Machine Embroidered Jacket

I've had an embroidery machine for many years. When Bernina introduced its first Deco, I bought it. Still have it. It lives in a closet. Later, I bought a TOL embroidery/sewing machine. Love the machine, but the embroidery side of it I haven't used like I thought I would. That happens sometimes. Just have to have something, then don't use it.

I've had some issues with the machine embroidery explosion that's been going on the last few years. For one thing, it just got done to death. I mean, must every surface have an embroidery on it? I was determined I would not wear Mickey Mouse on my chest, or other "cutesy" type designs that, to me, look ridiculous on a middle aged woman. Of course, this is just one woman's opinion, as witnessed by the number of sweatshirts sprouting Disney characters!

On the other hand, I've seen some tasteful machine embroidery. Some even beautiful. It is a medium that can add another dimension to one's garments or home dec. It's also fun. It's also expensive.

Having said that, here is a black jacket that I made, and heavily embroidered.

This is a jeans jacket pattern, lengthened. The fabric is black linen-look poly, with facings in red of the same fabric line . It's underlined with red lining fabric.

Top-stitching is done in red thread. Red snaps are from Snapsource. Any time I need a snap closure-those are what I use.

The embroidery designs are called "Crystal Florals II" and are from Elsasdesigns. There is embroidery on the front yokes, back yoke, collar, sleeve cuffs, and a tab on the side seam.

Here a detail of the cuffs and side tabs:

It took some time to do this embroidery. I traced an outline of each pattern piece that I wanted to embroider, onto the right side of the fabric. Then, hooped and centered the designs accordingly. After the embroidery was complete, I assembled the jacket.

I was pleased at the end result. But, it's not Mickey Mouse!