Saturday, January 14, 2012

Winter Wonder




Pattern: Vogue 8346


Fabric: Wool Coating and lining from Gorgeous Fabrics (5yds of each). Faux fur from Ressy's co-op (0.5 yd). The buttons are from Etsy.


Sizing: I made my standard 14, and it's perfect. Fitted, with enough room for a sweater underneath.


Alterations: None. Usually the sleeves are crazy long on me, but these are perfect. I hemmed the recommended amount on both the sleeves and hem, but the only problem I encountered is that it seems like the coating grew a little in length, so the hemmed lining is a touch too short. I can let it out and fix it, but I am the only one who will ever see it!


Special touches: The pattern calls for snap closures, using the buttons purely as decoration. I chose to make bound buttons holes (sorry, forgot to photograph them), which weren't nearly as terrible as I anticipated. I debated on the right time to make the openings in the lining, whether to do it according to the pattern placement of the buttons, or after attaching the lining to the coat. I decided to use the pattern, and do it prior to fixing the 2 layers together, as it would have been a monstrous amount of fabric to manipulate under and around the machine. Working with fur: I was afraid the fur collar would be "too much", but once I cut it and draped on the shell, I knew it was exactly right. I used my scissors to trim the nap down within 5/8" on all sides, then used a needle to pull the strands that got cut in the seam anyway. It finished very nicely, and so so so so SOFT!


Conclusion: A big project, but definitely a garment that will land in my Top Ten (most proud of making) list! I'll be warm from the inside-out whenever I wear it! Just check out the twirl factor:


I almost forgot... My inspiration for making this coat! I've always loved the dress that Audrey Hepburn is wearing in the closing scenes of the movie "Roman Holiday". Shawl collar, double-breasted, full skirt... Not a look I could pull off as a dress, but when I found this coat pattern, I knew I could portray the look in a different way.






33 comments:

Gorgeous Things said...

You. Look. FABULOUS!!!!!!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I agree with Ann, you look fantastic! All of your hard work is evident in the finished garment!

Sherril said...

It's beautiful! This jacket makes me wish I lived where it gets cold (and that I had your fantastic body!). I'm sure you'll be keeping warm this winter and many winters to come with this wonderful piece.

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful!

Irene said...

It's absolutely gorgeous! I knew that you could pull off those bound buttonholes! Piece of cake, right?

Janet said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Maryissewfast said...

Perfect!

AllisonC said...

It looks fantastic, I love that twirl factor going on!

marysews said...

Awesome coat! I love the fur collar.

debbie said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Love the fur collar.

Sharon Sews said...

Beautiful!!! You look fabulous!

gwensews said...

Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Ditto. Ditto.

Texan said...

Oh my goodness that is just gorgeous!!!

Faye Lewis said...

Such a marvelous job on the coat!

Kris C. said...

Had to come out of lurkdom to say "Awesome job on the coat!!!" It is gorgeous, and it looks great on you.

Linda L said...

Great looking coat. Very flattering!

Jane M said...

I would almost move back up north just to wear this fabulous coat. You did a spectacular job. Hope you wear it with tremendous pride.

Bunny said...

Gorgeous! You look fabulous in your stunning creation. And it looks so nice and warm. Did you do anything with the lining to make it extra warm? Just curious.

Love that collar.It's all very Kate Middleton and that's a good thing!

Lori said...

Your coat is fabulous!

Ann Brodsky said...

Beautiful! You've done a fantastic job! This will be a classic in your wardrobe for many years.

Amanda S. said...

Oooh, LOVE this new coat!!! Great pattern and fabric choices, and the swing factor is so fun!

Dana said...

Really beautiful - both the pattern and construction!

Gail said...

You won me over with the swirl shot. This is a gorgeous coat, especially like the fur collar.

Sue said...

Fab coat!

Erlinda said...

Wow! You did a Beautiful job.

sewingkm said...

Agree with all other posters - your coat is fabulous!!!

Beangirl said...

OMG that is FABULOSITY. Utter and complete fabulosity.

I am totally JEALOUS of this coat.

Shari said...

Gorgeous! I'm sure you new coat will get lots of wear this winter!

Angie said...

You did a great job on this, congrats.

Cennetta said...

Beautiful. Love it!

window dressing said...

Just wanted to say that the coat looks awesome! I also missed the chance to congratulate you on your weight loss. I am recently trying to lose some weight myself and am finding it is an uphill battle. I haven't started my exercise routine but have already started to reduce my caloric intake and cut out the sweets. So again congratulations, it looks good on you.

window dressing said...

Just wanted to say that the coat looks awesome! I also missed the chance to congratulate you on your weight loss. I am recently trying to lose some weight myself and am finding it is an uphill battle. I haven't started my exercise routine but have already started to reduce my caloric intake and cut out the sweets. So again congratulations, it looks good on you.

Sewmetoo said...

Really love this Coat. Great job.