I call these Serendipity Jackets; the final product is a surprise.   I gather  silk pieces gleaned from a number of sources into mixtures that seem to go together.  Then I start cutting and sewing and placing the pieces on Thermore batting cut to the shape of the five patterns pieces (two fronts, two sleeves, and the back.)   I piece the five small "tops" and then quilt them.   Then the jackets are sewn together with silk seam binding so that they are reversible.   I cut a little extra fabric into the fronts so that the size can be adjusted easily by moving the buttons.   The sleeves can be rolled to allow for adjustment there. I pre-wash the fabric to check for colors running.   That's quite common with silk so I try to avoid light colors to cut down on the chance of problems.   One unexpected benefit:   Thermore doesn't allow the jacket to wrinkle, which in addition to reversibility and hand  washability makes these jackets quite wonderful for travel.   They are also very lightweight when both the lining and pieced side are silk.   (I sometimes include rayon fabrics.)









This one is made from scraps from kimonos.
Peacock II front

Peacock II back

 

This one is made from lovely plaid and striped silk samples and is lined with fabric froma hand dyed kimono.

The back.

 

This jacket turned out beautifully.   The silk pieces were rich reds and oranges, with accents of olive, purple and black.   The pieces were salvaged from small samples so there was a lot of piecing in this jacket.   The front was quilted with variegated thread and the tan side with black.   This will be very easy to wear!