Super excited about this pattern. I’ve been looking for a coat pattern for a while, one which was quite dressy but can be worn casual too, bit of a tall order I know.

I will be making two (why have one when two will do!) one in a beautiful camel wool coating with a check on reverse, I won’t be using the reverse only the plain side, which has a nap, lovely and tactile. Also this navy blue coating which is so dark, almost black. Both are to be lined in viscose satin, I just love the jewel colours, feel and breathable nature of this lining fabric.

The Coat

This is a collar less coat so quite a nice introduction to coat making and tailoring as no need for the usual basting of the collar., with canvas and copious hand sewing.  However the coat will be interfaced in the front, with the insertion of shoulder pads and maybe the addition of sleeve heads. No pesky button holes YaY- another plus, though I may on one, add a frog fastner at the bust area and leave off the belt as I love the side panel and pocket detail and would like to show this. I am also toying with the idea of a separate fur collar which can be added to change the look.

Muslin         

The only alteration to the pattern is to the width of the shoulders, a necessity for most garments I make for myself – I am an avid swimmer so have to accommodate the ubiquitous swimmers shoulders! Other than that the toile (muslin) came together quite easily. On one I will add a belt but with a wide taper edge, inspired by the beautiful coats shown on catwalk – I think the one called for in the pattern is a bit skimp and mean – taking the coat into dressing gown territory!

Now this is more like it!

Wishing You and Yours Health, Wealth (in all its forms) and Happiness in 2013