Tribute to a Pastor's Wife

comments (8) February 14th, 2009 in design, garment construction, embroidery, reader's closet

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This jacket was made to honor my Pastor’s Wife, Mrs. Carla Gomez, who passed away of cancer on January 26, 2008. I’m not always very good at expressing myself in word form, so I used this jacket to pour out my memories, admiration, and love for Mrs. Gomez onto fabric. I’m so thankful that the Lord has given me this outlet to remember, heal, and honor through this art form.

The jacket is made from Simplicity pattern #3634. A muslin mock-up was created to adjust the fit, since this pattern was meant for stretch knits only. I also adapted the pattern to include a large back pleat, center pleats on each sleeve to mirror the pleat in the back, and changed the neckline from a v-neck to a wing-tip collar.

The jacket is created from lavender silk matka. Cotton mosquito netting was hand-dyed to match the lavender silk. Six Zundt embroidery designs were combined using customizing software to create the galloon laces that embellish the jacket. After the designs were combined on the computer, paper templates were printed to use to determine how I wanted the designs laid out on the garment. Once the overall design was completed, strips of the silk matka and cotton netting were machine embroidered, with the individual hoopings aligned end-to-end to create long, continuous columns of embroidery. The netting was stitched on top of water-soluble stabilizer, which was later washed away, to reveal beautiful strips of lavender lace.

Referring back to my paper design mock up, the strips were pieced together as planned. Each piece was accented with pink piping made from silk crepe de chine. Once the piecing was completed, the jacket was then ready to be cut out based on my muslin pattern pieces and constructed into the jacket. The jacket is fully lined with celery green silk charmeuse. The strips of embroidered cotton netting reveal a subtle hint of the green color underneath. More pink piping was added to the center front, with button loops and covered buttons adding a closure. The final touch was a label on the inside commemorating my church’s amazing first lady.

Pattern or design used: My Own Design - Tribute to a Pastor's Wife

posted in: design, garment construction, embroidery, reader's closet

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Comments (8)

runwaygal writes: After seeing the suit last night it is absolutely spectacular. Pictures just don't do justice to a 3- dimensional work of art. I am truly amazed at your patience to complete this special outfit and the workmanship is perfect. I knew your First Lady and she was truly worthy of such a suit. She is missed by my family. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted: 2:13 pm on September 20th

busy91 writes: I love this jacket. And what a lovely tribute.
Posted: 8:34 pm on May 4th

Herony writes: Dear Sewsalot,
you have opened my mind (and eyes) to the fact that I, through sewing, am expressing my greatfullness, my thanks and appreciation to my God, and to my Mom, for the priviledge of being able to sew.

My Mom passed away in 2006, and one is never old enough to loose a parent. My Mom and I shared many, many hours sewing, and after her death, I did not touch any sewing for years. Now that the initial grieving over my loss has passed (I hope) I have taken up sewing again, and during such pleasant sewing hours, I can clearly feel her presence. It is almost as if she is still guiding me, telling me the many ways in which the colours and richness of certain types of materials call to her, speak to her and weave her colourful dreams. I miss her dearly, and desperately - and I am SO tremendously greatful for being able to connect with her in the expressive manner of sewing.

Seeing you pour your grieve over the loss of a loved one into such a magnificent piece of exquisite art, has made me realize that my soul is yearning to do the same for my Mom. I do not yet know what it is that I shall be sewing as a tribute to my best friend and confidant that is now sewing in Heaven, but I want to thank you for showing me the way.

God bless

Posted: 9:57 pm on March 3rd

CHL writes: A lovely tribute! A loving tribute
Posted: 1:36 pm on February 26th

eveh writes: That is so pretty. The work is just so perfect. I've never thought about making an outfit to honor someone but it seems fitting to me. Some gardeners plant a tree, a ceramicist will make a vase, a quilter makes a guilt. I guess it is along the same lines.
Posted: 7:48 pm on February 21st

LLaMona writes: What a beautiful tribute to your pastor's wife. Truly a gorgeous jacket!
Posted: 8:42 pm on February 20th

northdesigns writes: This ensemble is truly a wonderful tribute and work of love. I am impressed with the detail and workmanship. What an inspiration for others of us who love to sew!! Thank you for sharing!
Posted: 1:38 am on February 18th

Llanelli writes: That is absolutely gorgeous,and a very nicely thought outfit to commemorate the deceased pastors wife.
Posted: 6:53 pm on February 15th

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