotton blouse? Not at my usual speed. A snake print pencil skirt? Maybe but not in real leather. A giraffe wrap it is then!

I call it my Parisian giraffe wrap because this plushy awesomeness is my first souvenir fabric. Bought in 1996 during my first visit to Paris. I was sightseeing in Montmartre when I spotted the fabric shops at the base of the hill. I couldn't run fast enough down there and spent the rest of the day going crazy through all the various shops. This tiny piece of gorgeousness was just too good to leave behind, but on a graduate student salary all I could get was a scant 1/2 meter.

So what to do with half a meter? I always thought it was destined to be the furry collar on a coat or jacket. But I don't dare to cut a collar until I do have a coat to put it onto. How else would I know the precise shape it should have? So for now all I did was line the entire rectangle of fabric.

Which I can then wear as a sort of fur vest if I help it stay in place with a belt.

Then I thought about adding buttons and loops so that I could close the "vest".

And if I add the buttons and loops on both sides, I can also button it up into a cylinder that makes a couple of sleeves. And so voila, I have a furry bolero!

Well, the sleeves are a bit too wide and they pull to the front. Plus the back is definitely poorly shaped with all that bunching going on. But hey, I made it into Jungle January!

16 comments:

  1. Great job, you made it. I just found your blog love all your creations

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    1. Thanks Aminat, and also thanks for stopping by and introducing me to your blog. I love all your dresses, wow, what a great wardrobe!

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  2. Wow, fabulous, versatile and full of memories. You're all set for Furocious February too!
    -Sewingelle

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    1. Thanks Elle, but oh dear, in typical fashion I blinked and Furocious February passed me by... I guess having goals is what keeps me young :-) "must reply to comments within a few days, not after a month!"

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  3. What a clever way to use a small, precious piece of fabric. Your top looks fabulous and fun!

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    1. Thanks Audrey. I'm kinda proud of the simple buttons-and-loops closing. It greatly increased the wearability.

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    1. :-) it was really easy to make. Just bag a lining an attach a few buttons and loops. If I can do it, anyone can!

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  5. Saw your wrap over on Anne's blog and had to come over and say how much I love it!! Looks terrific.

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    1. Thanks Catja. I loved your blog, and I am seriously coveting that Cynthia Rowley pattern. I'm looking forward to seeing what you make with it.

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  6. I love it! Very chic indeed.

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    1. Thanks Francesca. Amazing what some animal print fur and a pair of sunglasses can do, huh?

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  7. I love it! Very chic.

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    1. Thanks again Francesca, what a great blog! And would you believe it, just today I was planning to sew my first ever fly front zipper on a pair of pants. Your link to the Sandra Betzina video was precisely what I needed! I'm looking forward to seeing how your Pirate Jacket turns out. I'm sure you will make your "fine gentleman" proud :-)

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  8. Me encantaaaaa! Es precioso! y me gusta muchisimo el print de jirafa, mucho mas que cualquier otro print animal. Estas super elegante!!

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    1. Gracias Merche. Si, el print de girafa es tambien my favorito. Casi siento que me muevo con la misma gracia que ellas... :-)

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