A Coat That is also A Muslin (S2311)

My big plan for February was to make a coat using a piece of wool bought in Paris three years ago. I wanted to make a muslin first followed  by the real thing. The pattern is S2311.

Well, with renos going on around here ,my plan sort of fizzled out. I did ,however make the "sample coat" . I think you'll agree that I can hardly call what resulted a muslin.

Now ,I have to say that I  had a very unusual experience in sewing this garment, For the very first time ever, I created a garment without pressing one single seam! Can you believe it?  


Let me explain. After cutting out the pieces of this coat, I was auditioning, fusible interfacings to see which I would use and this is what resulted!.

This is what the fabric looks like to begin with.

 I was astounded! The fabric does have texture but not puckers!

I had no real idea of the content of this leather look fabric and I assumed it was polyester but I've interfaced poly faux leather before without any problem. I tried pressing open a sample seam without steam this time but the same thing occurred. Now you're probably thinking why didn't I dump the whole thing in the trash but anyone who knows me well knows that I I'm not a quitter so..... I top stitched every seam in the whole coat except the sleeve caps and the hems, which I just left alone.

And there was an awful lot of hand basting including interfacings and edges but I enjoy hand sewing.

Early on , I had decided to change the pockets from patch to welt with a flap and to  use brown faux leather for the  flaps and as a binding on the collar. I decided against the binding as quite frankly I was tired of working on this thing. So the only focal point the coat is left with are those leather pocket flaps , but that's OK with me.

I reviewed this patterns at Pattern Review so I won't go into details here. Suffice it to say that this is a really great pattern and it will be used for my Paris wool next winter. I made my usual  FBA, narrow, sloping shoulder and narrow back alterations, of couse but this is a very well drafted pattern.

So what do you think? I wore my new coat to a funeral today and got loads of compliments. I just have to learn to not point out to anyone who will listen that some of the seams are a little puckery and the hems are not up to standard!!

                                                       ( I really love the collar ) 

Oh , by the way, my new sewing room is in it's third day of construction and coming along very nicely. I'm so excited!! See!!
                           
                        Day 1                                            Day 2                                       Day 3

Thanks for stopping by. More later from