Fabric swatches: which one do you like?

I wanted to buy some new knit fabric prints. I have three options, images of each are below. As you can see, they are all the same print, just in different colour-ways.



1. Mocha Blue



2. Charcoal



3. Blue

So, what do you think? I am considering using the blue colour-way, but I like the others too, so this is where your opinions count!

I was thinking of using the print to make either a dress, perhaps like the Jade Bow Tie Dress (below)



or the Black and White Printed Bow Tie Top (below).



Please leave your comments below or on the Penelope Red facebook page

The Penelope Red Winter Coat

I have recently added the Penelope Red Jade Winter Coat to my Etsy site.



It is, so far, my most favourite design I have ever made- which is saying a lot, since I have made well over a few hundred pieces in the past few years!

I originally had made this design in another colour way/fabric choice, for myself last winter. I received so many comments on it, and when I found the fabrics in the Jade and Black coat, I couldn't wait to make more! I am so happy with the finish and quality of this coat- one of the reasons why it is my favourite!

I thought it would be nice to show you the original Penelope Red Winter Coat- The Emerald and Ivory Coat. This is my own personal coat. I love wearing it! It makes me feel like a million dollars as soon as I put it on! I can't help but smile when I wear this coat.


I had originally intended to create the coat using just the emerald and ivory check, and the faux fur trim. However, I started to realise I wouldn't have enough fabric. I am actually glad it turned out this way, as the contrasting panelling gives it that Penelope Red panache which I love!



I decided to also add ivory piping in between the contrasting fabrics, as well as for the welt button holes.


I am starting to realise that tailoring is truly where my heart lies... I love creating intricate coats and jackets, with a certain Penelope Red contrast. Each time I make a coat or jacket, I am learning something new, which I love! When I made this coat, it was the second time I had created one- I had done plenty of jackets and boleros, but not a coat.


I created the coat over the course of a month of late night sewing- and it was well worth it, even if I do say so myself!


The Penelope Red Jade and Black Winter Coat is now available in my Etsy shop. It is a one-off design, as I only had enough fabric for the one copy. So whoever buys this will be the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind Penelope Red Coat, and no one else will ever have the same!

The Making of The Penelope Red Jade Winter Coat

I am so excited! I wanted to introduce my very latest style to my Penelope Red range. This is the Penelope Red Jade Winter Coat, and I absolutely love it! This is a one-off, completely unique garment, and the lady who will eventually own this will truly have something special!

The photos included here with me as the model, have been taken today... they are, of course, not professional photos, but I couldn't wait for the real photos before I revealed this to you, so for now... these will have to do.

I am so happy with the colours, styling, finish and fit of the coat- I am really starting to see that tailoring and suiting is truly where my passion lies...

I decided on this style through many ways. I wanted a glamorous, classic silhouette, so I created a fuller hem. The subtle pleating in the arms, bust and waist area, tied together with the fuller hem also allows for comfort and ease.

The contrasting jade panels were created for two reasons. I always like to try to balance out a woman's body. So If I have a wide hem, I like to create the optical illusion of wider shoulders too.

The second; both of these fabrics are recycled, I only had very small amounts in each, so I needed to divide the fabric anyway.

I have spent over a week creating this coat, and for those of you who have no idea how much work goes into creating something as special as this, I will share with you some photos to illustrate exactly how much work is involved.

I have added a 100% cotton interlining to this coat. The main outer fabric is a beautiful bouclé, and I wanted to stabilise it with an interlining. It gives more body to the garment, keeps it warmer and soft.
Each and every seam has been layered as well as pressed.


Above is the lining, once I had attached the black faux fur.The lining is 100% black silk. To create a bit of interest to the inside of the garment, I decided to place a jade detailed stitching around the facings- even the inside is beautiful!


I love it when coats have welt button holes- it just finishes off the coat perfectly. It is quite a fiddly procedure, and takes many steps, but it is always worth it!



When I am creating a beautiful garment such as this, I like to use interfacing, rather than fusing. This means the garment will be more durable, will hold its shape for longer, and will look better than any fused garment..... It also means more work, but again, it's worth it!


I tried to match the check lines as much as possible.


As mentioned before, I like to place subtle pleats around the bust/waist and arms. This is a photo of one.


There are two side pockets included.

Some of the seams have been hand stitched down to make sure they stay completely flat.




Well, I hope this has helped to give you a clearer picture of how I create my designs, and the kind of work involved.

Below are a few photos of the coat on the dummy.





The Penelope Red Jade Winter Coat will not be available to purchase until September 09. Meanwhile, please take a look at the Penelope Red Etsy shop, or the Penelope Red official website for more information.