Get the flags out, I've finally finished my red coat! I first blogged about making a red coat back in November, having been gathering supplies to make one for a few weeks before that. As is often the case, it wasn't the main sewing of the coat that took so long, it was the final fiddly jobs (plus a break for Christmas.) It's been a frosty week in the UK so the timing couldn't be better for a warm, winter coat!
I didn't want to spam you with tons of photos and text, so for those of you who are interested there's a more in-depth post to follow, with links to all the tutorials and resources I used. I've also kept a record of how much the various materials cost me for this project, which I'll be including too. In the meantime, here's my coat in all its finished glory!
Note: The fabric appears much redder than it actually is in these indoor photos because of the dreadful winter light.
I didn't make any further adjustments and the fit was more or less spot on. It's a tiny bit snug when fully buttoned up, as I didn't really allow for extra winter layers (duh), but I'm still really pleased with the fit. It has a lovely, nipped in silhouette.
The pattern instructions were clear and easy to follow and the main body of the coat came together very quickly. I only deviated from them at a couple of points: I chose not to include the back vents and I fully bagged the lining by machine rather than hand stitching the sleeve and coat hems. I'll include details of the lining tutorials I used in my next post. The lining pieces are separate and properly drafted with pleats to the centre back and hem. This makes a big difference when it comes to getting it on and off!
The main coat fabric is an Italian wool twill from Fabric Godmother (now sold out unfortunately). It was quite expensive (£26 per metre), but as it was reasonably wide and my pattern pieces were all shortened, I was able to cut out the whole coat from just two metres, yay! The quality of the wool is absolutely beautiful and I don't regret shelling out at all - it was worth every penny. I lined the coat in a contrast dusky blue lining fabric from Ditto Fabrics, (also sold out I'm afraid). All the main coat pieces apart from the under collar and sleeves were underlined with flannel for extra warmth.
I've only worn my coat a couple of times but I can already see it becoming a staple in my winter wardrobe. Despite the frumpy looking pattern, it feels really stylish to wear, it fits well and it's lovely and warm. It's also very me - I feel like I've owned it for years! I'm so pleased I went the extra mile when I was making it, I love it! x
I've only worn my coat a couple of times but I can already see it becoming a staple in my winter wardrobe. Despite the frumpy looking pattern, it feels really stylish to wear, it fits well and it's lovely and warm. It's also very me - I feel like I've owned it for years! I'm so pleased I went the extra mile when I was making it, I love it! x
What an absolutely beautiful coat! I love the colour, I love the fit, it looks amazing on you! And it has spurred me into leaving a comment. Your blog has been on my Feedly for a while (it was even on Google Reader when that was still around) and I just had to comment. You make me want to see again! I do a lot more knitting than sewing (which is nonexistent at the moment), but with small children I find knitting more portable and easy to do while watching them. That said, your finished pieces make me want to dust off the old sewing machine again! Just wanted to say well done on creating a beautiful coat! Anna
ReplyDeleteAw thanks so much for your lovely comment Anna, I'm pleased my sewing has inspired you! Now go and dust off that sewing machine! x
DeleteStunning! I have a couple of coat patterns, but I haven't had the courage to make one yet. I think the time has come! Your coat is very inspiring – I only hope mine turns out half as well!
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, thank you very much! x
DeleteThat's super lovely, Jane!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen! x
DeleteLooks fab jane. Hope you enjoy wearing it for years to come! Very nicely done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Manju, I can't tell you how invaluable your review of this pattern was! x
DeleteThat is gorgeous Jane. Everything about it suits you - the cut, the colour, the finish. I'll make time to read your tutorials about this project.
ReplyDeleteThank you! x
DeleteLovely! I really want to make a coat now!!
ReplyDeleteYou should make one, coat making is so satisfying! x
DeleteYou look awesome in your new coat! The fit is absolutely perfect! As others have already said, you have inspired me to dig out my coat patterns and do some sewing! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDo it! Dig them out now and sew a coat! And thank you! x
DeleteOh my goodness, what a stunner!! You did a brilliant job, and I shall look forward to reading all the construction deets.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynne, I'm really pleased with it! x
DeleteOh, Jane, this is beautiful! The fit, the fabric, the pattern (very classic), and it so suits you. I am really looking forward to the next post. I am sure that it was so much cheaper than buying one, and much better suited to you. You should feel smug every time you put it on!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you! I'm so pleased with how it turned out! x
DeleteThis really does look stunning. Am looking for some lovely wool to make my favourite collarless coat for spring and you have inspired me to get on with it. Great job!
ReplyDeleteA collarless wool coat for spring sounds perfect to me! x
DeleteDelicious colour and a beautiful, classic silhouette! Looks like a wardrobe winner.
ReplyDeleteThe colour is fab isn't it?! That fabric was a lucky find! x
DeleteI have been reading your posts for some time now and never commented. Always reading on my iPhone! But I had to say just lovely to this post!! Wonderful. I feel that way pretty much about everything you make. You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you for such a lovely comment Lynn, I really appreciate it! x
DeleteImpressive! Good work. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Brenda! x
DeleteSoooooo beautiful! It is lovely! I am inspired to make one too!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so pleased, thank you! x
DeleteWow! That is one professional-looking sewing project. You look great in it.
ReplyDeleteAw thank you! x
DeleteReally beautiful Jane, one to be extremely chuffed with! x
ReplyDeleteI am extremely chuffed! Thanks Amy! x
DeleteIt's absolutely gorgeous Jane!!! I'm looking forward to reading the more detailed post too when I'll be taking notes! X
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sarah! Detailed post coming up soon! x
DeleteKudos! It looks amazing. Love the red and the tailored look.
ReplyDeleteYou deserve a medal!!
Thank you very much Lynn! x
DeleteNice work, nice coat, wonder how one can improve the look to not look 'homemade' I note that the button on the lapel was sewn on through the fabric so that when the lapel was open the back sewing is showing. Just a thought
ReplyDeleteI take your point, I could probably have sewn the button so that the thread didn't show through, but I quite like the odd 'homemade' touch. And quite a few people have asked me where I bought it from, so it obviously doesn't look homemade to them!
DeleteA triumph! Red really is your colour. It looks so much better than the frumpy picture on the pattern envelope. McCalls should see how it should be done. Have you thought of putting it on the "McCall Pattern Company Fan Gallery Board" on pinterest (although you may not want to fall down the rabbit hole into the sewing boards on pinterest and lose several hours without realising). Susan x
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan,I'll add it to the board. And I don't need much encouragement to waste hours on Pinterest! x
DeleteIt's magnificent Jane, and it suits you so well, you look gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you! x
DeleteIt's beautiful - congratulations on such a gorgeous addition to your wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm so pleased with it! x
DeleteAbsolutely stunning, Jane! And you're right, SO you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tasha! SO me! x
DeleteThis is SO you Jane! Such a classic and wonderful in that vivid red. Anything but frumpy. Can't wait to read all the juicy construction details now!
ReplyDelete