Last week I finished my spring coat. Lately we've been having lots of showers and some heavy winds and I'm happy to report my coat was just the right weight for walking the dog and cycling to the grocery store! Taking pictures was a bit of an ordeal, hair and coat either soaking wet or blown out of shape, but I finally took advantage of some dry spells. The joys of Dutch spring ;)
First some construction details. In the previous post I just finished the bound buttonholes. I continued by adding the collar and collar stand, cutting the lining and adding flat piping between front facing and lining.
On the left you see the outer shell and lining ready to be joined. I added some piping to the hanging loop because I love these little details that make a garment truly one of a kind. Not speeding things up, but it brings a smile to my face whenever I grab my coat. Fast forward six weeks and it's starting to look like a proper coat:
From leftover lining fabric and some fringe I made a matching scarf.
Why did it take so long? A mix of sewing time being scarce and a lot of time consuming details. The pattern (Ottobre 2/2014#20) was well drafted, the instructions were well written and very clear. My own decisions to add underlining and make bound buttonholes caused some delay but I would not have it any other way.
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| Clockwise: ivory piping, epaulettes, bound buttonhole, collar detail |
Told you it was raining! Some thoughts on the fit: I would have preferred this coat to be slightly longer. As I mentioned here I already added 1 cm above the waistline and 5 cm below and ran out of fabric. The upper bust and upper back regions are a bit roomy. Part of it is intentional because I want to be able to wear the coat over tailored jackets for work. When I'm wearing a jacket with shoulder pads on the coat all wrinkles disappear, when I'm wearing just a shirt underneath the coat it looks like I should have gone one size down. Well, you can't have it both ways and I tend to wear my coats open all the time anyway.
Edit: after test driving the coat for a few more days I think the length is just right for cycling.
What's next? Tempting as it is to pick up my Chanel jacket and finish it, I want to make some summer skirts and tops first. Quick results please, for a change!
Happy sewing!
It's a gorgeous color! Being able to wear a jacket underneath is great for color days.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mela! We're having quite a lot of rainy days during spring and summer. The weather can be very unpredictable so it's always safe to carry a coat along. I guess it's not so different from Seattle ;)
DeleteThat is s very nice coat.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm really happy with the result!
DeleteLove, love, love it!
ReplyDelete❤️💚💜💙💛
So do I :)))
DeleteBeautiful coat. Love the color and the lining. It looks good on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I was lucky to have enough leftover lining fabric to make the scarf, it would be a shame to have that print completely hidden on the inside!
DeleteLove all of it: the color, the fit, the details. Gorgeous result!
ReplyDeleteThanks! You were considering making this pattern too, If I remember correctly? I can highly recommend it! The only thing I'm not completely sure about is the belt. I tied it, buckled it, tied it at the back....time will tell if it stays or goes.
DeleteThanks! Oh, and since I've been looking at the same colour for three months the next project will be quick and anything but pink!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful coat, Marianne! The color suits you very well! A quick and easy project is just what you need after this genormous project! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel. It sure brightens up dull days ike today :)
DeleteWow, it's so lovely Marianne! You'll wearing that for a long time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. I hope so! The last time I bought a RTW trench coat it was ruined two weeks later in an overcrowded car boot while on holiday in Italy. Should have known better. I shortened the belt and added an extra 'design detail' to cover up a giant hole in the sleeve.
DeleteAll your hard work has really paid off. This coat is gorgeous. I love the colour and the lining is so beautiful too. Great idea to make the matching scarf and adding the fringe is a lovely detail. I hope this coat makes you feel happy every time you wear it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's a nice wish!
DeleteWow! This is stunning. Glad you had enough to make a fringed scarf. beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe lining was from my stash. Can't remember what I had in mind when i bought it, but luckily there was lots and lots of it!
DeleteOh, Marianne, this is just gorgeous, outside and in. All your added details were worth every minute spent! Your look wonderful in that color - perfect to brighten up any rainy day for you and anyone who sees you! A truly beautiful coat - and scarf!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. The weather is still pretty cold for June, but I don't care. Coat weather is fine!
DeleteI love this trench coat and I have enjoyed watching your progress in making it. Enjoy wearing it and all the compliments that you will receive.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to share the process on Instagram, if only to remind myself I was making progress after all. Thanks for your support during this long journey!
DeleteLooking wonderful in the jacket, in fact windswept hair is the ideal accessory. Such a pretty lining too. You deserve some simple projects next...
ReplyDeleteWindswept we are! We even had warnings for dangerous weather this week, june is pretty mad so far. Simple projects coming soon!
DeleteThe coat is just wonderful - everything comes together - the color, the fit, the lining, the matching scarf. So beautiful and so practical. Yes, sew something easy now to cleanse the palate before going back to the jacket. And enjoy wearing your beautiful coat!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I enjoy wearing it very much, the weather has gone crazy here but I don't care ;)
DeleteDeep cleaning the sewing room now, it's covered in coral threads and dust, and then onwards to faster projects for summer!
Your coat is absolutely fabulous! All that work you have put in was so worth it when you see the final outcome. You will have this coat in your wardrobe for years. I love that colour too :) ... Julie
ReplyDelete