Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Next Project - AKA Commemorative Coat!!

"I think that I shall never know, another love that thrills me so...dwells in my heart by night by day - as does my love for A.K.A. I think that I shall never fear, where hearts are Loyal, True and Dear...."

On January 15, 2008 my beloved Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated celebrates her 100th Anniversary. Founded by 20 phenomenal woman on the campus of Howard University, as the first Sorority for collegiate Black woman. 100 years later, thousands of phenomenal woman have taken the oath of sisterhood and supreme service to all mankind.

This year I also celebrate my 5th AKAversary with my 3 linesisters (I'm #3). This is a picture of us on campus the night after we crossed in the wee hours of the morning. Our big sisters had a surprise get together and invited local Greeks to hang with us.

4, 3, 2, 1

I was the crafter of the line. I made these padded photo albums with pink and green satin and sequins and calligraphed a poem inside. The front had an Ivy Leaf (our symbol) trimmed with 20 pearls. This was our line gift to our Dean and Assistant Dean and they loved it!
In commemoration of our 100th year and my line's 5th year I'm going to make this coat from the September BWOF - view 107. Although it is unseasonably warm in in NYC right now, I hope to get some good wears in before spring hits.
This fabric was purchased when I went shopping with Carolyn and I knew immediately it would be a coat one day. Salmon Pink and Apple Green are our colors, and the brown complements the two nicely. I haven't started yet. Mainly because this is my first BWOF and I'm terrified of tracing it all wrong. I'm also terrified of preshrinking this heavy wool. I don't know if I should steam it, soak then line dry, or just take it to the cleaners :-(
I better hurry up...I want to wear it now!

19 comments :

Anonymous said...

Your new coat will be fierce and the colors compliment your sorority colors quite nicely!

Lashell said...

I can't wait to see you coat when it is done. BWOF patterns are real easy to trace. I had my wool dry cleaned since I figured that is the method I would be using when my coat was done.

laura said...

Pink and green are 2 of my favorite combinations!Tracing Burda patterns is a bit of a pain because of the time involved, but worth it!

Christina said...

Great choice for a coat pattern. I didn't notice those pleated cuffs before - interesting! The plaid on the bias is going to look great; I've always wanted to do that.

Any of those methods will work for pre-treating your fabric, so do whatever is most convenient for you.

Jada said...

Love the photo albums you made!I can't wait to see the coat when you finish!

Tearsa Smith said...

Awww my AKA friend got me feeling all reminiscent of my crossing into DST! LOL. Congratulations on your sorority's big day. Can't wait to see your coat. It will be fab! BTW, shorty, I am number #36 of 50 (HBCU). :)

Tracey said...

The photo albums are precious. I look forward to seeing your coat and belt. I'm pretty sure you'll have some cool (cold) enough days before spring, but if not, just come on over to Chicago. I didn't get to comment on the white dress you posted some days ago, but I think it's stunning.

mimi jackson said...

Lovely idea. You can dryclean the coat fabric, but remember that someday you will likely be caught in the rain or snow, so "sponging" is the method I use. I take a brand-new big cellulose sponge, soak it with water, then gently sponge all over the face of the faric, just enough to dampen it. Then I hang the fabric in a single layer to dry. That way, it can shrink just a bit, and you won't have anasty suprise the first time you get caught in the rain.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I was going to recommend the dry clean method especially since it is coat fabric but I love Mimi's suggestion (will definitely have to remember that)!

Lesalicious said...

Look like you all had fun. Oooo can't wait to see how your coat turns out I know it will be oh so cute. Love the fabric you pick. :)

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Anonymous said...

Hi, I just happened to run into your blog and I really like your work. I'm a beginner sewer from N.Y as well and wanted to know if you had any suggestions as to where I can shop for patterns at a decent price. Joann's & another small fabric store in queens seems to be all I can find so far. Thanks in advance for any adise you can give. Stayy22@yahoo.com

Thought's Daughter said...

Happy Centennial, Soror! Didn't know you were a blogger!! It's really great and interesting to read!

SKEE WEE!!!!

Cennetta said...

Happy Belated Anniversary! That coat is going to be too sharp! I'm I dating myself. Anyway! Too sharp!

Kelly said...

Can't wait to see the coat when you're done!

Sheila said...

Happy AKAversary and the albums are too cute. Great fabric... looking forward to your FO.

Nneka said...

Just found your blog. You are so talented! And Happy AKAversary, Soror. Your pics took me back to fun memories of when my line crossed. I was #15 of 16 Treasured Jewels. I'm still trying to decide if/what to make to wear in DC this July.
-Nneka

1969 said...

Found your blog via Erica B and lo and behold....a beautiful Soror.

Yes, happy 100th and hope to see you in DC in July.

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