I NEED a winter coat! This project moved from a want-to-make project list where it's been for the past five years. I know it's hard to believe I'm not still procrastinating on this one, but like I said, I really need a winter coat since the zipper broke on my old coat.
Here's visual proof that there has been some progress even though I'm fighting a cold this weekend. The plan is to finish it by the end of the weekend as there is more snow in the forecast this week. And when the wind blows across the playground during those recess duties, you would think you're standing at Portage and Main. I don't know if I'll finish this project in this time-line, I just know that I'm going to try. [Fingers crossed.]
The first change I made were to the pockets. This tiny pocket pattern couldn't possibly hold a pair of a pair of winter gloves / mitts and maybe a tuque. I extended the length of the pocket pattern piece by two inches and when it came to sewing it to the coat, it was raised one and a half inches. It's perfect now.
I've read a few reviews that noted this loose-fitting coat pattern runs large but I'm not going to worry about that since in the prairies during the winter, it is all about layers. And if I can wear a bulky sweater underneath, I'm good with that.
Talking about layers...
The plan is to add lining to this wool coat. I'm using a cotton-back Kasha satin lining. I plan to add another layer with a lightweight fleece between the fashion and lining fabrics for some extra warmth.
This weekend, I made a quick trip to Mitchell Fabrics to look for buttons and I found these. I picked up ten large ones and four small ones. The small ones are for the collar, I'm thinking about sewing a hood that I can button to the collar edge.
Another idea I want to incorporate into this coat is a design feature often found in vintage fur coats, the elasticized inner cuff. I'm going to give it a try.
So far, it's been easy. Tomorrow might be a different story when I tackle the lining and underlining. Have you ever sewn a winter coat? Any words of wisdom you would like to share?
Well, until next time... Happy Sewing!
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I have sewn a winter coat. It wasn't too bad, and for certain it is the most well made coat I have ever owned. It is not perfect, but is much better than rtw. I love your fabric. It will be smashing once completed. I have no words of wisdom because I think you are a better seamstress than me :)
ReplyDeleteOh wait a minute, "better seamstress"? That's highly debatable. Haven't you read any of my various sewing blooper entries? I swear, the seam ripper is my most valuable too. [knock on wood] Hopefully, I won't need it this time. But it's near by just in case.
DeleteI haven't sewn a coat before. I am following yours closely as I have just purchased the makings for a coat as well--my first. I have a question: how did you pre-treat your wool? There are so many methods out there!
ReplyDeleteI have a good quality steam iron and since I'm working with wool I decided to steam the heck out of it. I guess I decided based on how I plan to clean the final product. The washing machine has a delicate/hand washing setting and if it were suit weight wool, I would pre-treat it in the washing machine but since I don't plan to wash this coat at home, I'll dry clean instead. So, I decided to go with the steam method. I'm trying to avoid press all those layers myself and think the I'll just hand that over to the dry-cleaners.
DeleteThe lining and interlining fabrics I pretreated in the washing machine and dryer.