This is the start of a jacket for my sister-in-law. We are having a surprise birthday party for her the end of September. I spent 8 hours doing this jacket back today, and want to put more butterflies on the front and sleeves if I can figure out how to get the sleeves done. I had thought that I could open the seam, but this a denim style jacket, and not that easy to open the seams, and put back - at least not for me. She loves butterflies, and since she has a September birthday, blue sapphire is her birthstone, and she loves blue. What do you think? Should I put more on the back? I thought it looked a little sparse on one side. The designs are a mixture of freebies, purchased, and modified designs. If I ever get it done, I will post the finished project. And hopefully, one with her wearing it.

Gorgous *

Beautiful. *4U

It is very nice.Butterflies look so natural..Personally I would not add more on a back.In regards to sleeves did you thought to embroider them as a patch and than hand stitch it to a sleeve.You can even iron it with applique paper so the patch does not move.Smiles and *4U

1 comment

by dlonnahawkins 31 Aug 2008

Thanks for the idea - I may have to do that.

You know, Mother Nature doesn't stand back and say now I need to put more leaves in the middle and another bird's nest on the right. I think the jacket is lovely. I also like the idea of sewing out some butterflies then sewing them onto the jacket, then you don't disturb any seams. Your sister-in-law, must be very special, but I'm sure that she is going to love this jacket. There isn't another like it. You have made it so special for her. Have you thought about putting her monogram on it? It's a lovely, lovely gift. I can't wait to see it finished. Thanks for sharing. :-) *4u

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by dlonnahawkins 31 Aug 2008

You are so right - we don't need to question Mother Nature, do we? I guess since I work with math every day my mind has to be too precise. I have a daughter that is an engineer, and she can not do crafts much at all. Everything has to be just perfect for her. I know she did not get that from me. LOL

Absolutely gorgeous. What about doing some free standing designs and adding them to the sleeves? That would get aroung having to open the seams....

I love jackets and blouses that have designs "willy-nilly" on them Great work and I love the colours

Lots of butterflys.

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by dlonnahawkins 31 Aug 2008

yes, and lots of work. But, I guess she is worth it. She helped my husband out when he was young, and she never married. She has supported a nephew, and that is her "adoptive son."

If you put another on the bottom left I would also put one on the right half way up I think a couple on the front without doing sleeves if you can't split the seam

dlonna, I agree with you that the lower left side could use another small one. You have done a spectacular job. She's going to love this! Maybe you could try stitching a couple out on tulle or organza and hand tacking them onto the sleeves if that is where you want to put them. I would suggest just putting one on each side above the breast if the sleeves are going to be super difficult to unstitch. Good luck with the rest, and I hope you only have 1 sister-in-law or you are going to be busy!;)

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by dlonnahawkins 31 Aug 2008

Thanks - Now, my husband was the only boy, with 4 sisters. I am going to have to let them know that when they turn 70 maybe I will be able to do another one. have a few years for that. LOL

Gorgeous, would look so great with a turquoise shirt underneath....

I luv butterflies! this is very pretty! a suggestion is to maybe do a patch on the elbow with butterflies on it, just a thought

Looks nice. I don't know of any way to stitch on the sleeves unless you take out the seam.

It looks really nice, I will leave it as it is, but if you want to add one more small butterfly to the botton I guess it will look fine too. As far as for the sleeves I usually open the seams and then sew them back up other than that I don't know what else you can do other than doing small designs that will fit a 2 X 1 1/2 inch hoop if your machine takes those, and even there it might be dificult. Are you doing the designs just on the cuff or where?

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by dlonnahawkins 31 Aug 2008

Thanks, but these sleeves are double stitched like jeans, and I really do not think that i would be able to get them back. I have had a few suggestions, and am certainly going to try them.

This is a beautiful Jacket!! I also love butterflies. I think maybe I would add 1 more small butterfly in bottom left. I wouldn't know how to do the sleeves either. Many flowers for a wonderful job!!!

1 comment

by dlonnahawkins 30 Aug 2008

That is what I thought too. Too tired to do it tonight. Need a break - that was a lot of stitches! And thank you for your kind remarks.