A Plaid Linen Trench

For years, I've wanted to make a trench coat out of this lovely grey plaid linen which has silver threads running through it at intervals.

It took buying this purse in the hotel boutique at the Delta ,while on an overnight get together with my sisters , to get the ball rolling. ( shown here with my matching flats which I've had along time).

I decided on 3/4 length version of S4084 ,an OOP pattern in the single breasted style.

I haven't worked a lot with plaid and I was determined to take a lot of care in matching so although I had three meters of fabric I ended up with very little to spare because I had to cut several pieces twice even
 though I cut every single piece on a single layer of fabric and used each to cut the opposite side.

I blame that on block interfacing. I used a lite interfacing from Silhouette patterns to stabilize all my yardage before I started to cut. I've done that before to linen and  decided it would save time in the long run.
Needless to say,it didn't save time and took hours and hours! It's a good thing I'm a very patient person!!
I think there were distortions in the plaid thanks to this  and thus my matching challenges. The up side is that the interfacing gave the fabric a little body and it doesn't wrinkle very much which is a good thing.

here is my coat and I love it. I've worn it several times already and it is very comfortable, which to me indicates a good fit.

  Would you believe I finished putting in the lining, the buttons ,and doing all the hand sewing only to realize  I had  forgotten to add the belt loops?

I decided to open the lining a little at the back and to add just one carrier there. Because I like the jacket without the belt as well ,I was careful to match it so it would blend in when the belt is not being worn.

The angle from which I took the photo makes it look like it doesn't match but in reality it does!

I wanted to give my Janome machine a lot of credit for being the first machine I've ever had to make beautiful buttonholes every time! And, it even will agree to let me double each one without any problem at all. Look at these beauties!

 Not a very good pic. A photographer, I am not!

Oh, but I should say that I always use use a  #7 sharp needle and stabilise the area  with water soluble  stabilizer in order to get these results.

A peek at the lining.

Here in the Maritimes, we continue to have yucky weather. We literally have had no hot days yet this spring so this jacket is being worn regularly and I'm happy my purse talked me into making it!

I have lots more things to show you so I'll be back soon.

H

appy Sewing from