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.

She's Learning...

Thank you, American Girl! We found these awesome craft kits at Meijer, and she's loving it! This is the "Coin Purse Sewing Kit" and she's already decorated a mirrored tag board. She's learning a running stitch and a cross-stitch here, and I must say... She's doing a great job! Threading the needle had proven to be a little tricky, but the threader (included) is getting much use! Tonight I will finish hemming my beautiful "couture" wool coat, and we actually have snow (finally), so a photo shoot is likely to happen tomorrow! I can't wait to show you, I'm quite proud of myself!

Resolution #1: CHECK!!!

Happy New Year, everyone! 2012 is off to a rip-roaring start, look what I did this morning!


My first 5k! It was cold, but the rain stopped just as the race started, and the sun even came out! DH stayed by my side throughout (which kept me moving when I'd really rather slow down), and even said, "Ladies first!" at the finish line. Who said chivalry is dead? I didn't finish first, but I didn't finish last... Which is all you can hope for the first time out. 36 minutes was my finishing time (which is my normal pace on the treadmill), with just 3 brief walking intervals needed.

Here we are at the finish line:


There were over 100 other runners out there with us, and it was a really fun way to set the tone for 2012. I NEVER thought I'd EVER say this, but... I like running. Not the during, but definitely the sense of accomplishment after. I would like to participate in another 5k soon, as there is nothing like having a date on the calendar (and someone else reminding you of said upcoming date), to keep you training and motivated.

I hope we are all able to make our dreams and goals a reality this year! Good luck and stay focused!

Contemplation

Here I am, with a completed outer layer (with fur collar) and a completed lining... It's turning out beautifully, and I really feel like the end result will be a treasured coat I will wear with pride for many years. Such a great feeling!

That being said, I am at a crossroads with the closures. I bought these buttons last year for a different project, but I *love* them on this coat! If I go with a "normal" buttonhole, this coat will be done tomorrow (I get a little eager at the end, ya know?). But, something inside is telling me that a bound buttonhole is more professional, more classic, more... refined. Having never done them before, though, makes me nervous. I have scraps galore to practice on, and 6 shouldn't take me too long.

I started out writing this to ask your opinion, but now that I've put my thoughts out there, bound buttonholes seem like the only way to go. Isn't that funny?

Do you ever have to battle yourself at certain points in construction to do things the "right way" vs. the "fast way"?

In Progress: Winter Coat

Santa brought me lots of new clothes, so what's a girl to sew instead? A new winter dress coat, of course!

I bought the fabric (wool, coat lining, and faux fur) all last year, but never got around to actually starting... oops! I'm actually grateful for that, seeing as how it would've been a real downer to go to all that trouble for it not to fit this year! Happy surprises, right?

The wool coating is gorgeous (it came from Gorgeous Fabrics, so it should be!) and has a woven pattern within it. Black is hard to photograph, but the bright sunshine is helping here...

The pattern is Vogue 8346, view D. The faux fur will be the collar, and came from Ressy's co-op. My fear is that it will be "over the top", so I squeezed a collar piece out of the wool, just in case. What do you think... too much of a "look"?

The front and back are all stitched, so today will be spent catch-stitching the seams open. Lots of hand stitching to do, so I'd better get moving! Will update again in the next few days...

(Sorry for the weird format here. The app I've been using to blog from the iPad crashed, and I downloaded a different one this morning. If it doesn't shape up, this may mean the end of by blog!)

**ETA: Once I cut the fur collar and placed it on the body of the coat, I knew it was a done deal. I finished my happy dance, and resumed work... then found the most fabulous buttons in my stash. I can't wait to get this done to show you!!!

Knock, Knock... Missoni Knock-Off

When I bought this fabric last year, it was going to be a Sandra Betzina sweater vest, but when the big Missoni trend hit this fall, I decided it deserved more. I did some research, gazing at endless Google images, trying to find one that would work with my fabric and be similar to a pattern I already owned.
This was in the running, but I didn't have the energy to track down a solid for the color blocking...


But, it was this one that made me stop in my tracks!



McCalls 6282 was already in the sewing room, and the 2 yards of zigzag sweater knit from Emma One Sock would finally become a real show-stopper (at least I hope so).


The fabric has threads of burgundy, black, olive green, mustard, and a few other typical "fall colors". I think I did pretty well, although my version has 3/4 sleeves (winter in Michigan is COLD), and I should've listened to my gut and eliminated the waist gathers.





The pattern was crazy easy to follow, and I lined it with this wonderful knit lining from Gorgeous Fabrics. Just one yard of lining, as I just didn't line the sleeves.


I didn't really follow the pattern, since I wanted to test the fit with the lining. So, I constructed that first, then attached the sweater knit to the lining neckline, then stitched the side seams closed. Absolutely no hemming here, as I traced the final length on the pattern pieces, then lined them up on the selvedge, even the sleeves.


I am very, very happy with the final product, as the fit is spot-on, and it's super comfy for looking so polished. The waist gathers will help hide any bumps or bulges, but I think this fabric isn't meant for gathers. It warranted a "Oh, WOW" from DH, so I must've done something right!

Inspiration

Wow, thanks so much for all your kindness, support, and words of encouragement! Sewing does definitely play a role in my weight-loss, as it allows me to wear styles that I couldn't before, and it's always nice to cut the next smaller size!

Today was the first day off of my 2-week winter break! Did I spend it in the sewing room? Nope. Had too many other "fun" things on the "To Do" list, like paying bills, filing paperwork (mostly into the circular file), running the kids to playmates, and picking up the Christmas cards. Last year, I didn't even bother with the cards, but decided to participate this year, as it is so nice to get them in the mail. Here's the pic I used this year... It's a candid from our Disney trip this past summer!



As for "inspiration", I picked up the newest issue of InStyle magazine, and found a few pages that will be ripped out and placed in my sewing space for future use!

Charlize Theron in Dior:


Sexy and elegant, understated and eye-catching at the same time.

Minks Kelly in Vivienne Westwood:


I have a black lace print chiffon that would be a perfect knock-off, but adjustments would be necessary... Unless I have another trip to Vegas in the near future?! Not a fan of the belt, and would like to see the back view.

Amanda Seyfried in Zana Bayne for Prabal Gurung


What caught my eye initially is the fabric, as I have a very similar silky print in my stash. Then I noticed the details: flared skirt, leather & rope belt... I love everything about this dress! And it would work in my actual life!!! The one subtle detail I can't mimic though, is the print at center front is like an ink blot, all symmetric! Amazing...
These sugar plums will be dancing in my head for awhile!