Making Coats, Part 1

I need to take a little break from sewing because my thumbs are hurting .I thought you might like to see some of the coats and jackets that I've sewn in the last few of years.I'll post a few photos below and more here. ( I've finally learned how to insert the links....YEAH!!! )

Actually the first coat I'll show you was made in the spring of 2003, but I still wear it and love it. I used Vogue 7606, which is now discontinued .

I changed the design to make it into a long coat because five years ago, we were still wearing long things. I also added buttons and a kick pleat.

I used a drapery fabric which has a raised texture and almost looks quilted.If you look closely ,you'll see that I almost pressed out the texture in the front. This is a fault I have- of over-pressing.

My second coat was made from the same pattern. The major differences are no kick pleat, the fabric is a curly textured wool and by then ,I had bought Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing book and had learned her tailoring techniques for a better fitting garment.Here I'm showing you the coat and the book:

I get a lot of compliments on this coat and it is truly one of the most comfortable coats I've ever worn.For anyone who is interested in knowing the steps I used from Power Sewing, I'll next post a tutorial on the subject.

In the spring of 2005, I made a shorter length coat and a matching skirt for a wedding. Again I used a drapery/upholstery fabric. For the skirt, I used the reverse print.The pattern for the coat was Vogue 7978 shown below , and for the skirt V2854 Both, I think are discontinued..

Although I used Power Sewing tailoring techniques and the coat hangs well, I still hadn't learned all I needed to know about fitting and I find it a bit too roomy for the style. But I wear this a lot. It also looks good with a dressy pair of jeans.

This past winter, I made Butterick 4465.

I had a hard time to decide on the length of the coat and which collar to use. I finally decided on view B for both. I'm not in love with the collar and I may yet decide to remove it and make collar D.

The fabric is a heavy wool blend boucle. My design details were to add fringe to the collar and patch pockets. I also used a contrasting faux suede for the bound buttonholes. I really like the contrast, don't you?

This coat s very warm and cozy but it isn't a favorite. I will wear it but probably not for years and years.

That is the disadvantage of sewing isn't it? you can't always get an accurate vision of what a garment will look like until its finished.

Last winter,I made Vogue V8123 . I think this is just the cutest coat! (Now I'm sounding like Sandra Betzina! )I made it out of a black mink faux fur.

To avoid bulk, I lined the coat right up to the edge of the centre front and added elasticized loops and pretty buttons. To hold the lining in place at the front ,I pick stitched along the "pelts" on each side.

For whatever reason, the sleeves ended up being a little too short (nothing new with that eh, Tamara?).I had to add a bit of a cuff but I guess that added another design element.

This jacket is really fun to wear. I wear it with jeans, dress pants, a red wool double knit dress that I love ,etc.

For those of you who subscribe to Burda World of Fashion, the Oct. issue features Faux Furs .The purple one is really very similar to mine. I think that's pretty cool.

So this is the first instalment of my coats and jackets.Let me know what you think. Should I change the collar on the boucle coat???

Happy Sewing ,everyone!